Believed to translate into ‘abundance of fish’, Panama is one of the best destinations for sport fishing in the world. Blessed with two coastlines that edge along the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, Panama’s wild and rugged landscape shelters a wonderfully diverse marine life. Tourists from around the world plan their vacations to indulge in at least one great fishing experience in Panama’s brilliant blue waters. There are plenty of local operators offering incredible fishing tours and experiences, as well as numerous accommodations that tailor guest stays to specifically suit this activity. If you’re seeking a true blue fishing experience, read on to find out the top fishing lodges in Panama.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location with easy access to fishing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Rio Escondido, Bajo Boquete (from USD 89)
This Airbnb rental within the jungle isn’t what you would usually expect from any typical home. Although you’ll get the chance to experience off-grid living, the riverfront fishing resort in Panama features an impressive array of amenities which include a swimming pool, a cool hot tub, an outdoor shower, and delectable Panamanian breakfast meals available upon request.
Get comfort in an instant with specially designed orthopedic mattresses found in each of the two bedrooms. The kitchen and pantry areas are well-stocked for cooking full meals, while the bathrooms are thoroughly clean. The property sits on the banks of the Chiriqui Nuevo River, a great spot not just for fishing but for swimming as well.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
off grid well equipped and comfortable home with large windows to enjoy incredible views all around the property>the house has a beautiful pool jacuzzi large back yard filled with plantsbeds are comfortable nice linens and two restrooms with all you needthe beds are comfortable (especially the king-size corner bed) and the leather couches are comfy toothe pool is perfect for kids with a few more shallow partsCleanliness:
was clean and had a well-appointed kitchenthe place was clean and homey feelthe house is clean well stocked with kitchen ware and towelssparkly clean place with everything you need in the housethe house is nice comfortable and cleanHost:
hosts were welcoming & helpfulwalter is an excellent hostwalter is a fantastic hostwalter is very accommodating and can help with logisticshe was really nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the foothills of the sierraan absolute paradise the location and the house: >secluded tropical paradisewonderful place one of those you wish you will return somedaywe loved the seclusion the beautiful garden area and the close proximity to the riverwe walked down to the river- it was an easy walk not challenging at all
Superhost
2. Country abode next to the town and beaches, Guararé (from USD 70)
Located within a securely gated property, this countryside home hosts three bedrooms, each well-lit and powered by split-type air conditioning. It also includes the usual features in a self-catering home, from the dedicated laundry room to the kitchen. The soothing patio with hammocks overlooks much of the pristine property grounds, but if idle relaxation isn’t for you, a Netflix-equipped TV set, board games, and WiFi access are up for grabs.
Apart from the outdoor grill, you’ll have complimentary access to well-maintained bikes, as well as beach equipment. You’ll be in close reach to the town’s center filled with plenty of restaurants, shops, and historical hotspots. Bring your rods and baits as well, as you’ll be a short distance away from an exciting fishing holiday along the Panama coast.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the ac works great in all roomsthe hammocks on the patio and the comfortable beds are a bonusCleanliness:
clean and neat set in an acre of groundthe accommodation was extremely comfortable and clean and we couldn't have had a more relaxing stayHost:
mirza and don are the perfect hosts in every waymirza our host was so friendly and accomodatingkind respectful communicative helpful clean friendly tidy and just genuinely nice peopleRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location and nice homethe surrounding countryside was beautiful quiet and only a short stroll into the heart of townif you speak spanish and enjoy a good walk then it will work fine
3. Bird House, Gamboa (from USD 246)
This state-of-the-art structure near the Panama Canal is lauded for its exceptional design and elegance, which you can experience during your stay here. Ensconced in a tropical haven in the town of Gamboa, this beautiful home offers a unique glimpse into Panama’s rich landscape. From faraway views of ships plying the Panama Canal, to vistas of wildlife and verdure, a stay here is rewarding in every way. The home’s easy accessibility to fishing adventures, however, is one of its most enjoyable highlights. With the public dock located a short walk away, you can set aside your mornings for some peaceful fishing trips. Or, you can make a quick trip to Gatun lake, where you can try and score a native catch like the peacock bass.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
obviously there is also no air conditioning but numerous fans throughout the house keep it quite pleasant- the pool and deck are amazingthe swimming pool and deck is amazing and the "kids" play room are perfect for hanging-out while playing poolCleanliness:
positives:- the house is beautiful and cleanHost:
chimene the owner is the perfect “remote hostbe aware: nature = bugs + mosquitothe host was very thoughtful and organizedwe highly recommend it and the owner chimene was very helpful and considerateRead more reviewsLocation:
just a gorgeous place to be
4. Fully equipped beachfront villa for seven, Contadora Island (from USD 197)
Nestled on the breezy Contadora island, this rustic wood-framed beach house rental sits across from one of the island’s best beaches, Playa Galeon. The beautiful and sun-drenched balcony opens up to uninterrupted sea views, offering the perfect place to watch unforgettable sunsets.
