Guided Fishing at the Panama Canal

Fishermen are always impressed by the abundance and variety of fish in Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal. This lake is home to species such as peacock bass, tarpon, snook, and many others. Since these fish are so plentiful, there are no limits or restrictions.

One of our fishing guides will take you and your party on a private guided tour of the lake and show you the best spots.

Surrounded by the peace and tranquility of lush tropical forests, this is a great tour for friends, families, or individuals to enjoy the bounties of nature that Lake Gatun Panama offers.

Book It 

International Access Code to Phone Panama

How to dial Panama Tourism & Travel ?

International Access Code to Phone Panama To Dial internationally, you must first dial your country's special code to access international phone lines. Each country has a specific code. It doesn't matter where you are dialing around the world, to get "out" of your country you must first dial your country's international access code. For example, To call from the USA or Canada to Panama Tourism & Travel dial 011 first: 011 (507) 6694-11-09 How to Dial from inside Panama From inside Panama you can call us by dialing 6694-11-09 only. List of International Access Codes to dial any international phone number For your convenience, here is a list of countries and their international access codes. Country Name IDD International Prefix Afghanistan 00 Albania 00 Algeria 00** American Samoa 011 Andorra 00 Angola 00 Anguilla 011 Antarctica Antigua 011 Argentina 00 Armenia 00 Aruba 00 Ascension 00 Australia 0011 (Voice calls) 0015 (Fax calls - Telstra) 0018 (Telstra special rates) 0019 (Fax calls - Singtel Optus) Australian External Territories 00 Austria 00 Azerbaijan 00 Bahamas 011 Bahrain 00 Bangladesh 00 Barbados 011 Barbuda 011 Belarus 8**10 ( written as 8~10) Belgium 00 Belize 00 Benin 00 Bermuda 011 Bhutan 00 Bolivia 0010 (ENTEL) 0011 (AES COMMUNICATIONS BOLIVIA) 0012 (TELEDATA) 0013 (BOLIVIATEL) Bosnia & Herzegovina 00 Botswana 00 Brazil 0014 (Brasil Telecom) 0015 (Telefonica) 0021 (Embratel) 0023 (Intelig) 0031 (Telemar) British Virgin Islands 011 Brunei Darussalam 00 Bulgaria 00 Burkina Faso 00 Burundi 00 Cambodia 001 Cameroon 00 Canada 011 Cape Verde Islands 0 Cayman Islands 011 Central African Republic 00 Chad 15 Chatham Island (New Zealand) 00 Chile 00 China (PRC) 00 Christmas Island 0011 (Telstra) Cocos-Keeling Islands 0011 Colombia Comoros 00 Congo 00 Congo, Dem. Rep. of (former Zaire) 00 Cook Islands 00 Costa Rica 00 Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 00 Croatia 00 Cuba 119 Cuba (Guantanamo Bay) 00 Curaçao 00 Cyprus 00 Czech Republic 00 95200 (Discount carrier) Denmark 00 Diego Garcia 00 Djibouti 00 Dominica 011 Dominican Republic 011 East Timor 00 Easter Island 00 Ecuador 00 Egypt 00 El Salvador 00 144+00 Telefonica Ellipso (Mobile Satellite service) 00 EMSAT (Mobile Satellite service) Equatorial Guinea 00 Eritrea 00 Estonia 00 Ethiopia 00 Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 00 Faroe Islands 00 Fiji Islands 00 Finland 00, 990, 994, 999 France 00 (France Telecom) 40 (TELE 2), 50 (OMNICOM) 70 (LE 7 CEGETEL), 90 (9 TELECOM) French Antilles 00 French Guiana 00 French Polynesia 00 Gabonese Republic 00 Gambia 00 Georgia 8**10 (written as 8~10) Germany 00 Ghana 00 Gibraltar 00 Global Mobile Satellite System (GMSS) 00 Globalstar (Mobile Satellite Service) 00 Greece 00 Greenland 00 Grenada 011 Guadeloupe 00 Guam 011 Guantanamo Bay 00 Guatemala 00 130+00 Telefonica 147-00 Telgua Guinea-Bissau 00 Guinea 00 Guyana 001 Haiti 00 Honduras 00 Hong Kong 001-- PCCW0080 -- Hutchison 009 -- New World Hungary 00 ICO Global (Mobile Satellite Service) 00 Iceland 00 India 00 Indonesia 001,007 017 Voice Over Internet (VOIP) Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - East) 00 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - West) 00 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean) 00 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) 00 Inmarsat SNAC Note: Inmarsat plans to shift all other codes to this Single Network Access Code by 2009. 