Isla Parida, Panama Cruise Port

As the largest island in Panama’s Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park, Isla Parida is a protected and uninhabited island. Located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama, this stunning landmass is best known for its wildlife. As the center of many smaller islands, it shares its name with the archipelago that connects more than a dozen other inlets. In 1994, UNESCO awarded protective status to the entire grouping which spans more than 57 miles. The island has beautiful, sandy beaches that act as gathering and mating spots for seabirds, turtles, and select mammals. The protected area includes unique ecosystems in mangrove swamp and marine meadow, as well as 19 coral reefs and 25 islands. Every island is covered by some sort of tropical forest. Cruise ships are required to obtain a special permit before visiting the national park and then must anchor in the sea while the passengers are transported by inflatable boats to the wondrous nature.

• Chiriqui is a scenic valley near the western tip of Panama with an astonishing view of Volcan Baru, the country’s highest peak and only volcano.
   
• When on the lookout for wildlife, keep a sharp eye out for leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, green iguanas, howler monkeys, whales, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.
   
• The tropical forests on the many islands are available via guided tour only. Each outing will take you past amazing flora and fauna amid an abundance of cedar, oak, and/or hawthorn trees.
   
• There are select hiking trails open for solo jaunts; however, each takes less than an hour to complete and sans the guided tour you’ll miss out on first-hand knowledge of over 1,000 different species of trees, plants, and other flora.