Pedasi and Tonosi

turtles lay, Santuario de tortugas, Pedasí y Tonosi

Natural Refuges

Other attractions in the area are the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge and La Marinera Reserve, where, between the months of July and November, thousands of sea turtles arrive at the nesting beaches at the same time. This is a fascinating phenomenon that only occurs on 14 beaches in the world, and two of them are in Tonosi. If you want even more adrenaline or to visit at another time of the year, you can always surf excellent waves, book fishing boat trips, kitesurf, paddle surf or boogie boards.

Adventures in the Pacific

surf, Pedasí y Tonosí, Santa Catalina Beach

In both Pedasi and Tonosi, the beaches have thicker, golden sand. On Isla Iguana, however, you’ll find fine, white sand. Enjoy the more than 124 miles (200 km) of coastline and the extensive beaches of the region, such as El Arenal, Los Destiladeros and Punta Mala. The waves and currents vary depending on the beach, for being on the Pacific Ocean, they all have tides. Take them into account when you plan your surfing adventures when you visit the beaches of Lagart Point, Top Secret and Quatro-Once.

Tonosi is a little more than one hour by car from Pedasí, next to the province of Veraguas. In the town of Tonosi you find all types of accommodation, restaurants and even boat rentals. There you can book sea and land tours. When you go, don't miss Isla Caña and navigate through its three types of mangrove: white, red and black. All this before enjoying a day at the beach.

If you want waves and a great atmosphere, visit Venao. This is a very lively and popular destination among both Panamanian and international surfers alike. It has all the amenities, including board rentals and classes. If, on the other hand, you are looking for surf and less hustle and bustle, stay in Cambutal. This is a more rustic and natural area, with fewer buildings, but also with excellent waves and a variety of accommodation options.

Isla Canas, Pedasí y Tonosí

Folklore

Get to know the rich and varied folklore of Panamá in Pedasi and Tonosi....

Whale Watching

Seeing a huge whale jumping or swimming quietly with its newborn baby in the...

Turtle Sanctuary

If you want to experience sea turtle spawning, or perhaps, and even more...

Fishing

If you're looking for a fishing holiday, Pedasi and Tonosi are must-see...

Beaches

Welcome to the coastal paradise of Pedasi and Tonosi, located in the center...

Surf

If you're on vacation in Panamá and you love to brave the waves or...

Places to Stay

Getting There

You can reach Pedasi by road from Panama City. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, but the experiences you will have when you get there are worth the drive. You’ll know you have arrived in town when you see hundreds of colorful houses with their typical doorways, where there will always be a rocking chair facing the street. The town has very little traffic and its main roads are paved, which are perfect for cycling or walking.

Take the opportunity to try the typical food and visit the main square before venturing to incredible places such as the Pablo Arturo Barrios Wildlife Refuge protected area, where you can see coastal dunes—a unique landscape in the country—as well as mangroves, estuaries and beaches.

The town of Pedasi does not have a beach of its own, but there are some located just 2 miles (3 km) away and others that are farther but which are quite easy to get to. Many hotels offer transfers and tours or, if you prefer, you can rent a car and drive there yourself.