Isla Grande — Local services in Isla Grande

Hiking to Isla Grande's Old French Lighthouse

If you want a different adventure in Isla Grande, check out a quick hike to the old French Lighthouse. Just a few meters shy of the entrance to the quaint Sister Moon Hotel, an unassuming path guides you upward.

This path, shrouded in lush greenery, guides you to the summit in approximately 10 minutes. Standing 55 meters above sea level, the lighthouse emerges from the foliage, an abandoned relic of the past with a weathered patina. The open door at its base invites you into an ascent, 112 narrow, spiraling steps await those who dare to climb, a journey not for the faint-hearted or the claustrophobic.

Be careful when going up the cement path as it might be slippery in the rainy season, fortunately you can hold onto the guard rails going up and down.

Atop this architectural marvel, a modest platform encircles the lighthouse, offering an unparalleled panoramic view. The island’s verdant landscape, the tranquil Caribbean waters, and neighboring villages of—La Guayra, Juan Gallego can be seen in the distance, and the islands of Linton, Cabra, and Tambor—stretch out before you. Here, where the sea breeze dances with the leaves, time seems to stand still, offering a moment of profound serenity and breathtaking beauty.

Be mindful when taking selfies or scenery shots from the Top of the Lighthouse as there can be wind, advise is to always hold onto the railing.

Constructed by the French in 1893 (lore says that the design was made by Gustav Eiffel himself), this 30-meter steel lighthouse began its service on May 1, 1897. Its beacon, once powered by kerosene and manually rotated, guided ships that passed trough this waters.

For those who seek both history and adventure, the Isla Grande lighthouse is an unforgettable destination. As you stand upon this elevated perch, the island’s stories and vistas unfold in a mesmerizing tableau, a true treasure of...

Isla Grande, you are a bit of a dilemma to review…. On the one hand you are a simple minded tropical paradise, without any thrills and pretentiousness. On the other side you are a polluted and neglected eye sore. Most people on the island are rather nice, some could not care less about visitors. If you are looking for a part, come on the weekends- otherwise the island is sleepy. Park the car on the other side and take a 5min boat ride for $3 one way. Accommodation on the island is very simple. The best food is at PUPI, the rasta beach shack. Bring some good rum and PUPI will be your best friend. The adjunct hotel, run by a Spaniard might be your best option. At night all garbage is burned and it smells!!!! There is garbage and abandoned houses everywhere, yet the island is still very charming. I would go back, for sure. Also, almost NO mosquitoes here. A huge upside. The island is mainly used for weekend day tourism from Panama City. Unfortunately most of Panama has a real garbage problem- unlike other countries in the area there is ZERO environmental awareness. Just not part of the...

The Island itself was very nice and quiet. The water was gorgeous. However the experience was horrible. We overpaid for a boat trip there and return. We paid to park in the parking lot, which we also overpaid for. Upon our departure we had several men demanding we give them more money for the boat that we already had overpaid for. They actually stood behind our car not allowing us to leave. Fortunately our driver was bold enough to just back up and they eventually moved. If my husband and I were alone, we would have most definitely intimidated into giving them more money. It was very scary and although the island was beautiful, I would strongly suggest...