Plizio Visual Lab

Veraguas Fishing Industry

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The fishing industry in Veraguas Province and along Panama's coastlines is a traditional yet economically vital sector. Thanks to its access to two oceans, Panama possesses abundant marine resources, and Veraguas is uniquely positioned as the only province with coasts on both the Atlantic and Pacific. The Port of Vacamonte serves as the primary hub for industrial fishing, where fleets land shrimp, tuna, and various fish species destined for international markets. The industry exports a significant portion of its products to the United States and Europe, generating crucial foreign exchange for the national economy. Alongside the industrial fleet, artisanal fishing remains essential for food security and the local economies of coastal communities. In recent years, aquaculture has seen significant growth, particularly in the farming of tilapia and shrimp within controlled environments.

Location: Panama
Nearby: Chame / Punta Chame (13 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	26	26	27	28	28	28	28	28	27	27	28
Rain mm	51	12	22	151	415	465	447	402	416	393	378	201

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Veraguas Fishing Industry is a center of commercial fishing on Panama's Pacific coast, supplying national and international markets with fish and seafood. It is an important economic factor for the province of Veraguas and secures thousands of jobs.

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Visiting

Fishing ports and processing plants are usually not open to the public, but the quays and fish markets in coastal towns are generally freely accessible. Early morning, one can observe the landing of catches and the bustling trade.

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Where to view it

An excellent viewpoint is the pier of Puerto Mutis harbor, from where the fishing boats and processing halls are clearly visible. From the coastal road south of Santiago, one has a wide view over the bays with fish farms.

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Local products

In the region, mainly tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and lobster are caught and processed. On local markets, one finds fresh and dried fish, as well as traditional preparations like ceviche and fried fish dishes.

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Active season

The main fishing season is in the dry season from December to April, when sea conditions are calmer and fish stocks are richer. The harbor is busiest in the early morning hours when the boats return.

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Nearby

A visit to the fishing industry can be excellently combined with a stay at nearby beaches like Santa Catalina or Mariato. Cerro Hoya National Park and traditional villages in the interior of Veraguas also offer worthwhile destinations.