Sonny Island Resort — Hotel in San Miguel

Review based on a day trip in June with a multi-generational group of 9.

TL;DR: I’d say more of a 4.5, but Google doesn’t do half stars. Recommended day trip from Panama to enjoy the beaches. Long day but worth the memories. After this day trip, would consider an overnight stay.

WHAT TO EXPECT Transportation: Catamaran ferry leaves promptly at 7:30. Ride was smooth with few waves and warmer waters. Typically I get seasick and I was fine. It took 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Sonny Islands with a stop at Contadora Island. In speaking with Sonny Island staff, it usually is about 2 so I don’t know why this trip took a while. At Sonny Island, you get into a smaller boat to transfer to the beach. Would be difficult for anyone with mobility concerns. Trip back was direct to the city.

Beach and Water: Nice big beach with beautiful vistas. Lounge chairs at tree line blocked the sun until we left in the afternoon when it got hot. Walk along the beach to explore and find the cave at the end. Water was clear and blue.

Staff: Very friendly and helpful as you needed them to be.

Food: Breakfast was typical pastries, fruit, coffee and tea. Complementary iced tea and water all day. Lunch was a choice of fish filet, chicken breast or whole snapper, with a side of rice and salad. Lunch was plentiful and flavorful and wait staff was courteous. Bar drinks were all fresh and delish. Open a tab and close at the end of your day.

Amenities and activities: Soccer, football, volleyball and cornhole all available to use. Snorkel masks offered but they ask for your ID for collateral. Paddle boards and kayaks were available for $20 an hour. Shower available to wash up before you leave. Bathrooms are eco-friendly types. Free wifi on island. Hammocks and huts you see in reviews are only for overnight guests.

WHAT TO PACK Towels for beach and if you want one for shower; refillable water bottle; sunscreen; sunscreen; bugspray (bothered some and not others); book/snacks/treats if you need them

PROS AND CONS Con: Long boat ride to and from. Gave us only 5 hours at the beach. Maybe investigate other island options that are a tad closer to the city. If it is raining, this is not the activity to do.

Pro: if you’re staying in Panama City and want a day trip to a beautiful beach where everything is taken care of for you, I’d recommend this. Trips to the Interior could be met with traffic and at least the boat ride is...

While a beautiful location, this was not the day trip ai expected. Sonny Island Resort has an eco-friendly system complete with solar power, water and cabanas. It's a long local, crowded, ferry ride. There is major miscommunication between the staff and tour operators so I ended up being charged a little more than expected as the trip was supposed to include transport, food, snacks, beverages, activities, etc. Was charged for fruit and a beverage additionallt. There are no activities like one expects at a resort. You basically entertain yourself...the beach is very clean with blue waters especially on the side opposite of entry. The staff are polite but do not engage for entertainment or anything else. To be honest, this was a wasted day on my trip to Panama. I recommend trying the Caribbean Island tours on the other side of Panama if you have time. The plus with Sonny Island is the food is fresh and tastes good. Do note this an extremely remote island without accessability...

The first time I visited Sonny’s Island was amazing. It’s an incredible location. So incredible that I immediately reserved a second trip via their website to return by myself. This afternoon, the day before my arrival, I received a call and an email requesting more money for the reserved room. I was told that due to an error in the system, they charged me a lower rate and that I needed to pay 50% more in order for my reservation to be valid. I am appalled- if your website charges a lower price, that price should be honored. The person who called was unwilling to accept the mistake, and insisted that I needed to pay more in order to travel tomorrow, blaming the glitch in the system on the fact I was a solo traveler. I have requested a refund and will no longer recommend the hotel. It’s a shame. I hope that they treat their clients better...