Perhaps Central America's most beautiful island
paradise, Escudo de Veraguas is Panama's best
kept secret. Situated just 10 miles off the
Atlantic coast, east of the Valiente Peninsula,
this horizontally shaped island is surrounded
by white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise
waters. Inhabited only by small communities
of Indians, this remote and undiscovered island
is as close to Tahiti as you'll find in this
part of the world.The northern side of the island is more spectacular, with small, shallow bays and inlets running the length of the island. Numerous small islands sit just off the coast, many of which are frequented by brown boobies and other tropical birds. Strips of white sand beaches line the coast, ideal for swiming and snorkeling. The southern side is less tropical in it's appearance, but still beautiful. There are white sand beaches and jagged points that reach out into the surrounding waters.
Getting to Escudo de Veraguas is a challenge, and expensive. From Bocas del Toro it is at least a 2 hour boat ride, depending on weather and water conditions. Most tour operators do not offer tours to Escudo de Veraguas due to the costs and difficulties of organizing such a trip. Unfortunately, there is really no other point along the Atlantic coast from where you can depart, unless you find a way to get to Calovebora. For those interested, flying to Escudo de Veraguas by helicopter might be attractive. It's about a 1 1//2 hour flight from Panama City, and you can be dropped off right on the beach.
However you get there, you will not find a
more spectacular island in Central America.