Plizio Visual Lab

Port of Vacamonte

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Port

Weather…

The Port of Vacamonte, located in the Panama Oeste province, is the most significant hub for the country's fishing industry. Inaugurated in 1979, it was specifically designed to support the industrial fishing fleet and seafood processing operations. Vacamonte serves as the primary port for the export of shrimp and tuna, two of Panama's most vital non-canal exports. The infrastructure includes specialized wharves for offloading, ice-making plants for catch preservation, and numerous processing facilities where goods are packaged for global markets. Approximately 95% of Panamanian shrimp exports pass through this port, highlighting its immense economic relevance. Beyond fishing, the port features ship maintenance and repair services in dry docks. Its strategic Pacific location provides easy access to the bountiful fishing grounds of the Gulf of Panama and bolsters the socioeconomic development of the Arraiján district by providing thousands of jobs.

Location: Panama
Nearby: Juan Demóstenes Arosemena (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	20	9	18	107	245	253	204	220	245	260	248	108

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Port of Vacamonte is an important fishing port in Panama, supporting the national fishing fleet and fish processing industry. It serves as a central transshipment point for catches from the Pacific.

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Visiting

The port is an active fishing port, and public access is typically limited to the docks and surrounding area. From the nearby beach or road, one can observe the fishing boats and activity.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the pier at the end of the access road, from where one can see fishing boats coming and going. The beach at Playa de Vacamonte also provides a good view of port activity.

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Local products

Fresh fish and seafood such as shrimp and lobster are sold directly at the docks or in nearby markets. Dried fish and local fish preserves are typical products from the region.

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Active season

The port is active year-round, with the main fishing season for certain species from December to April. Early morning hours are busiest, as fishing boats return and unload their catches.

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Nearby

A port visit can be combined with a trip to Vacamonte beach, inviting swimming and sunbathing. The nearby Coiba National Park is accessible by boat and has pristine nature.