Panama is a country that lies between two continents and two oceans with a rich culture and an amazing history.
It is among the most beautiful countries in Latin America, and its coastline adds to this beauty with breathtaking beaches.
The climate is amazing with summer being the predominant season all year round with some bit of rainfall in other months.
As a tourist destination, it has some of the best-kept secrets for beach lovers looking for tranquility, peace, and relaxation.
From Panama City to David, this nation’s beauty can be found virtually everywhere. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds with your family, friends or colleagues.
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Best Beaches in Panama MAP
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Santa Catalina
The name may sound familiar because of the Catalina Islands in Los Angeles, California, but don’t worry, these are two different places. Santa Catalina is a small and mellow fishing village situated outside Panamanian surfers.
The south side of the main road has a beautiful area of beaches and a lovely little town with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Surfers will find some great waves, including perennial favorites Caballito and El Tamarindo. You can also enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding.
Why do we recommend this beach?
It is excellent for getaway fishing and perfect for surfers and backpackers out there. Moreover, the area is not crowded; it’s peaceful and quiet, so you can go to the beach and enjoy yourself without any worries. This beach is also budget-friendly.
Playa Bluff
Playa Bluff is one of Panama’s best-kept secrets. It’s situated on Isla Colón and is known for its consistent and large waves. Therefore, it’s an excellent option for surfers and boogie boarders.
Not into surfing? The waters there are still swimmable if the wind is not strong plus the three-mile-long stretch of golden sand surrounded by palm trees is just perfect to lay down and unwind.
Getting there might be a bit tricky as the road to Playa Bluff is dirt and often bumpy. However, there is a good chance of spotting sloths and monkeys swinging in the trees on the way there.
Also, don’t forget to bring your food and drinks. There are not many restaurants or shops around this beach.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Playa Bluff boasts fantastic surfing conditions. Yet, it’s very quiet so you will always find a spot to settle there.
Playa Coronado
Set just an hour and a half from Panama City, the location of Coronado Beach is the main draw. It’s especially popular among the residents of the city who escape there for the weekends, as well as ex-pats who want to stay by the ocean and yet close to the metropolis.
The coastline is lined with vacation homes, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, while plenty of shops and restaurants can be found in downtown Coronado.
The waters of this black and white sand beach are usually calm, and therefore perfect for swimming or kayaking. Other activities beachgoers can engage in are horseback riding, frisbee, and jet-skiing. Surfers will appreciate the proximity to El Palmar, which is an amazing surfing spot.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Another great thing about Corona Beach is the abundance of facilities there. You will find everything in the town center, from a 24-hour supermarket, a medical center, and pharmacies to an art gallery. There are also plenty of nice travel destinations nearby.
The San Blas Archipelago
This archipelago of islands is located in the Caribbean Sea, east of Panama, and it is known for snorkeling. The San Blas Islands have been an extremely remote, undeveloped, unspoiled destination that has remained a mystery. The indigenous Guna people are descendants of the Kunas who live on these islands.
Europeans first arrived at the San Blas Islands back in 1503 but little did they know, it would take more than 400 years before anyone else set foot on these islands again. Back then, they were known as “Islas de Escudo” and only later renamed after their indigenous inhabitants. Today, foreign travelers are allowed to visit these islands and experience local life with a Guna family.
The San Blas beach dazzles with its power and beauty. Don’t be afraid of its vastness; enjoy the fascinating color of its waters and its white sands. The San Blas archipelago is one of the best-kept natural secrets globally, a paradise of turquoise seas and white beaches that no tourist has ever visited.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The San Blas Islands are one of the best places in Panama to go snorkeling. In addition to having some of the best beaches in Panama for snorkeling, you can also enjoy day and night cruises, fishing, and tours with Guna families.
These tours are fascinating to visitors that have never seen the Guna people before. The San Blas Islands are located on the Panamanian Highway 1, near Gamboa (also called El Chorrillo), and they can be easily reached by bus or boat from most major cities in Panama.
Cayos Zapatilla, Bocas del Toro
The Cayos Zapatillas or Zapatilla Keyes is a group of islets located in the Caribbean Sea, off mainland Panama in the Bocas del Toro Province. They are a top-rated destination for backpackers and budget travelers who want to explore the area by boat or kayak. This is the best beach to take photos of at Bocas del Toro.
Unlike the beautiful beaches on the islands, the Cayos Zapatilla has a very rocky and rough coastline. However, it has earned a reputation as one of Panama’s most beautiful beaches because of its water and immaculate white sand. The water here is calm and inviting for swimming and snorkeling, with large schools of brightly colored fish that make this place stunning.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The Zapatilla Islands are an ocean area to be highly recommended because of its deep blue-green marine waters and white sand beaches. The San Blas archipelago is also a top-rated destination for backpackers who want to go scuba diving or love the calm, clear waters and beautiful scenery. Therefore, if you plan to go to Bocas del Toro as a tourist, make sure you also check out these two areas.
Starfish Beach, Bocas del Toro
The beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, with white dunes and rustic beach-style cabanas. It is a great place to swim, snorkel and make friends with the local fish and manatees. Starfish Beach is a wide-open beach with many people walking on it or running along its shoreline.
