Huge Green Iguanas of Panama

Green Iguana - Iguana iguana

Finally, a scientific name I can remember! Out front of our hotel is an estuary where we highly recommend taking a SUP or kayak to slowly meander through to observe the wildlife. As the nursery of the sea you will see exotic birds, colorful crabs, and an abundance of sea life. It's a peaceful place to spend some time that is, until a huge splash gets your adrenaline going as you frantically look around in search of the source.

That loud splash is an iguana evading your curious glances and camera lens. Primarily an arboreal species, one of their main defenses is their ability to survive a fall from high up in the trees. Once they land on the ground they can book it up to 20 mph! Stop. Drop. and Run! Is their plan and it's impressive.

They are ectothermic reptiles so they rely on their environment to keep them warm. If it's a cool day in the shade though, you could get a lucky shot at one basking in the sun to warm up. Panama is a great place for them to thrive in the warm climate and where they are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Least Concern but in Panama as vulnerable so go ahead and take that shot with your camera only and enjoy their funky, rustic, prehistoric beauty.

Though they are called green iguanas, as they reach maturity, they can be found in various shades of green, brown, and orange. At an impressive length of up to 6'6" (200 cm) and over 20 lbs (9 kg), they make quite a splash or thunk as they hit the deck and swim or scurry off through the water, leaves, and thick jungle. Their skin is tough, claws and teeth are sharp, and their tails are wicked whips! Like geckos, they can detach their tails in case of a predator getting a hold of it and will grow another one.

Morrillo Beach Eco Resort is indeed a safe haven for iguanas and they seem to know it. Guests often spot these prehistoric-looking reptiles basking in the treetops while relaxing in a hammock on their private terrace. Like our local troop of howler monkeys, they sense how safe they are so they choose to stay and model for the photographers among us or those just appreciating the local wildlife.

Young Green Iguana

Our beach is not only protected by law but also by its remote location and limited access. The result is a beach teeming with life, where nature is thriving making it a fascinating place to take a walk and witness this vibrant eco system.

While sea turtles nest on our beach June through December, green iguanas also like to bury their eggs below the surface of the sand. Unlike sea turtles, they take advantage of a wider habitat, burying their eggs in the mangroves, and the loose soils of the jungle during the drier time of year - January through March. This ensures the little hatchlings arrive just in time for the life giving rains to provide lush and vibrant plant life to satiate their herbivorous appetites.

A clutch of eggs is deposited about 10" (25 cm) below the surface about with an average 35 eggs per nest depending on age and size of the female. A green iguana will live on average around 12 years in the wild laying just one clutch of eggs per year.

Have you ever wished you could see behind you? Maybe you can come back as an iguana in your next life! While they cannot see a clear image, on top of their head between their eyes is what some call their third eye - parietal or pineal eye to be more accurate. It can detect light, shadows, and movement helping it to evade overhead predators.

Imagining a lazy day hanging in a hammock on your private terrace scheming the perfect photo of a beautiful iguana? Now you know where to go! Iguanas, monkeys, toucans, butterflies, and frogs, all from the peaceful perch of a cozy hammock. It's time to make that reservation for a cold winter escape to tropical Panama with us. Too busy to do that? Don't worry, with our all-inclusive packages we take care of every detail for you.

With love from Panama,

Cari and Ryan Mackey

Owners & Hosts