Education & Activities in Panama
From world-class international schools to 900 bird species and the best surf breaks in Central America — Panama offers more than most expats expect.
Education
Public schools in Panama are generally under-resourced and use a local Spanish curriculum — expat families with children almost universally choose private international schools.
International Schools: What to Expect
Curriculum quality
Comparable to US standards; among the best in Central America.
Student diversity
Asia, Europe, North & South America — genuinely multicultural.
Enrollment fee
$200–$1,000 per student (family discounts available).
Calendar options
Option A: Sep–Jun (US system) / Option B: Mar–Dec (Panamanian).
Languages available
English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese.
Faith-based options
Jewish, Catholic, Adventist, and Muslim schools available.
Where Are International Schools?
Panama City
Most options — English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Jewish, Catholic, Adventist, Muslim schools.
Coronado / Panama Oeste
International school serving the expat beach community. US curriculum.
Boquete
Smaller local schools; some expat families homeschool or use online platforms.
Homeschooling
Online platforms, US-accredited curricula, and a growing expat homeschool community make this a viable option — particularly in smaller towns like Boquete, Volcán, and Pedasí where formal international schools are limited.
Activities & Attractions
Panama packs an extraordinary range of activities into a country the size of South Carolina. Most expats discover they have far more to do than expected.
The Panama Canal
A marvel of modern engineering — watching Panamax and Neopanamax ships pass through the locks is genuinely spectacular. The Miraflores and Agua Clara visitor centers are well-run and informative. A must-see, even for long-term residents.
Birdwatching — 900+ Species
Panama is one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world, with over 900 recorded species — more than the US and Canada combined. The Pipeline Road near Panama City and Boquete's highlands are world-renowned birding spots. Harpy Eagles, toucans, resplendent quetzals, and hundreds more.
Whale Watching (Jul–Oct)
Humpback whales migrate through Panama's Pacific waters from July to October. Tour operators in the Pearl Islands and Pedasí report near-100% sighting rates during peak season. Dolphins are visible year-round along both coasts.
Diving & Snorkeling
Coiba Island (Pacific) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with world-class shark diving. Bocas del Toro (Caribbean) offers Bastimentos marine park with coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Both sites are among Central America's best dive spots.
Surfing
Playa Venao (Pedasí, Pacific) and Santa Catalina (Veraguas) are Panama's top surf destinations, with consistent beach and point breaks. Bocas del Toro offers Caribbean-side waves popular with beginners and intermediates. Surf season runs May–October on the Pacific.
Pickleball & Paddle
The most popular sport among expats and increasingly popular with Panamanians. Courts exist in dozens of towns across the country — from Boquete and Coronado to Panama City and Chitré. Expat communities often organize regular games, making it an easy way to meet people.
Biomuseo (Panama City)
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this is the most architecturally striking building in Panama. Eight galleries tell the story of how the formation of the Isthmus of Panama transformed global biodiversity. Fascinating for adults and children alike.
Emberá Village Tours
A canoe trip upriver to an Indigenous Darién community: crafts, traditional food on plantain leaves, and temporary natural tattoos. One of Panama's most unique cultural experiences, available as a day tour from Panama City.
Hiking & Ziplining
Barú Volcano (Chiriquí) is Panama's highest peak with a pre-dawn summit hike offering both-ocean views on clear days. Ziplining and canopy tours in Bocas del Toro, Boquete, and El Valle. Jungle and island trails throughout the country.
Coffee Culture (Boquete / Chiriquí)
Panama produces some of the world's most sought-after specialty coffee — Geisha varieties from Boquete regularly break auction records. Farm tours, cupping sessions, and direct purchases from producers are all available in the Chiriquí highlands.
Community Life
Panama's expat communities are active beyond recreation. Residents organize animal spay/neuter clinics, make blankets for newborns in local hospitals, teach English to local children, and participate in a wide range of community service activities. Integration into the local community is a common experience — and one that consistently surprises newcomers.
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