Punta Culebra Nature Center

This outdoor museum is located on an island at the end of the Amador Causeway, a four-mile-long road on a strip of land made from soil and rock that was extracted during the construction of the Panama Canal. At Punta Culebra Nature Center, a total of 3.7 acres (1.5 hectares) are dedicated to the study of marine biodiversity and the great natural wealth found in the area.
The Smithsonian Foundation of Panama has a space here dedicated to marine science and education, as well as to the conservation of coastal environments. Visitors can learn about marine life in Panama and other regions of Central and South America through science exhibitions, movies and art exhibits. There is also a turtle tank and an aquarium comparing the marine life in the Pacific to that of the Caribbean. The touching pool provides the opportunity to come into close contact with starfish, stingrays, sea urchins and octopuses.
Outdoor paths wind through a dry tropical forest with birds and iguanas, and from the observation deck, visitors can appreciate the scenic views of the Panama Canal.

Practical Info

Located on the Amador Causeway, the Punta Culebra Nature Center is a 15-minute drive from the center of Panama City. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A voluntary contribution of $3 is requested for admission.