Planning a visit to the Panama Canal? Why just stop by when you can immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience? Just 15 minutes from the heart of Panama City, Playa Bonita is a luxury resort area where beach, jungle, mountains, and nature collide. Here, you’ll have breathtaking views of ships entering and exiting the canal, all while enjoying world-class amenities. It’s the perfect destination to elevate your Panama Canal adventure.
Get ready as I count down the 13 most exciting things you can do on your Panama Canal vacation—all while staying in a luxurious vacation rental at Casa Bonita. Located in the exclusive Playa Bonita area, Casa Bonita isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a luxury residential tower packed with incredible amenities. And trust me, you won’t want to miss the number one way to experience your Panama Canal Vacation—it’s absolutely mind-blowing.
13. Transit the Panama Canal
Although many cruise lines build their itineraries around transiting the Panama Canal, you can also take a half-day or full-day trip through the locks. This is a less expensive option than a 7 to 10-day cruise. A 6-hour transit with lunch costs around $150, so it’s also wallet friendly.
12. Visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal
Get up-close-and-personal with one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World! Visiting the Miraflores Locks is a must-do for everyone visiting Panama. Watch massive ships navigate the locks, learn about the canal's history, and marvel at this engineering masterpiece. The Miraflores Locks are only about 25 minutes from Playa Bonita. Here’s an Insider Tip—go in the morning as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds.
11. Indulge in the 5-Star Spa
Step into pure bliss at the 5-Star Spa, where luxury and relaxation meet in the most indulgent way possible. The crown jewel of this experience is a ‘wet’ area designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Start with the hot and warm Jacuzzis to melt your stress away, then invigorate your senses with a dip in the cold plunge pool.
Unwind in the steam room or sauna, perfect for detoxifying and leaving your skin glowing. And to top it all off, the rain showers will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. But don’t stop there. You can get anything from a rejuvenating facial to a variety of different massages. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or restoration, the Spa at Playa Bonita is the ultimate escape. When I go missing, my friends know the Spa is where to find me.
10. Play Pickleball
Pickleball has taken the world by storm. Start your day with a bit of friendly competition! Pickleball games happen every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM. It’s a great way to meet new friends and stay active on vacation.
9. Hire a Personal Chef for Your Luxury Apartment
Going out to dinner is great, but there is something about having someone cook for you that seems so decadent. You can bring the culinary experience to you by having a personal chef come to your luxury apartment at Casa Bonita to prepare a meal—or even teach you how to cook like a pro. Just ask us and we’ll hook you up with a chef who will elevate your experience from great… to OMG!
8. Collect Shells at Low Tide
Did you know the Pacific Ocean side of Panama has one of the largest tidal differentials in the world? At low tide, the ocean retreats to reveal a hidden world along the beach rocks—a treasure trove of seashells and marine critters just waiting to be discovered. Take a relaxing stroll, explore the exposed shoreline, and see what unique souvenirs you can bring home. Just don’t forget to check the tide schedule for the perfect shell-collecting window!
7. Join a Ping Pong or Poker Game
Head to the rooftop game room at Casa Bonita, where you can challenge your new friends to a ping pong tournament or a game of poker. It’s fun, relaxed, and a great way to bond with fellow travelers.
6. Spot Monkeys and Sloths
Mornings and evenings in Playa Bonita are like living in the Panama edition of The Jungle Book. Monkeys are a common sight in the jungle canopy, so bring your binoculars. Watch the adorable Capuchin monkeys swing effortlessly from tree to tree—it’s like nature’s own acrobat show. We also have howler monkeys, and even though you might not see them, you’ll definitely hear them, especially about 5 or 6 am when the jungle starts to wake up. As cute as the monkeys are, the sloths take the proverbial cake. These adorable, slow-moving creatures can be found in the park and jungle areas surrounding Playa Bonita. Watch as they gracefully (well, slowly!) make their way up and down the trees, smiling as if they don’t have a care in the world.
5. Borrow a Free Bike and Explore Panama Pacifico
Want to know another perk of the Pearl Club? You can borrow a bicycle for free! Pedal around the resort to get your heart pumping. If you want a real workout, you can bike through Panama Pacifico’s many trails and discover hidden corners of this lush paradise.
