Nature Tourism
With over a quarter of Panama's total land area being National Parks and wildlife reserves, Nature Tourism has to come at the top of the list for special interests. There are eleven National Parks, and over two dozen other protected areas, providing habitats for an abundance of wildlife. Whether you enjoy venturing into the depths of the Darien jungle spotting the Harpy Eagle and jaguar or visiting the rainforest of Sobernia National Park only 20 minutes from Panama City, you will see an endless array of flora and fauna.


Diving
The wonderful thing about diving in Panama is that you can dive in both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Due to an unusual combination of currents, the Pacific Ocean stays warm most of the year, and offers a variety of dive spots including Las Perlas where there are few tourists and immaculate waters, and Coiba Island, which is home to the largest reef in the Western Pacific. Bocas del Toro Archipelago on the Atlantic side offers fantastic diving and some rare marine life. It is also possible to obtain your PADI here. Finally, if Wreck-Diving is your passion, Panama can offer two fascinating sites. Only two hours from Panama City is Portobello. Back in the 16th Century the town was subject to many pirate attacks as it was a stop over for ships carrying treasure returning to the Old World from the Inca Empire. Recently discovered was a sunken ship that authorities believe belonged to Columbus. The second site for historical diving is the truly wondrous Panama Canal, where you can see old equipment abandoned by French workers in their earlier attempt to build the Canal.


Fishing
Panama was named so by the Indians meaning 'abundance of fish' and the country has lived up to its title with two world class fishing areas and holds 250 world fishing records, more than any other country in the world. Top class fishing areas include Coiba Island, Pearl Islands and Pinas Bay which holds 170 of the world records and is home to Tuna weighing in at up to 2501lbs, an abundance of black, blue and striped Marlin, unheard of elsewhere, and Pacific Sail fish are found all year round.


Surfing
Panama is home to some exceptional breaks, and best of all you are likely to be surfing them alone. The Pacific Coast is easily accessible from the Pan-American high-way which means you can explore the coast line away from crowds and find those isolated spots, that only the locals would know about. If you do not want to stray far from the Capital, there are a number of spots close by. For the experienced surfer the small and friendly village of Santa Catalina is perhaps the most famous surfing spot in Central America, and has been described as the best break on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side is also home to a variety of surf breaks, some that you can reach by car and others you need to hire a boatman to drop you off and pick you up again.