00 International Freephone Service N/A International Shared Cost Service (ISCS) Iran 00 Iraq 00 Ireland 00 048 to Northern Ireland (this special arrangement is much cheaper than dialing through the UK using country code 44) Iridium (Mobile Satellite service) 00 Israel 00 (default selected carrier, not available from public phones); 012 (Golden Lines); 013 (Barak LTD); or 014 (Bezeq LTD) Italy 00 Jamaica 011 Japan 001 (KDD) 010 (MYLINE/MYLINE PLUS) 0061 (Cable & Wireless IDC) 0041 (Japan Telecom) Jordan 00 Kazakhstan 8**10 ( written as 8~10) Kenya 000 006 to Uganda 007 to Tanzania Kiribati 00 Korea (North) 00 Korea (South) 001, 002 00700 (Speed/ SKTelecom mobiles) Kuwait 00 Kyrgyz Republic 00 Laos 00 Latvia 00 Lebanon 00 (To dial Syria From Lebanon, you may use "02-xx-number", where xx is the area code in Syria.) Lesotho 00 Liberia 00 Libya 00 Liechtenstein 00 Lithuania 00 Luxembourg 00 Macao 00 Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Rep of.) 00 Madagascar 00 Malawi 00 Malaysia 00 Maldives 00 Mali Republic 00 Malta 00 Marshall Islands 011 Martinique 00 Mauritania 00 Mauritius 020 Mayotte Island 00 Mexico 00 Micronesia, (Federal States of) 011 Midway Island 011 Moldova 00 Monaco 00 Mongolia 001 Montenegro 99 Montserrat 011 Morocco 00** Mozambique 00 Myanmar 00 Namibia 00 Nauru 00 Nepal 00 Netherlands 00 Netherlands Antilles 00 Nevis 011 New Caledonia 00 New Zealand 00 Nicaragua 00 Niger 00 Nigeria 009 Niue 00 Norfolk Island 00 Northern Marianas Islands (Saipan, Rota, & Tinian) 011 Norway 00 Oman 00 Pakistan 00 Palau 011 Palestinian Settlements 00 Panama 00 Cable & Wireless 088+00 Telecarrier 055+00 Clarocom Papua New Guinea 05 Paraguay 002 Peru 00 Philippines 00 Poland 0**0 Portugal 00 882 Rubicon/BT "GeoVerse" Puerto Rico 011 Qatar 00 Réunion Island 00 Romania 00 022 to Moldova (this special arrangement is much cheaper than dialing through Moldova using country code 373) Russia 8**10 ( may be changing to 00) Rwandese Republic 00 St. Helena 00 St. Kitts/Nevis 011 St. Lucia 011 St. Pierre & Miquelon 00 St. Vincent & Grenadines 011 Samoa 0 San Marino 00 São Tomé and Principe 00 Saudi Arabia 00 Senegal 00 Serbia 99 Seychelles Republic 00 Sierra Leone 00 Singapore 001 - Singtel IDD 002 - MobileOne IDD 008 - Starhub IDD 012 - Singtel FaxPlus (Fax over IP) 013 - Singtel BudgetCall (Voice recommended only/Fax possible) 018 - Starhub I-Call (Voice over IP) 019 - Singtel V019 (Voice over IP) Slovak Republic 00 Slovenia 00 Solomon Islands 00 Somali Democratic Republic 00 South Africa 00 Spain 00 Sri Lanka 00 Sudan 00 Suriname 00 Swaziland 00 Sweden 00 Switzerland 00 Syria 00 (To dial Lebanon from Syria, you may also use ""06-xx-number"", where xx is the area code in Lebanon.) Taiwan 002 Tajikistan 8**10 (written as 8~10) Tanzania 000 000, 005 to Kenya 006 to Uganda Thailand 001 (to call Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar from Thailand, dial 007-60 +Area Code)008, 009 Voice Over Internet (VOIP) Thuraya (Mobile Satellite service) Timor Leste Togolese Republic 00 Tokelau 00 Tonga Islands 00 Trinidad & Tobago 011 Tunisia 00 Turkey 00 Turkmenistan 8**10 ( written as 8~10) Turks and Caicos Islands 011 Tuvalu 00 Uganda 000 000, 005 to Kenya 007 to Tanzania Ukraine 8**10 ( written as 8~10) United Arab Emirates 00 United Kingdom 00 (including ISDN) United States of America 011 US Virgin Islands 011 Universal Personal Telecommunications (UPT) Uruguay 00 Uzbekistan 8**10 (written as 8~10) Vanuatu 00 Vatican City 00 Venezuela 00 Vietnam 00 Wake Island 00 Wallis and Futuna Islands 19** Yemen 00 Zambia 00 Zanzibar 000 Zimbabwe 00

New Panama Canal Administrator

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors announced the appointment of engineer Jorge Luis Quijano as the new Panama Canal Administrator. Mr. Quijano will succeed Alberto Alemán Zubieta, who has been at the helm of the Canal for the past 16 years and whose term will end on September 3, 2012.