4. Spend the Day at the Pearl Club Beach Club
Luxury meets relaxation at the Pearl Club Beach Club. With access to the pristine beach, two beachfront pools, and a private restaurant, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the tropical vibes. You can order poolside food and drink, get a good workout at the gym, or engage your brain with a bout of board games in the game room. The Pearl Club has something for everyone. Your time at the Pearl Club might just be one of the best parts of your Panama Canal vacation.
3. Explore the Bay by Canoe or Paddleboard
Ready for a little adventure? Cruise the bay by canoe or stand-up paddleboard. It’s a peaceful way to explore the area and take in the stunning coastal scenery and get just a bit closer to the ships that are lined up to go through the Panama Canal. When you join the Pearl Club, you don’t need to rent them… you just check them out.
2. Visit the Agua Clara Locks
You’ve come all the way to Panama to see the Panama Canal, you might as well really experience it. Drive to the Caribbean side of Panama to see the impressive Agua Clara Locks. The visitor center opened in 2016 as part of the canal's expansion. The new locks accommodate larger vessels through the new deeper, and wider channel. At the Agua Clara Locks, you’ll experience turquoise waters and thinner crowds, making it a worthwhile trip. It's about an hour's drive from Playa Bonita—perfect for a day of exploration.
1. Watch Ships Enter the Canal (with an App!)
There’s nothing quite like seeing massive ships entering the mouth of the Panama Canal. It’s both fascinating and awe-inspiring. But what makes it even better is knowing every detail about the ships you’re watching. You can become a Panama Canal insider just by downloading the free app, Marine Traffic. This will allow you to track ships and know exactly when to grab a seat for the best views. As a side note, I’ve also used this app in the South of France to find out who owns the mega yachts, so if you’re ship-curious, you’ll love this app. The Marine Traffic app has a paid version, but try out the free version first. If you love it, you can always upgrade.
If you’re watching this episode on video, you can see a ship behind me that’s just come out of the Panama Canal. This ship is about 400 meters long, or about the same length as the Empire State Building. You see, it’s never boring on a Panama Canal Vacation!
Closing
Playa Bonita is so much more than a beach destination that’s in close proximity to the Panama Canal—it’s an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, relaxation, and a little bit of magic. Which of these activities would YOU try first? Let me know in the comments.
See you in Panama!
Get ready as I count down the 13 most exciting things you can do on your Panama Canal vacation—all while staying in a luxurious vacation rental at Casa Bonita. Located in the exclusive Playa Bonita area, Casa Bonita isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a luxury residential tower packed with incredible amenities. And trust me, you won’t want to miss the number one way to experience your Panama Canal Vacation—it’s absolutely mind-blowing.
13. Transit the Panama Canal
Although many cruise lines build their itineraries around transiting the Panama Canal, you can also take a half-day or full-day trip through the locks. This is a less expensive option than a 7 to 10-day cruise. A 6-hour transit with lunch costs around $150, so it’s also wallet friendly.
12. Visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal
Get up-close-and-personal with one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World! Visiting the Miraflores Locks is a must-do for everyone visiting Panama. Watch massive ships navigate the locks, learn about the canal's history, and marvel at this engineering masterpiece. The Miraflores Locks are only about 25 minutes from Playa Bonita. Here’s an Insider Tip—go in the morning as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds.
11. Indulge in the 5-Star Spa
Step into pure bliss at the 5-Star Spa, where luxury and relaxation meet in the most indulgent way possible. The crown jewel of this experience is a ‘wet’ area designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Start with the hot and warm Jacuzzis to melt your stress away, then invigorate your senses with a dip in the cold plunge pool.
Unwind in the steam room or sauna, perfect for detoxifying and leaving your skin glowing. And to top it all off, the rain showers will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day. But don’t stop there. You can get anything from a rejuvenating facial to a variety of different massages. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or restoration, the Spa at Playa Bonita is the ultimate escape. When I go missing, my friends know the Spa is where to find me.
10. Play Pickleball
Pickleball has taken the world by storm. Start your day with a bit of friendly competition! Pickleball games happen every morning from 7 AM to 9 AM. It’s a great way to meet new friends and stay active on vacation.
