Isla Mamey: Beach day in the Panamanian Caribbean
Looking for a paradise island in the Panamanian Caribbean to spend a day of sun and sand? Visit Isla Mamey, an uninhabited island with white sand and turquoise waters located on the Costa Arriba of Colon, just minutes from Puerto Lindo. This corner of the Caribbean Sea is perfect for a getaway: enjoy the calm sea, relax under the palm trees, and experience an unforgettable day during your vacation in Panamá.
Explore Isla Mamey: Activities and Nature
This small island in the Panamanian Caribbean was practically uninhabited for years, allowing life to flourish around it. Today, tour operators offer different experiences on Isla Mamey, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals looking to spend the day. Don't know what to do on Isla Mamey? Explore every corner: wander through the forest, relax on the beach, and dive into the sea. This island has a lot to discover.
Camping and Boat Trips in Mamey
Isla Mamey has camping areas, where you can even choose whether to set up your tent on the side where campers play music and the night is lively, or further away, in the special area for those looking to connect with nature. Set up your tent, spend the night, and enjoy the sunrise by the sea.
Explore much further by booking boat trips to nearby destinations. Visit the Tunnel of Love and the Natural Pools to discover incredible landscapes.
These trips take you through islands of mangroves that form paths of super clear water. The soft white sand looks like a carpet extending under the water, which makes the scenery shine even more. Be ready to jump off the boat; this is a perfect place to cool off.

What You Should Keep in Mind
When planning your visit to Isla Mamey, remember that you'll be going to an island with very little human intervention. There's no electricity, so if you're camping, we recommend bringing a flashlight. Also bring drinking water and everything else you need for an incredible day.
Remember that you're visiting a wildlife refuge, so you must follow certain rules:
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You cannot bring glass containers.
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To protect the island's wildlife, pets are not allowed.
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You can bring your own grill for cooking. However, you must bring everything you plan to consume and leave nothing behind. Take all the trash you produce with you so others can continue to enjoy the island.
To get to Isla Mamey, you can arrange your own transport and just pay the US$4 entrance fee for a day pass on the island. There are also tours that organize your entire day, including transport from Panama City, tours to nearby destinations, and lunch, which usually cost between US$40 and US$55.
Keep in mind that Isla Mamey doesn't accept cards and there's no ATM, so you should bring cash for your expenses:parking, entrance, rentals, or any services you want to use.
Below are some approximate prices for services you'll find:
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Transportation and Entry:
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Parking in Puerto Lindo: US$5
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Boat to Isla Mamey: US$10 per person
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Day pass entry: US$4 per person (children under 5 enter free)
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Camping entry: US$10 per person per night
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Rentals:
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Ranch (covered hut) with 5 chairs: US$25
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Beach chair: US$5
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Simple chair: US$1
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Large table: US$10
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Small table: US$5
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When to Visit Isla Mamey
You can visit Isla Mamey year-round, and you'll always find sunny, warm days. Just keep in mind that the atmosphere can change a bit depending on the season.
If you come between December and April, you'll be in the dry season. Expect clear days with a summery breeze that,while it might stir the water a bit, makes the weather even more pleasant. During these months, you might see more activity on Isla Mamey, especially on weekends.
For the rest of the year, Panamá's weather is a bit less predictable. This rainy season is marked by humidity and constant showers. However, don't be discouraged! The rain usually doesn't last long, and the day always improves. Plus, the sea is super calm and perfect for snorkeling.

To reach Isla Mamey, you first need to get to Puerto Lindo, and from there, take a boat. The boat ride to Isla Mamey is approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
You have several options to get to Puerto Lindo, ranging from all-inclusive tours that pick you up at your hotel to easy routes for driving your own car or using public transport.
By Bus:
Take a bus on the Panamá-Colon route from the Albrook Transport Terminal to Sabanitas. This bus costs approximately US$4 and takes about an hour and a half. In Sabanitas, you'll need to get off and take a local bus destined for Costa Arriba. Travel for about one more hour, get off at Puerto Lindo, and then take a boat to Isla Mamey.
By Car:
If you're driving, take the Panama-Colon highway until Sabanitas. Take the right-hand turn-off and follow the road to Puerto Lindo. In total, it's approximately 2 hours from Panama City to the port.
If you're planning a trip to Panamá, consider adding Isla Mamey to your list. It's a great option for a day trip to enjoy the Caribbean at its finest.