Jorge Quijano´s professional career at the Panama Canal began in 1975 and after several promotions he was appointed Maritime Operations Director in 1999. The Operations Department is the largest one within the Panama Canal and it is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure and equipment of the waterway.

Since September 2006, Quijano is the Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Programs Management Department in charge of the Panama Canal Expansion Program. He heads a group of about 500 professionals which is specifically responsible for contracting and managing the Locks Design and Construction contract, the Atlantic and Pacific entrance channels dredging contracts, the contracting of four dry excavation contracts to create a new 6.1 kilometer inland channel in the Pacific end of the Canal, the Lake level dredging to be performed by ACP´s workforce and other smaller contracts. As such, Quijano leads an integrated program management team made up of a consultant and ACP’s own professionals who have the responsibility to direct the execution of the entire Expansion Program.

FAQ: What’s the basis for the Panama’s economy?

Panama is a primarily service-based economy. Services include the Panama Canal, logistical services, tourism, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, and an international banking center with over 100 banks. Because of the high quality of life, many companies are making their Latin American corporate headquarters in Panama. There are also tax incentives and special economic zones for businesses and corporate headquarters.

Bananas, shrimp and coffee are the major agricultural exports.

FAQ : Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What’s the Ethnic makeup?

Panama is not typical at all. Don’t expect to see mainly the typical mestizo (descendants of a combination of Spanish and Indian) population like in the rest of Latin America. There's saying that Panama was "born globalized." The population of 3.3million people has diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks (brought in from the Caribbean to build the Canal), indigenous cultures, and important immigrant populations from North America, Europe, China, India and Middle East.

Of special note and a a tourism attraction are the are seven living Indian cultures: Gunas in the Guna Yala Islands on the Caribbean, Embera and Wounaan in the province of Darien, Ngobe Bugle in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas in Bocas del Toro province.

FAQ : Are there any required vaccines? What about mosquitos?

 There are no required vaccines or shots. Believe it or not, you are unlikely to see a mosquito your whole trip! Panama may be a tropical country but mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would be if you are in the rainforest after dusk or hiking or overnight in the jungle, in which case insect repellant is advised.

Origin of the name Panama

There are several theories about the origin of the name Panama. Some believe that the country was named after a commonly found species of tree; others believe that the first settlers arrived in Panama in August, when butterflies abound, and that the name means "many butterflies" in indigenous tongue. The best known of these versions is that a village populated by fishermen originally bore the name PANAMÁ, after a beach nearby, and that this name meant "many fish".

Ancon Hill

Ancon Hill is a steep 654-foot hill which overlooks Panama City, Panama adjacent to the township of Ancón.

 

It was under U.S. jurisdiction as part of the Panama Canal Zone for much of the 20th century and therefore was never developed like most of the surrounding urbanized parts of the city. As a result, it became a kind of an "island" of jungle in an urban area, where wildlife still survives cut off from other jungle areas. It is not uncommon to see sloths, White-nosed Coati, Nine-banded Armadillos, Geoffroy's Tamarins or deer on Ancon Hill, which now has protected status. Its name is used as an acronym by a Panamanian environmental group, Asociación Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (ANCON).

 

The lower slopes contained residences and Gorgas Hospital. Higher up were the residence of the Governor of the Canal Zone, and Quarry Heights, where the United States Southern Command was located. Quarry Heights was named for being adjacent to a large rock quarry on one side of the hill, which left a visible cliff face on one side. The hill contains an abandoned underground bunker once manned by the U.S. Southern Command. At the top are two broadcast towers and a small road that reaches them. One way vehicular traffic is now allowed during daylight hours. Hikers can use the road to reach the summit, and it is a popular jogging and hiking trek. Along the path, all manner of vegetation and birds can be seen, including large number of orchids (all of which are protected by CITES).