9. Hire a Personal Chef for Your Luxury Apartment
Going out to dinner is great, but there is something about having someone cook for you that seems so decadent. You can bring the culinary experience to you by having a personal chef come to your luxury apartment at Casa Bonita to prepare a meal—or even teach you how to cook like a pro. Just ask us and we’ll hook you up with a chef who will elevate your experience from great… to OMG!
8. Collect Shells at Low Tide
Did you know the Pacific Ocean side of Panama has one of the largest tidal differentials in the world? At low tide, the ocean retreats to reveal a hidden world along the beach rocks—a treasure trove of seashells and marine critters just waiting to be discovered. Take a relaxing stroll, explore the exposed shoreline, and see what unique souvenirs you can bring home. Just don’t forget to check the tide schedule for the perfect shell-collecting window!
7. Join a Ping Pong or Poker Game
Head to the rooftop game room at Casa Bonita, where you can challenge your new friends to a ping pong tournament or a game of poker. It’s fun, relaxed, and a great way to bond with fellow travelers.
6. Spot Monkeys and Sloths
Mornings and evenings in Playa Bonita are like living in the Panama edition of The Jungle Book. Monkeys are a common sight in the jungle canopy, so bring your binoculars. Watch the adorable Capuchin monkeys swing effortlessly from tree to tree—it’s like nature’s own acrobat show. We also have howler monkeys, and even though you might not see them, you’ll definitely hear them, especially about 5 or 6 am when the jungle starts to wake up. As cute as the monkeys are, the sloths take the proverbial cake. These adorable, slow-moving creatures can be found in the park and jungle areas surrounding Playa Bonita. Watch as they gracefully (well, slowly!) make their way up and down the trees, smiling as if they don’t have a care in the world.
5. Borrow a Free Bike and Explore Panama Pacifico
Want to know another perk of the Pearl Club? You can borrow a bicycle for free! Pedal around the resort to get your heart pumping. If you want a real workout, you can bike through Panama Pacifico’s many trails and discover hidden corners of this lush paradise.
4. Spend the Day at the Pearl Club Beach Club
Luxury meets relaxation at the Pearl Club Beach Club. With access to the pristine beach, two beachfront pools, and a private restaurant, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the tropical vibes. You can order poolside food and drink, get a good workout at the gym, or engage your brain with a bout of board games in the game room. The Pearl Club has something for everyone. Your time at the Pearl Club might just be one of the best parts of your Panama Canal vacation.
3. Explore the Bay by Canoe or Paddleboard
Ready for a little adventure? Cruise the bay by canoe or stand-up paddleboard. It’s a peaceful way to explore the area and take in the stunning coastal scenery and get just a bit closer to the ships that are lined up to go through the Panama Canal. When you join the Pearl Club, you don’t need to rent them… you just check them out.
2. Visit the Agua Clara Locks
You’ve come all the way to Panama to see the Panama Canal, you might as well really experience it. Drive to the Caribbean side of Panama to see the impressive Agua Clara Locks. The visitor center opened in 2016 as part of the canal's expansion. The new locks accommodate larger vessels through the new deeper, and wider channel. At the Agua Clara Locks, you’ll experience turquoise waters and thinner crowds, making it a worthwhile trip. It's about an hour's drive from Playa Bonita—perfect for a day of exploration.
1. Watch Ships Enter the Canal (with an App!)
There’s nothing quite like seeing massive ships entering the mouth of the Panama Canal. It’s both fascinating and awe-inspiring. But what makes it even better is knowing every detail about the ships you’re watching. You can become a Panama Canal insider just by downloading the free app, Marine Traffic. This will allow you to track ships and know exactly when to grab a seat for the best views. As a side note, I’ve also used this app in the South of France to find out who owns the mega yachts, so if you’re ship-curious, you’ll love this app. The Marine Traffic app has a paid version, but try out the free version first. If you love it, you can always upgrade.
If you’re watching this episode on video, you can see a ship behind me that’s just come out of the Panama Canal. This ship is about 400 meters long, or about the same length as the Empire State Building. You see, it’s never boring on a Panama Canal Vacation!
Closing
Playa Bonita is so much more than a beach destination that’s in close proximity to the Panama Canal—it’s an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, relaxation, and a little bit of magic. Which of these activities would YOU try first? Let me know in the comments.
See you in Panama!
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