My wife and I, along with two other couples, hope to spend a week in Panama sometime in February. We are in our mid 60s and looking for a relaxing vacation focused on beach, natural scenery (including bird-watching) and perhaps a slight bit of snorkeling and fishing. We also very much enjoy the arts - concerts, good theatre, dance, etc. Finally, we will want to take the obligatory tour of the Panama Canal.

What might be the best home base for such a week?

Thanks.

Probably Panama City and the surrounding canal zone. We're going to Panama in February, and from what we read the only thing on your list you couldn't do from PC/the Canal zone would be hanging out at the beach.

Thanks, but the beach is pretty high on our list.

Hmm, maybe split PC + Bocas del Toro.

Westin Playa Bonita might fit your needs or you might prefer to split your time between Panama City and its attractions and the beach at Buenaventura( JWMarriott Resort there).