The Azuero Peninsula and Veraguas Places

Isla Iguana

With the only white-sand beach on the Azuero Peninsula and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving less than an hour from Pedasí, Isla Iguana is the Azuero Peninsula's top natural attraction. Less than 1 km long, the island is covered with coconut palms and other tropical vegetation and has two beaches: immaculate Playa El Cirial, nearly 250 meters (800 feet) in length, and the tiny Playita del Faro, on the other side of the island's thin middle. The largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama, at nearly 99 acres, surrounds Isla Iguana. The reef is composed of 14 coral species; some colonies are more than 800 years old. More than 200 species of invertebrates and at least 350 fish species, including parrot fish, black- and white-tipped reef sharks, puffer fish, and 16 eel species inhabit the reef. The island itself is inhabited by crabs and black iguanas and has a rookery used by more than 5,000 magnificent frigate birds. Both island and reef are protected within the Reserva de Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana.

Considering Isla Iguana's natural treasures, it's hard to believe that the U.S. Air Force used the island as a bombing range during World War II. Some unexploded bombs were detonated when it became a wildlife refuge. There may be still-unexploded shells buried in the sand, so stick to the trail when crossing the island between beaches. In the middle of the trail is a lighthouse with views of the bomb craters.

The National Environment Authority (ANAM; www.islaiguana.com) charges a $10 admission fee to visit the island; you can camp next to the ANAM station for $10. Fishing is prohibited in the reserve, as is removing anything from the reef or island. For more information, go to the Web site of the nonprofit Fundación Isla Iguana.