Beaches in Panama

Panama is the isthmus connecting Central America and South America, and offers access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In fact, because of its snake-like shape, you could feasibly start your day watching the sun rise on the Caribbean, and end, watching it set on Panama’s Pacific. Why choose one ocean, when in Panama, you can experience two? Plus, not only will you find over 3,000 kilometers of coastline along both sides of the mainland, but you can also go island hopping—Panama has over 1,000 stunning islands and cays most of which are uninhabited. That means you’ll find plenty of opportunities for world-renowned surfing, fishing and diving—and not just for the pros. With so many beaches, Panama’s got something for everyone.

Panama’s Pacific coastline offers many beaches, ranging from calm waters to the best surfing destinations where tides change frequently. You’ll find both black sand and pearl-white sand beaches here, as well. Plus, many Pacific-side beaches are an easy day trip from Panama City. Visitors to many of these beaches can expect hot winds, lush vegetation, lots of sun, and if you’re lucky, humpback whales.

For calmer waves and relaxing breezes, head to Panama’s beaches located on the Caribbean side of the country. Here you’ll find some of Panama’s most beautiful islands, like the San Blas Islands and the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, most of which are uninhabited. When you get there, enjoy crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, green palms, and in true Caribbean style, a notably laid-back vibe.

ISLA MAMEY
Isla Mamey is part of the Portobelo district, which is a historic port in the province of Colón and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit the pristine Caribbean island of Isla Mamey, you’ll find palm-lined beaches and warm turquoise water. Make time to visit the other areas of Portobelo, as well, for a glimpse at the area’s rich history and cultural traditions, such as the Festival of the Black Christ.

Take in the natural splendor of the island with a snorkeling or diving excursion, or head to western side of the island for great surfing. You can also make a night of it by camping on the island.

SAN BLAS
Guna Yala is an indigenous territory governed by the Guna indigenous group. The territory consists of a narrow strip of land on the Caribbean side of the country, as well as an archipelago of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by Guna people. The islands in Guna Yala are also known as the San Blas Islands, which are considered a top destination in Panama due to their well-protected natural beauty, as stewarded by the native Guna people.

The Gunas are known for crafting the famous Molas, a traditional textile made from layers of colored fabric crafted to form patterns and pictures inspired by their cosmogenic beliefs. The molas, which recreate the Guna vision of a colorful and mythological world, make incredible, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

A trip to Guna Yala won’t look like any commercial vacation you’ve experienced in the past. Instead, you’ll get to embrace the local customs and cuisine. Keep in mind, there’s no internet access, or credit card payments, and US dollars are the only acceptable form of payment. Expect to lodge in thatched huts without heated water, or go the camping route, by renting tents or hammocks. One of the most popular places to stay, however, is aboard a sailboat. This option will allow you to sail from island to island, rather than just choosing one.

While you’re there, you’ll get to swim in the beautiful crystal clear, turquoise water and learn about Guna culture and traditions. Plan to island hop while in San Blas, and consider stopping at El Porvenir, the capital of GunaYala, Isla Perro, for amazing snorkeling, Playa Chichimei, which is popular amongst backpackers, or take a day trip to other stunning islands like Banedub Island or Robeson Island. When you’re ready for a meal, enjoy the local gastronomy, which includes freshly caught seafood prepared with local spices and ingredients.

ISLA CARENERO
Take a day-trip to Isla Carenero, a small, forested island just 2 minutes by boat from Bocas Town. You can hike the entirety of the island in about an hour, and then hit the beach for beginner-friendly surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or some of the best seafood restaurants in Bocas Del Toro.

ISLA GRANDE
Despite its name, Isla Grande is a small island off of Panama’s Caribbean coast in the province of Colon. The beautiful and peaceful island is home to around 1,000 inhabitants, mostly of African descent. Adding to the relaxed vibe of the island is the fact that there are no roads, only foot paths. Come to enjoy a truly Caribbean atmosphere, as well as local Afro-Caribbean cuisine characterized by flavorful ingredients and spices such as curry, coconut, fresh seafood and local vegetables. You can also expect to find remote beaches surrounded by palm trees, white sand, and turquoise waters.

Plan for a relaxing beach experience when you come to Isla Grande. During certain times of year, you’ll find excellent surfing waves on the northern and western side of the island. Other times, you’ll find an ideal setting for diving, snorkeling and spearfishing on the southern coast. Choose to buy a day pass for the more populated beaches, or venture further out for the chance to have a beach all to yourself.

PEARL ISLANDS
Once a popular tourist destination for the rich and famous, the Pearl Islands have become more accessible for others who want to experience the tremendous natural beauty of the area. The Pearl Islands archipelago consists of over 200 islands and islets—mostly uninhabited—off the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Panama. The largest of the islands is Isla Del Rey, but tourist favorites include Contadora Island, with over 13 beaches, and Isla Saboga. On a trip to the Pearl Islands, you can expect to find beautiful white sand beaches, opportunities for scuba diving and whale watching,
as well as well-preserved nature and marine life.

