THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 253

cove of translucent water barely covering coral formations inhabited by a rainbow of reef
fish, making it a superb spot for swimming and snorkelling .
Playita del Faro
From Playa El Cirial, a 200m path across the island through iguana-favoured scrub takes you
to Playita del Faro . Strong offshore currents mean swimming and snorkelling are sometimes
prohibited here, but at low tide rock pools offer plenty to explore. The basalt outcrop to the
left as you reach the beach provides a vantage point for one of the island's main attractions:
Panama's largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds , estimated to be around five thousand.
January to April offer the best chance of seeing males puffing out their extraordinary inflat-
able scarlet pouches, yet nesting goes on all year.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: ISLA IGUANA
On a tour Dive 'N' Fish arranges snorkelling and diving trips to the island. Some Pedasí ho-
tels and private guides also organize excursions here.
By taxi and boat Most Pedasí lodgings should be able to provide you with contact details of
a fisherman with a boat at Playa Arenal - the nearest beach to the island, 3km from Pedasi
- and a taxi driver to get there ($2.50 one way). There are no buses. Arrange a pick-up time
with the taxi. An average price is $60-70 for a small boat for a half-day trip; the crossing can
take upwards of 40min depending on conditions.
INFORMATION
Tourist information A useful website (in Spanish) for pre-trip information is islai-

guana.com .
ANAM office The ANAM office in Pedasí (Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm; no phone) can, in the-
ory, provide further information about visiting the island though the office is often closed.
Money The last bank until Tonosí has an ATM and is on the main road into town.
ACCOMMODATION
Camping There are only rudimentary camping facilities in the form of a latrine and a rancho
to pitch the tent under. Collected rainwater provides the only water for showering, and elec-
tricity is al so lacking. You'll need to bring drinking water as well as food and a camping stove
with you. $10 /person
The surfing beaches
The southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula offers desolate beauty: kilometres of smooth
dark sands punctuated by rocky outcrops and pounded by surf, with a few (foreign-owned)
intimate lodgings spaced along the coast, ranging from an informal surf camp to one of the
top boutique hotels in the country. Although not as renowned as Santa Catalina, these beaches
- all within striking distance of Pedasí - offer excellent surfing, with some waves reaching