Panama Island Lodge
Panama
Accommodation
Private Beach Lodge
Season
Year-Round
Species
Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna, Billfish, Dorado
Fishing Style
Spinning, Trolling, Jigging, Conventional
Panama Island Lodge 🇵🇦
Panama Island Lodge is a private-island fishing lodge on Isla Parida in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. Its position within the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park provides access to productive inshore structure around the islands and major offshore fishing areas such as Hannibal Bank, Isla Montuosa and Coiba. The lodge specialises in all-inclusive fishing packages for small private groups. Yellowfin tuna, black and blue marlin, sailfish, roosterfish and cubera snapper are the primary targets, with dorado, wahoo, jacks and other Pacific species adding variety. Anglers fish aboard a fleet of five 33-foot catamarans with English-speaking captains and mates. The lodge can accommodate up to 24 anglers in air-conditioned guesthouses.
The Gulf of Chiriquí offers both offshore and inshore fishing within the same trip. Offshore days may involve live-baiting around Hannibal Bank and other high spots for black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and large yellowfin tuna. When tuna are feeding near the surface, anglers may cast poppers and other artificial lures into the schools. Dorado and wahoo are also regularly encountered.
Inshore fishing takes place around rocky islands, reefs, current lines and submerged structure. Roosterfish and cubera snapper are the main targets, supported by bluefin trevally, almaco jack, African pompano, barred pargo and other reef species. A fishing day can combine inshore and offshore water when conditions and travel distances allow.
Anglers fish aboard four 33-foot World Cats and one 33-foot Freeman catamaran. Each boat is powered by twin 300-horsepower Suzuki four-stroke outboards and equipped with radar, sonar, outriggers, live wells and tuna tubes. Conventional, spinning and jigging tackle is supplied, together with bait, lures and terminal equipment. A normal fishing day lasts approximately eight to nine hours.
Fishing is available throughout the year, although the most suitable dates depend on the preferred species. Black marlin are particularly prominent from November through January, with another productive period during July and August. Roosterfish and cubera snapper are present year-round, with November through March generally providing the strongest inshore season. Yellowfin tuna are also available year-round, with the most consistent surface-feeding activity usually occurring from mid-April through August. All billfish, roosterfish and cubera snapper are released, while selected tuna and dorado may be retained for lodge meals.
Panama Island Lodge has a collection of handcrafted guesthouses constructed from locally sourced tropical hardwoods. The lodge can accommodate up to 24 anglers, although packages are organised around smaller groups fishing together.
Guesthouses have air conditioning, hot water, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television and a refrigerator. Rooms and houses vary in size, with two and three-bedroom arrangements available. Daily laundry service is included, allowing anglers to pack lightly for the island portion of the trip.
Breakfast is prepared to order before fishing. Lunch, fresh fruit, snacks, water and other drinks are loaded aboard the boats. After returning to the island, anglers are served appetisers followed by a family-style dinner. Meals frequently include fresh tuna, dorado, lobster, shrimp and locally available produce. Food and drinks are included in the package, with selected alcoholic beverages available for adult anglers.
The lodge is located on Isla Parida, approximately 12 miles offshore from Boca Chica on Panama’s Pacific coast. Isla Parida lies within the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park and is reached only by boat or private aircraft.
Most international anglers fly into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. The recommended VIP package begins in Panama City and includes assistance on arrival, one hotel night at the JW Marriott, airport transfers and return domestic flights to David.
On reaching David, anglers are met by a lodge representative and transferred to the marina. The official travel information describes the drive as approximately five minutes, followed by an estimated one-hour boat journey to Isla Parida. Weather and sea conditions can affect the crossing time.
The Premium package begins and ends at David Airport. Anglers using this option arrange their own flights to David, either by connecting through Panama City or using another suitable route. Private plane and helicopter transfers can also be arranged at additional cost.
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $3,395 per angler
What’s Included:
- The selected number of lodge nights
- The selected number of full fishing days
- Air-conditioned guesthouse accommodation
- English-speaking captain and mate
- 33-foot catamaran fishing boat
- Boat fuel up to the stated fuel-price threshold
- Rods, reels and fishing line
- Bait, lures and terminal tackle
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Appetisers and snacks
- Water, soft drinks and beer aboard the boat
- Lodge beverages, including selected drinks for adult anglers
- Airport greeting in David
- Ground transfer between David Airport and the marina
- Return boat transfer between the mainland and Isla Parida
- Wi-Fi at the lodge
- Daily laundry service
What’s Not Included:
- International flights to and from Panama
- Travel between Panama City and David when booking the Premium package
- Panama City hotel accommodation when booking the Premium package
- Private plane or helicopter transfers
- Gratuities for captains, mates, lodge staff and drivers
- International wire-transfer fee
- Fish processing and vacuum-sealing charges
- Cooler for transporting frozen fish
- Potential fuel surcharge when applicable
- Additional nights and transfers outside the confirmed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Panama City
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport and meet the English-speaking airport representative. Assistance is provided through immigration and customs before the transfer to the JW Marriott. The remainder of the day is free in Panama City.
Day 2: Travel to Isla Parida
Transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to David. A lodge representative meets the group on arrival and provides transportation to the marina. Board the lodge transfer boat for the journey to Isla Parida. After checking into the guesthouse, anglers prepare equipment and meet the fishing crews.
Days 3 to 5: Guided Fishing Days
Spend three full days fishing the Gulf of Chiriquí. The program may include offshore live-baiting for marlin, casting for yellowfin tuna or working the islands for roosterfish and cubera snapper. Lunch, fruit, snacks and drinks are carried aboard. Return to the lodge each afternoon for appetisers and dinner.
Day 6: Return to Panama City
After breakfast, travel by boat to the mainland and transfer to David Airport. Fly back to Panama City for the onward international connection or an independently arranged additional hotel night.
What level of fishing experience is required?
The lodge accommodates both experienced offshore anglers and those taking their first guided big-game trip. The captain and mate handle navigation, bait preparation and rigging and can assist with fishing techniques. Casting experience is helpful when targeting tuna, roosterfish and cubera snapper with artificial lures.
How many anglers fish aboard each boat?
Package prices are based on groups of two to five anglers sharing a boat. The 33-foot catamarans provide walk-around fishing space, although smaller groups give each angler more individual fishing time.
Is fishing equipment included?
Yes. Rods, reels, line, bait, lures and terminal tackle are included. The lodge uses conventional, spinning and jigging equipment selected for the local species. Anglers may bring personal tackle but are not required to do so.
How long is a fishing day?
A typical day lasts approximately eight to nine hours. Departure and return times may be adjusted according to the target species, weather, sea conditions and distance to the selected fishing area.
What is the best time to target yellowfin tuna?
Yellowfin are caught throughout the year, but mid-April through August normally provides the strongest opportunity for surface-feeding schools. May through July is often considered the central tuna-frenzy period.
What is the best time for marlin?
November through January is a principal black marlin period around Hannibal Bank and other offshore high spots. July and August provide another strong window. Blue marlin and sailfish can also be encountered during the year.
What is the catch-and-release policy?
Black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, roosterfish and cubera snapper are released. Circle hooks are used when these species are targeted with live or dead bait. Edible species such as tuna and dorado may be retained selectively.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. High-speed Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Mobile reception is limited, but internet-based calls can normally be made through WhatsApp or similar services.
What should anglers bring aboard the boat?
Recommended items include sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, rain jacket, non-slip footwear and seasickness medication when required. Fishing equipment, food and drinks are already provided.
