Trade The Land For The Sea And Experience A Thrilling Marine Safari At Islas Secas, Panama

The year 2023 was hailed as the one of the bigger, the better, and the more memorable. Looking ahead, travellers are only increasingly in search of unique, off-the-grid experiences, where they can reap the health benefits of being truly immersed in nature.  Enter Islas Secas – a highly exclusive, privately-owned archipelago in Panama, that calls on safari enthusiasts to head to the sea for a once-in-a-lifetime marine safari.

The luxury resort is an idyllic base from where guests can undertake immersive natural experiences by sea, whether it be snorkelling or diving amidst the aquatic wonders of the Gulf of Chiriquí; ‘flying’ along the coastline on an e-foil surfboard; or marvelling at the incredible biodiversity of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 14 spectacular islands that make up Islas Secas – 13 of which remain undisturbed and are left to nature to flourish – are home to just four individually designed Casitas and three Tented Casitas, hosting a maximum of just 32 guests at any time.  No two Casitas are the same, but they are each embraced by the island’s flourishing greenery, affording dreamlike ocean views from their private plunge pools and authentic thatched-roof cabanas.

Islas Secas is the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, part of one of the most productive oceans in the world – the Eastern Tropical Pacific, home to exceptional biodiversity including rare migratory species such as whale sharks, giant manta, humpback whales, tuna, and sea turtles. The Gulf of Chiriquí extends along Panama’s Pacific coast from the Costa Rican border to the Azuero Peninsula. It offers abundant vegetation, charming white-sand islands, and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, making it a spectacular destination for ocean adventure. The Gulf is home to one of Central America’s densest mangrove forests, as well as Panamá’s largest island, Coiba. Counting over 750 species of fish and 114 species of bird, Islas Secas affords intrepid travellers endless opportunities to observe wildlife up-close.  Visitors are truly spoilt for choice here, with an array of sustainable, environmentally responsible sea safari activities, including:

Whale Watching

From April to October, Islas Secas sets the scene for an inimitable front-row viewing of the migration of two distinct populations of Humpback Whales, one from feeding areas off Antarctica and Chile and the other from the Northern Hemisphere. Visitors can expect to see large “pods” of Humpback Whales right from the resort’s shoreline, with best-practice boat trips also available to those desiring a closer look at this magnificent species in its natural habitat. The whales’ breaching, spy hopping, tail slapping and lob tailing will leave guests with no doubt as to why Panama’s whale-watching is some of the best in the world.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Within the protected archipelago itself, guests have access to over 20 dive sites suited to all levels of experience, from expert divers and snorkellers to families wanting to embark on their first underwater experience together. Adventurers can discover colourful coral reef life in protected areas or head to deep waters to drift around seamounts and pinnacles – amidst manta rays and dolphins. Approximately 20 miles southeast of Islas Secas is Isla de Coiba, part of Coiba National Marine Park and Marine Protection Zone. Coiba also plays host to migrating humpback whales, turtles, whale sharks and a myriad of marine creatures. Here, curious travellers can enjoy magical snorkelling and scuba diving alongside kaleidoscopic sealife.

Kayaking

For active explorers, Islas Secas offers guided kayaking tours through hidden pockets within the archipelago. Ideal for families of all ages, expert guides can lead groups to the most far-reaching islands to paddle around caves, marvel at blow holes, watch birds circle above and take in the astonishing variety of flora clinging to the cliff edges. Guests also have an extraordinary opportunity to paddle to two small mangrove clusters in front of the resort’s Terraza, the main gathering space at Islas Secas, that are ideal breeding grounds for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, as well as barracuda, tarpon, and snook, all of which find shelter here as juveniles before moving out to the open ocean as adults.

Water Sports & Boating

The Islas Secas Watersports Centre is equipped to arrange exhilarating marine activities including stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, sailing, sea-bobbing, e-foiling, wakeboarding, and catamarans. The water sports experiences available at Islas Secas can be arranged for groups or privately, or they can provide a wonderful boat tour through the islands – to your own secluded island for the day, or for an unforgettable sunset cruise around the archipelago.

Birdwatching

Islas Secas is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 100 resident and migratory birds constantly putting on a show. One can take a private boat to Isla Cocos, home to the largest magnificent frigate bird colony in the Gulf of Chiriquí, and spot the spectacular species and their chicks up-close.  Alternatively, land lovers can hike jungled trails with an expert birding guide to spot abundant avian life in the canopy and over the coastline. For those who would rather unwind poolside in their private Casita, binoculars are readily available for a more personal bird sighting experience.

Nightly rates at Islas Secas start from USD $2,500 (currently approx. SGD 3,392 / £2,005 / €2,285) per Tented Casita on an all-inclusive basis, including:

• Daily made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner including beach picnics and barbecues
• All drinks including signature cocktails, mocktails, highest quality liquors, wines and Champagne
• Fully stocked minibar replenished daily with guests’ preferred items
• All recreational & educational activities on-island
• Scuba diving and snorkelling trips within the Islas Secas archipelago
• One half-day fishing trip within the Islas Secas archipelago per stay
• Water sports activities including nature and sunset cruises on the resort’s yacht, wakeboarding and wake surfing, e-foiling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing
• One 60-minute spa treatment per guest, per stay, plus daily yoga classes
• Daily laundry

Islas Secas offers a direct one-hour flight from Panama City Airport to the Secas Archipelago aboard the resort’s Twin Otter private plane (operated by Air Panama), seating up to 15 passengers per trip.

Unique Island Getaway at Casa Cavada

Islas Secas unveils Casa Cavada, a next-generation super-villa accommodation. Completely private, Casa Cavada features four bedrooms with four bathrooms in an indoor-meets-outdoor home environment. Other facilities include an expansive sitting room, kitchen and dining room, gym, bar, semi-Olympic infinity pool, and a secluded beach. A dedicated chef and house manager are available to look after the guests’ needs.

Spanning 8,300ft², Casa Cavada boasts an exclusive architectural design by Hart Howerton matched by interiors created by Studio Tre and featuring beautiful local craftsmanship throughout. Carefully attuned to the movements and patterns of its natural surroundings, Casa Cavada offers guests views that have been carefully framed by the architecture and orientation.

The extraordinary archipelago of Islas Secas is located 20 miles off the coast in Panama – a spectacular paradise where sustainability and conservation meets elegant design, exceptional cuisine, warm, anticipatory service, and a breadth of experiences. Perfectly situated in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Islas Secas is made up of 14 volcanic islands, promising a uniquely private and immersive experience that celebrates indoor-outdoor living.

Delivering tailored experiences, the property promises the ultimate all-inclusive luxury getaway. Guests of Casa Cavada benefit from the exclusive inclusions at Islas Secas: fine wine and inspired dining at soaring, vaulted Terraza and the handsome Balboa Bar, thrilling adventures by land and by sea guided by a warm team of experts, a rejuvenating spa treatment per guest per stay, and daily yoga in a tropical setting.

Rates at Islas Secas start from $2,500 per night (£1,975) on an all-inclusive basis, including all F&B, one spa treatment per guest/per stay, and a variety of activities on and off-island. Islas Secas offers a direct one-hour flight from Panama City to the Secas Archipelago aboard the resort’s brand-new Twin Otter private plane transfer service (operated by Air Panama), seating up to 15 passengers per trip.

For more information, visit islassecas.com.