 

 

Tour Suggestion

Panama City Downtown Tour

City Tour and Panama Canal  

 



History

When the pirate Henry Morgan sacked Panama City in 1671, his scouts first climbed Ancon Hill to gain knowledge of the local defenses. Ancon Hill overlooks the site of the new city, constructed after Morgan's destruction of the old one.

The first ship to officially transit the Panama Canal in 1914, the SS Ancon, took its name from the hill and surrounding township.

When Panama regained control of the hill following the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, one of the first things the country did was fly a large oversized Panamanian flag atop the hill.

Red Frog Beach

Red Frog Beach is a hidden paradise on the island of Bastimentos in the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas Del Toro, Panama. The crystal blue waters, unfailing temperate weather, pristine beaches, and remarkable jungle rainforest all combine to create a complete sense of unspoiled tropical tranquility. A peaceful diversion from the everyday grind, Red Frog Beach offers both adventure and escape with diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, Bocas surfing, beach hikes, nature walks, and much more.

Strategically placed in the most beautiful location in Bocas Del Toro, Red Frog Beach takes advantage of an incredible array of natural amenities that will captivate Panama vacation visitor and resident alike. The north facing "windward" side of the island is the perfect retreat for those seeking adventure, exploration and discovery. The island's distinctive wild life presents an unparalleled study in ecological evolution while the long barreling reef breaks, steep drops, and splitting tubes present a challenge few surfers can resist.

If peace, serenity, and relaxation are what you crave, you will find exactly what you're looking for on the "leeward" side of the island. From the calming sound of crystalline waters lapping onto white sand beaches to the enchanting song of the many indigenous bird species that call our island home, there are so many ways to entice the senses and relish in the feeling of sweet release.

No matter what you're looking for in island escape, you'll find it at Red Frog Beach in Bocas Del Toro Panama. Experience paradise like never before while creating lasting memories with friends and family. We invite you to explore this site and learn more about the adventures that await you on Red Frog Beach. 

BOOK A TOUR TO BOCAS DEL TORO

Punta Culebra Nature Center

Punta Culebra Nature Center (PCNC) is a non-profit initiative of STRI that relies on the support of the Smithsonian Foundation of Panama and international entities. It offers visitors an open-air museum focusing mainly on marine science and education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal environments. More than 700,000 students and visitors have visited PCNC since it opened in 1996, and hundreds of schools have taken part in its educational program.

The Center is a place where individuals can increase their awareness and appreciation of coastal and marine environments in Panama and nearby regions of South and Central America. Its goal is to increase public understanding of Panama ’s past and present coastal environments, promoting their conservation. It is also meant to show how scientific discoveries improve our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the natural world.

PCNC occupies a territory of approximately 1 1/2 hectares and is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Panama City. The area has great natural wealth and the appropriate infrastructure so that locals and foreigners of all ages can take part in an enriching experience, as they enjoy the scenic views.

Exhibitions

• Panama: Abundance of Fish
• Discovery Room : An Underwater Journey with All the Senses
• Open-air historic and interpretative displays
• Turtle and Shark Pool
• Aquarium Exhibits
• Touching Pool
• Lookout point with views of the entrance to the Panama Canal and its surroundings
• Two trails across a Tropical Dry Forest

Future plans include: a major scale Touching Pool, and a project for a larger aquarium.

The Visit

The Punta Culebra Nature Center allows visitors to take a short journey through Panama's geological, military and natural history, and to learn about marine and terrestrial life through a unique experience.
Most of the constructions here are old military bunkers built during the First World War; columns date back to construction of the Panama Canal. There is also a small room, called "la casita", built more recently by old Panamanian Defense Forces. All of these spaces have been conditioned to hold temporal and permanent exhibitions and to serve as projection areas.

Natural attractions

• There are two trails through a tropical dry forest, a typical ecosystem of the Pacific side of Central America which is almost extinct today. This forest is a refuge and habitat for racoons, iguanas, birds of all kinds and armadillos, among others animals that visitors can admire as they walk around.
• The rocky shore, the sandy beach and a patch of white mangrove forest have plenty of marine life which is best seen during low tide.
• The sea life exhibitions show the magnificent biodiversity of Panamanian coastal ecosystems, particularly that of coral reefs from the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
• A pool that is home to sea turtles and sharks who swim among other colorful fish.
• Experience touching marine organisms such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and even stingrays.
• As they walk through the natural trails and the exhibitions, visitors will receive information from specially trained naturalists about Smithsonian research.
• A beautiful view of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal completes this educational experience