There are many ways to enjoy the picturesque beaches of the Pearl Islands. Whale watching tours during whale mating season between July and October are popular in the area, as well as windsurfing and paddle boarding. For those who enjoy snorkeling, expect to see massive schools of fish in the crystal clear waters—like, up to 50,000! For a traditional beach day of swimming, restaurant-hopping and lounging, check out the resort area of Cantadora Island with more than 13 beaches and a wide array of hotels, resorts, condos and villas. While there, you can also visit one of the sailing schools to go for a sail, or enjoy premium fishing all year around. Next, head to one of the more remote islands for a different experience. In less-developed Saboga, for example, you can hike jungle trails and interact with the local people that live in the Saboga village.

GOLFO DE CHIRIQUÍ
The Gulf of Chiriquí extends along Panama’s Pacific coast from the Costa Rican border to the Azuero Peninsula. It offers abundant vegetation, charming white-sand islands and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, making it one of the best destinations for big-game fishing, diving and snorkeling. The gulf is also home to one of Central America’s densest mangrove forests, as well as Panama’s largest island, Coiba Island. On your visit, you can tour within the islands and mangrove areas of the National Marine Park. Plus, due to the rich biodiversity of the gulf, you’ll also find lots of conservation projects that research and protect the area.

The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park comprises all of the islands in the gulf, as well as the reefs, mangroves and animal life. This protected area of the country is one of the best sites for birdwatching in Panama. In addition, the gulf is known for being one of the world’s most prolific big game and sport fishing grounds, especially on Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa.

Visit the Gulf of Chiriquí for world-class diving and snorkeling, as well as laid-back beach time on the islands. Isla Parida, Isla Gamez and Isla Bolanos are all charming white-sand islands where you can spend the day. For a private beach and luxury accommodations, choose to visit Isla Secas.

RIVIERA PACÍFICA
If you’re looking for a resort-style beach vacation, complete with white-sand beaches and beautiful blue water, look no further than Panama’s Riviera Pacifica. This fast-paced area comprises a corridor of beaches along the Pacific Coastline, conveniently located just outside of Panama City and easily accessible with a car. At the riviera, you’ll find a variety of hotel options from basic to all inclusive, to higher-end resorts, as well as 5 golf courses. Close to the beautiful nature of Valle de Antón, Riviera Pacifica brings together the natural and urban worlds, in true Panama style.

Stay at one of the area’s all-inclusive resorts in Bijao, Playa Blanca or Buenaventura for luxury accommodations, pool access and wellness activities such as spas and massages on the beach. Go to Chame or El Palmar for surfing and kitesurfing, and visit the beach town of Coronado to find hotels, restaurants, a clinic and other urban facilities. You’ll also find options for golfing, boating, fishing, snorkeling, motorcycling and surfing, as well as fine dining in the area.

VENAO BEACH
The jungle meets the ocean in Playa Venao, a picturesque town located on the Pacific coastline of the Azuero Peninsula. This scenic destination boasts black sand beaches, world-class surfing and a distinct lack of crowds. Playa Venao is relatively undeveloped, which means you’ll get a peaceful, laid back experience. That said, the area is growing thanks to the incredible surf and beaches. You can expect to find a few boutique hotels, surf lodges, some opportunities to camp on the beach, and a few options for restaurants and shopping.

Surfing is the main event in Playa Venao. The south-facing beach is situated perfectly for south swells. But if you’re not into surfing, there’s still plenty for you here. You can go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, stand-up paddle boarding, and whale watching. For land-based activities, you’ve got opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, yoga and eco-spas, or visit the nearby weekly Pedasí market.

TABOGA ISLAND
Isla Taboga, or the Island of Flowers, is a volcanic island characterized by rich tropical plant life, as well as beautiful beaches and soft sand. Located on the Pacific side of the country in the Gulf of Panama, this majestic island is a short 20 kilometers from the capital, making it the best one-day getaway from Panama City.

Take in the beauty of the island by starting your trip with a hike to one of Isla Taboga’s highest points, Cerro Vigia or Cerro de la Cruz. Next, explore the colorful and historic Spanish-founded town, which is also home to the second oldest church in the Western hemisphere. After all that exploration, take a load off at one of the laid-back Taboga Island beaches, or grab a drink at one of the quaint beach bars nearby.

SANTA CATALINA
Once a small fishing village with relatively few visitors, Santa Catalina has become a world-renowned surfing destination for pros and beginners alike. Located on the Pacific coast of the Veraguas province, Santa Catalina is the place to be if you like to surf—or, if you’ve ever wanted to learn. Just keep in mind, the village is still minimally developed, with just a handful of restaurants and accommodations, as well as a grocery store and surfing schools.

