The leatherback turtle is one of the most extraordinary creatures on Earth. Ancient, massive, and gentle, these giants of the sea can weigh up to 700 kg (1,500 lbs) and grow over 2 meters long, making them the largest sea turtles in the world. They have existed for more than 100 million years, swimming our oceans since the time of the dinosaurs.
And one of the best places on the planet to witness leatherback turtles nesting is a place very few travelers ever reach: Armila, a remote indigenous village in the eastern San Blas Islands, right on the border between Panama and Colombia.
With San Blas Adventures, this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter can be combined with our legendary boat trips between Panama and Colombia through the San Blas Islands—turning your journey into something far more meaningful than just a border crossing.
Armila: One of Panama’s Most Important Leatherback Turtle Nesting Sites
Tucked between the dense jungle of the Darién Gap and the Caribbean Sea, Armila is a small Kuna village with global ecological importance. Its untouched beach is one of the most critical nesting sites for leatherback turtles in Panama, attracting thousands of females each year.
This is not a tourist town.
No resorts. No roads. No cars.
Armila is accessible only by boat or plane, and life here moves at the rhythm of nature. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, raw beauty, and wildlife encounters that truly matter, Armila is unmatched.
Travel With Purpose: Leatherback Conservation in Armila
Leatherback turtles play a vital role in ocean health, helping control jellyfish populations and maintaining balance in marine ecosystems. Sadly, they are also one of the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, threatened by pollution, climate change, and poaching.
In Armila, conservation is not a project—it’s a community mission.
The local Kuna community has created a turtle sanctuary and protection program, including:
- Nightly beach patrols to protect nesting females
- A guarded turtle hatchery to protect eggs
- Turtle-friendly lighting to guide hatchlings safely to the sea
- Beach clean-ups to reduce plastic pollution
Thanks to these efforts, leatherback survival rates here have significantly improved, and the site is officially recognized as a protected area by the Panamanian government.
A Step Back in Time: Life in a Traditional Kuna Village
Armila offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: a glimpse into a world untouched by mass tourism.
The Kuna people have lived here for generations, preserving:
- Traditional bamboo and thatch homes
- Daily fishing and small-scale agriculture
- Community decision-making through the Congreso
- Traditional clothing, including the iconic mola textiles
Visitors don’t just observe—they connect. You’ll learn about Kuna customs, music, food, and ceremonies, and experience a way of life deeply rooted in respect for nature.
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Turtles in Kuna Culture
Turtles are deeply embedded in Kuna beliefs and traditions.
In the Kuna calendar, May is known as “Yauk Nii” – the Month of the Turtles. Traditionally, harming a turtle was believed to bring spiritual punishment from Bab Dummad, the creator of the world.
While these beliefs have faded over time, education and conservation efforts—like those in Armila—are helping revive respect for these sacred animals. You’ll even spot turtles represented in Kuna molas, symbolizing protection, longevity, and balance.
When Can You See Leatherback Turtles in Armila?
- Nesting season: April to June
- Hatching & Festival de las Tortugas: August
During this period, guests can witness:
- Massive leatherback turtles coming ashore at night
- Egg-laying and nesting behavior
- Hatchlings making their first journey to the sea
- Traditional celebrations during the Festival de las Tortugas
Combine This Experience with Your San Blas Adventure
With San Blas Adventures, you can extend your Panama–Colombia or Colombia–Panama trip to include Armila and its leatherback turtle sanctuary.
This means:
- Traveling through the entire San Blas archipelago
- Avoiding long, rough open-ocean crossings
- Spending most of your time on islands, not at sea
- Supporting local indigenous communities directly
- Experiencing one of the rarest wildlife encounters in Central America
You can also explore rivers by traditional dugout canoe, hike into the jungle, and fully immerse yourself in Kuna culture.
Why This Experience Is Truly Special
Seeing leatherback turtles in Armila is not a zoo experience.
It’s not staged.
It’s not guaranteed every night.
And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
You are witnessing nature as it has existed for millions of years—while actively supporting the people who protect it.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, meaningful travel, and a story you’ll carry for life, Armila with San Blas Adventures is one of the most unforgettable journeys you can take.
Fascinating Leatherback Turtle Facts
- The largest turtle species on Earth
- Can reach 998 kg (2,200 lbs)
- No hard shell—only a flexible, leather-like skin
- Can dive nearly 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) deep
- Can stay underwater up to 85 minutes
- Swim over 10,000 miles per year
- Have existed since the age of dinosaurs
🌴 Travel deeper. Travel responsibly.
🌊 Support conservation while crossing between Panama and Colombia.
🐢 Experience leatherback turtles with San Blas Adventures.
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