The villa is wonderfully equipped with nifty kitchen amenities and facilities like a swimming pool. However, the best part about this villa is its proximity to the sea, which means you can book yourself a boat tour with a local operator to avail of a Panama-style fishing vacation early in the morning.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved the outdoor patio and the big kitchen tableHost:
the staff was friendly and exceptionally helpfulmanager and owner were great to work withthe owner is very conscientious and sees to it that his guest are always happychristopher and jose are more than helpfuljose the caretaker was very nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is idealloved the island and the location of the houseamazing location the villa is great and fully equipedthe property is in a good location with a nice breeze from the ocean
5. Carribean Blue, Over the Water Casita, Bocas del Toro (from USD 91)
A beautiful, environmentally sustainable home in Bocas del Toro, this house on Panama’s cool turquoise waters promises a heavenly escape. With sweeping views of the ocean as far as the eye can see, and a rustic vibe that instantly puts you at ease, this lovely cocoon comes with basic amenities and all the privacy you seek. Its incredible location right at the edge of the coastline means that it overlooks plentiful coral reefs and provides easy accessibility to indulge in fishing, snorkeling, and other water sports. If you’re a fishing enthusiast but fairly new to the activity, a local guide can be hired to arrange tours and navigate unfamiliar waters. With a thriving marine life at the doorstep, this place is an ideal spot to enjoy fishing, undisturbed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's a lovely rustic cabin with plenty of room and all basic amenities you needthe bed was comfortable nights were warm but the ceiling fan made for restful sleepsit cools off at night and ceiling fans were enough to keep us comfortablethe bed also has it's own romantic atmosphere with mosquito nettingCleanliness:
photos dead on owner great lay back and relax no disney world here clean and well maintainedHost:
we were treated to the best hospitality by dragan our hostdragan was a great hostthey were the best host/hostess we could ask for and they assisted with every possible need or concerneven better was the owner dragandragan the owner is a very kind and helpful manRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful place to stay with reall cool hosts loved be over the water and snorkeling off the dock
6. Waterfront home with private beach access and a hot tub, Colón (from USD 225)
With the Caribbean’s splendid waves crashing at your doorstep, there are few accommodations that offer views as extraordinary as this rental. This spacious home in Colón’s Mechi area also has a tiled terrace and a luxurious hot tub. But what makes it extra special is the access to a private beach, letting you enjoy undisturbed fishing trips anytime you want to.
You can also scuba and snorkel to your heart’s content, without worrying about bumping into fellow travelers. What’s more, this home also comes equipped with a nifty little cleaning station at the back, so that your catch is ready to be cleaned and cooked for a scrumptious meal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved having breakfast on the patio watching the pelicans diving for their breakfastCleanliness:
the place is kept spotless by mariella the sympathetic house-keeperHost:
they were always responsivethe food was delicious and the owner and employees are very friendlyi have never encountered someone so helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was safe in a gated and guarded communitythe house is in a gated community with a guard station very safe
7. Bayfront villa with a private beach, Boca Chica (from USD 179)
Get ushered into a modern-day tropical paradise at this beautiful villa in Panama’s Boca Chica. The home comes with a lovely roofed terrace that opens up to serene views of the bay, replete with its forested fringes and tiny islands. Equipped with modern amenities, the house features two bedrooms and each come with a spacious balcony from where you can soak in the ocean views. The private beach is a few steps away, and acts as the adventurous gateway to Panama’s famed fishing spots. Book a boat and embark upon your fishing adventure, or grab the kayaks that come with the rental and head out to explore the area on your own.