Experienced surfers should head to the black sand beaches of Playa Santa Catalina, where you’ll find powerful waves that can surpass nine meters and feature great tubes. Punta Brava is another must-visit for experienced surfers, offering strong breaks and great tubes. Beginners, and those who want to give surfing a try, should head to Playa Estero, where the waves are smaller. You can also hit up one of the area’s surfing schools to rent boards or take lessons. Besides surfing, Santa Catalina is also the departure point for most tours to Coiba National Park.

ISLA BASTIMENTOS
Isla Bastimentos is one of the largest islands in Panama, and provides a laid back alternative to the busy streets and bars found in the center of Bocas Town. Just a ten-minute water taxi ride from Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos is home to many wonderful beaches including the picturesque Wizard Beach, which you can reach by jungle path, as well as coral-ringed Polo Beach, where the water is calm and visitors are few. For one of the best places to snorkel, check out Coral Cay. Red Frog Beach, named after the population of small red frogs that inhabit the nearby forest, is also home to a popular bar where you can grab a beer and spend the day by the beach. Then, on the western tip of the island, between the forest and the sea, you’ll find Old Bank, home to the Afro-Caribbean Guari community.

Also part of Isla Bastimentos are the Cayos Zapatillas—two beautiful uninhabited islands. One of the cayes, Cayo Zapatilla II, is open to visitors, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

ISLA COLON
Isla Colón is the most populated island in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, and home to some of the area’s top destinations for ecological wonder and beach travel. Isla Colón is also where you’ll find the main city and hub of the province: Bocas Town. If you decide to stay on another island in Bocas, you’ll want to come back to this area for ATMs and access to groceries stores.

In Isla Colón you can find Playa Estrella, also known as “Starfish Beach,” a protected eco-tourism destination, where you can also experience the area’s Afro-Caribbean culture and food. (Just remember not to touch the starfish, please.). Next, head to Playa Bluff, for world-class surfing and a chance to learn about the local sea turtle conservation efforts. On the way to Playa Bluff it’s common to stop at Paki Point, a laid-back beach where you can grab a beer. You may also want to visit Playa Tortuga, a beach resort with the largest ocean front pool in the area, or the picture-perfect beaches of Boca del Drago.

ISLA CAÑAS
Isla Cañas is the place where people from all over the world witness a great event: the arrival of sea turtles. Four species visit this island each year bringing with them the gift of life that is deposited on its sands as a treasure.

Let yourself be surprised by the magic of life on Isla Cañas!

PEARL ISLANDS
The archipelago has islands which are a refuge for marine birds of great importance for the marine ecosystem. Possessor of a beautiful paradise, has white sand beaches and waters without waves, ideal to enjoy water sports. There are many activities available for sea lovers such as fishing, snorkeling, whale watching and sea turtles. Come and enjoy the sea without leaving the city of Panama!

PORTOBELO
Portobelo was the most important colonial port in the Panamanian Caribbean and today it is the capital of the Congo culture. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Portobelo received the galleons from Spain and loaded them with the gold and silver of the Americas. The arrival of the richest fleet in the Caribbean made it the commercial hub of the region and the target of enemy nations, pirates and corsairs. Many of them, such as Sir Francis Drake, met their end and are still in this place. The Spanish soldiers are gone, but the culture-rich Congo community remains. Their dances and songs are now Portobelo’s greatest wealth, and the old forts are Portobelo’s greatest stages.

Together with San Lorenzo, Portobelo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

ISLA IGUANA WILDLIFE REFUGE, PEDASÍ
Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge has 40 hectares of reefs that surround the island and protects a colony of approximately 5,000 frigates. Among the activities you can do here are hiking, whale watching (humpback whale), scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching, camping, swimming, picnicking and sport fishing. Come and be captivated by the blue of the sea and its incredible biodiversity!

CAYOS ZAPATILLA
The Zapatilla Keys are part of the 13,226 hectares that make up the Bastimento Island National Marine Park. Its famous crystalline waters and golden sands, make for the bathers the dream place; Ideal for lovers of snorkeling and diving. You can find 8 different species of coral reefs, variety of colored fish, hiking and turtle nesting.

RED FROG BEACH, ISLA BASTIMENTOS
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, the name of this beach is due to the amount of red frogs that can be observed on the way down the path to the beach. In addition to the beach, another attraction is the Canopy, which lovers of extreme experiences can do. On the site you can taste food from various restaurants.

CONTADORA ISLAND IN PEARL ISLANDS
Contadora was blessed with white sand beaches, green and turquoise waters. The most popular ones are Playa Larga, Playa Sueca, Playa Cacique, Ejecutiva and Galeón beach. During the colonial period the biggest pearl in the world was founded called the “Peregrina”. Contadora is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Panama City. There are a lot of activities that you could enjoy such as snorkeling, sailing around the Islands, rent a paddle boarding and windsurfing. It is paradise for diving lovers. It is possible to do a day trip or organize a great weekend with your family or with your partner. The most visited Islands in the archipelago are Saboga, Chapera, Mogo Mogo, Pacheca, Viveros el Rey and San José Island; on these destinations you could make sport fishing and whale watching between the months of July and October.