Smithsonian Punta Culebra

The Punta Culebra Nature Center is run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) — the world's leading institution for tropical biology research, headquartered in Panama since 1923. Located at the tip of Naos Island on the Amador Causeway, the center is one of the easiest and most rewarding family outings in the city.

The site sits on a small peninsula jutting into the Pacific, with sweeping views of the Bridge of the Americas, the Panama City skyline, and the canal entrance where ships line up to transit. It's a working research facility wrapped around an interpretive nature center, so the exhibits are scientifically grounded and the wildlife is genuinely wild.

Open-air aquariums showcase species from both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts — a side-by-side comparison that highlights how dramatically different the two oceans are despite being only 80 km apart. The sea turtle exhibit introduces the four species that nest on Panama's beaches, and the touch tank lets kids handle sea stars, urchins, and other tide-pool creatures under staff supervision.

A short dry forest trail winds through one of the last patches of tropical dry forest in central Panama. Sloths, green iguanas, and seabirds are regularly spotted along the way, and informational signs explain the ecology of this rare habitat. The trail is shaded, paved, and stroller-friendly — a comfortable walk for all ages.

Go Beyond can pair this visit with a stroll or bike ride along the Amador Causeway and a stop at the Biomuseo (Frank Gehry-designed biodiversity museum) next door if you'd like a longer day.

What's Included

• Round-trip transport from your Panama City hotel
• Entry to the Punta Culebra Nature Center
• Open-air aquariums and sea turtle exhibit
• Sea-life touch tank (staff-supervised)
• Dry forest nature trail with wildlife sightings
• Panoramic Pacific and skyline views

What to Bring

• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera or binoculars (optional)