8. Unique and all-inclusive sailboat accommodation, Guna Yala
Ever dreamed of flitting from island to island on a whim, waking up to the views of tranquil waters and secluded islands, and fishing when you feel like? Fulfill all your travel wishes, and more with this beautiful sailboat accommodation that is anchored on the San Blas Islands. With the sea at your doorstep, be privy to some of the best fishing spots that the archipelago has to offer. The sailboat provides nifty equipment for your fishing needs, and also does occasional excursions that allow you to experience the Caribbean in a most unusual way.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
they are lovely hosts always taking care of us and wanting to help
9. Serene floating cabana with a deck, Boca Chica (from USD 150)
Repurposed from an erstwhile floating hotel, this laid-back cabana in Boca Chica is the ultimate private retreat you’ve always dreamed of. A large wooden deck frames the cabin, and makes for a beautiful spot to gaze at the tranquil waters at any time of the day. The cabin is also equipped with a gorgeous skylight that filters in ample sunlight during the day, and offers a wonderful escape as you watch a million stars flood the sky, come night. The bonus of this cabin, however, is the exceptional fishing experience that awaits you here. Let the owners whisk you off to an offshore fishing spot in Hannibal Banks, for a fishing adventure you won’t forget. Bring back your prize home and enjoy a lovely meal of the freshly caught fish and other delicacies that the caretakers prepare for you.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
captain merf and his wife sue were such amazing hostssue and murf were great hosts and the bungalow was a very nice and private place to stay
10. La Pecera de Leti, Palenque (from USD 665)
Discover the ethereal beauty of Palenque and its serenity at this beautiful villa tucked away in a quiet beachfront location. This reconstructed property has the charming atmosphere of a quintessential beach villa, replete with a rustic thatched roof and sunlit patio with sea views. The most exciting part about staying here is jetting off on a boat to some of Palenque’s most prized locations and the San Blas Islands for a morning of relaxed fishing.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bedrooms are fresh cheery and all have air conditioningthe rooms are very comfortable and the local food was deliciousCleanliness:
the property was clean and very well maintainedthe house and rooms very comfortable and cleanHost:
the staff was also super and helpfulthe staff make your stay unforgettable and dealing with the owners is a treatleti was extremely helpful making us feel we had everything we neededthe staff (berna and tomás) were so helpful will definitely go back thanksleticia and hernan were very helpful and trying to please us by all meansRead more reviewsLocation:
a paradise very close to panama cityits location is fantastic so close to san blas islands
11. Cozy yet spacious bayside cottage with boat rentals, Boca Chica
This cute little cottage in the midst of Panama’s overgrown expanse offers one of the most enriching stays for those who love nature. Blessed with gorgeous views all around, the cottage allows delightfully easy access to the sea, with the pier being only a few steps away. Its advantageous location spells much joy for any avid fishing enthusiast. You can rent a boat from this property, and be off on a promising fishing expedition in Mango Bay’s rich waters. The boat captain lives nearby and will navigate you wonderfully along the fishing trip, which will take you to the marvelous Isla Paridas, Isla Coiba, and even the renowned Hannibal Banks. Back home, a deep freezer will let you stow your prize away until it’s ready to be cooked for your next meal. Also kitted out with a lovely veranda where you can retire on evenings after a hearty meal, this home offers a beautiful balance of adventure and relaxation.
Boca Chica, Chiriquí Province, Panama
378.22 km (235.1 mi) from Wreck of the Sub Marine ExplorerAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
air conditioning is great and available if neededthe beds were comfortable the kitchen was well equipped and the wifi worked greatcomfortable beds great kitchen nice bathroom and living room areaa comfortable cabin for a a secluded adventure or fishing getawayCleanliness:
the buildings dock and outdoor living spaces were all well maintained and cleanHost:
shawn’s staff was available and took care of us 24/7victor and his family are great hosts we can recommend themhe was very helpful and friendly he is extremely knowledgeable about the island and the waters around itif you are looking to relax this is the place everyone is amazing and helpfulvictor who manages the property is also very attentive and always willing to help you have a great experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
the gulf of chiriqui national marine park was amazingthe howler monkeys were close by and were fun to watch
For the love of fishing
A vacation to Panama cannot be considered complete without fishing in its abundant waters. Pick your favorite from this list of the top-notch fishing lodges in the country, and be off on the fishing adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Frequently asked questions about the top fishing lodges in Panama
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