The beach sits directly on the Indian River, emptying into Bocas Bay. It makes for one of the best places to go to relax and take in some sun. It is located near the Boca del Drago beach on the main island of Isla Colon. It is a great place to go if you want to do some hiking as there are over 100 steps up the island. It is perfect for swimming and admiring sea stars as its waters are shallow and translucent.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The beach is located in the Bocas del Toro, a sub-district of Panama City, and it’s one of the most beautiful, laid-back places to visit. There are no lights on the shore, plenty of mangroves, a fresh sea breeze, and a calming marine atmosphere. It has palm trees that provide more contrast in color and the required shade. It’s an ideal place to go if you want to see some wildlife in its natural habitat, as Starfish is home to over 1,000 manatees.
To reach the mangroves, you can either use the floating chairs, ride a kayak or use the water bikes which add to the fun and thrill of visiting this beach. The journey only takes about an hour.
Playa Venao, Azuero Peninsula
Playa Venao is located off the main highway in the eastern end of Panama City with easy access to the beaches of Talamanca Park and other attractions,15 minutes from Puerto Angel. With seven kilometers of golden sand beach, an abundance of campsites with clean water, and ample seafood restaurants, this beach is a popular choice for tourists who come down to Panama City to visit the islands.
Venao is also an excellent place to watch dolphins, snorkel, and hike because all of this can be done right from one location.
It is regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in Panama. This is the best beach to make friends with the monkeys in abundance on the beach are very curious about humans. It has backpacker lodges, luxury hotels on the beach, and cheap places in Pedasi town for accommodation purposes.
The journey between Playa Venao and Pedasi is approximately 34 km with options to either travel by car or by bus.
Why do we recommend this beach?
- It is situated in a great location.
- It has beautiful white sand.
- The beach is children-friendly and safe.
- The beach stretches about 18 KM long hence more room to enjoy yourself with no crowding.
Red Frog Beach
If you have not been to Panama City or need a break from all the hustle and bustle, this little village is just the place for you! It is a sleepy little town with a beautiful beach, untouched by modern civilization. The largest islet on which Red Frog lies is shaped like a giant frog, hence its name.
It was first built in 1877 by Irish settlers; a hurricane eventually destroyed it in 1905. It was rebuilt again in 1957 by Manuel Freyre Ferrer, who had it rebuilt mainly because of its connection to his dear late mother. This beach is famous, but it does not feel crowded, even though you can find many people walking around.
Red Frog Beach is also a great place to watch monkeys, parrots, and other wildlife. The sandy beach of Red Frog is one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, with white sand and gentle waves. It’s an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling, too, as it has many sea turtles, rays, eels, sea horses, and countless types of fish. The best time to go to this beach is between May-October as it receives the least amount of tourist trips due to its remoteness.
Why do we recommend this beach?
- The beach is a hidden gem.
- Many people visit the island to swim and snorkel, making the beaches full of life because of its clear waters.
- The sunset from the beach is breathtaking.
- The sea is clean and has a protective barrier, thus making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- There is a lovely walk down to the beach, passing by the pretty little cottages on stilts.
Punta Chame
Punta Chame is not only a beautiful beach but a lovely trip, with secluded areas bordering crab farms and mangroves that are great for photos. Most visitors come to Punta Chame for windsurfing.
The area is regularly hit by strong gusts of wind, making it a prime spot for the sport.
Standing on the soft sand and looking across the water to the mountains makes you think this is arguably the most beautiful beach in Panama.
Young children and non-swimmers can have fun in the warm, shallow water, and parents can simply lounge on the beach.
The beaches wrap around a small headland, yet practically all the action happens in a single area. During the windy season from December to April, this area is a kitesurfer’s dream.
This hidden treasure is primarily a day trip destination and is about 1.5 hours from Panama City.
You can find budget hotels, hostels, and mid-range homes close to the beach, as well as a few lovely little resorts that line the ocean.
The offerings are sparse and include only a few accommodations and their associated restaurants. In the town of Chame, near the Inter-American Highway, there is a bank and an ATM. and a few basic grocery stores.
Why do we recommend this beach?
This is the best beach in Panama for kitesurfing. Adults and older children who want a little more activity might take some kiteboarding courses to master the fundamentals of this exhilarating sport. Lessons are available from a few respected schools.
Isla Coiba in Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is a must for anyone visiting Santa Catalina. Even if you do not dive or snorkel, check out the well-preserved national park, designated a World Heritage Site in 2005 ( UNESCO ).
The boat ride on the Coiba Express takes about 90 minutes, and if you are lucky, you may see a pod of dolphins following you for a short time.
Enjoy an uninhabited forest island with beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife.
The main beach is a beautiful crescent of sand, with a small island in the distance. All other beaches are clean, empty, and only a short distance away.
Bring water, sunscreen, mats, and hats. Finding shade might be difficult at times.
Coiba National Park is a 20-minute plane ride from Panama City to Santiago or a five-hour drive (245 kilometers). Upon arrival in Santiago, take the 25-kilometer trip to Puerto Mutis to reach the island by water.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches in Panama, this is the list to choose from. Panama beaches are getting more and more popular with tourists and backpackers year after year because of their crystalline waters, white sand, palm trees, and tranquility. Many have been described as the best beach in Central America.
Regardless of which beach you choose from the list above, it’s guaranteed that your vacation will be 100% enjoyable. Many backpackers love this place, and they are never bored of it. Whether you choose one of the beautiful beaches in Panama or you prefer to go to the islands, it doesn’t matter because this country has something for everyone. It’s also an excellent place for tourists who want to enjoy different activities such as swimming, fishing, diving, surfing, and much more.
Are you planning a trip to Central America? Ensure you visit these beaches when you get to Panama. We hope you enjoy it!