Beaches in Panama
Panama is known for its diverse coastlines, boasting stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides. These beaches cater to a range of activities, offering leisure, adventure, and unparalleled natural beauty. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best beaches Panama has to offer.
We have written an article about our recommendation for best beaches in Panama here.
Beaches near Panama City
Playa Bonita
- Location: 30 minutes by car from Panama City Center
- Features: Offers views of the Pacific Ocean with several upscale resorts, including The Westin Playa Bonita. The beach is rocky but situated in a calm part of the ocean with views of Taboga Island.
- Activities: Relaxation, beach resorts
Playa Veracruz
- Location: 30 minutes from Panama City
- Features: Known for its local seafood restaurants and water activities
- Activities: Kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding. Restaurants like Sunset Veracruz, Rush Veracruz, and Loco Restaurant offer excellent seafood.
Playa Blanca
- Location: Farther from the city, on the Pacific coast
- Features: Famous for its white sands and clear waters
- Activities: Water sports, relaxation
Santa Clara Beach
- Location: Pacific Coast
- Features: Offers a rustic environment with beautiful sands
- Activities: Less commercialized, ideal for a tranquil escape
Isla Taboga
- Location: 20 km from Panama City
- Features: Tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and soft sands.
- Activities: Day trips via ferry services like Taboga Express, snorkeling, island exploration
Isla Contadora
- Location: Part of the Pearl Islands, accessible by flight or ferry
- Features: Luxurious accommodations and excellent snorkeling
- Activities: High-end resorts, snorkeling, dining at restaurants like Casa Tortuga, Pimienta y Sal, and Restaurante Gerald’s
Beaches near Colón
Playa La Angosta
- Location: Near Colón
- Features: Less crowded, peaceful retreat
- Activities: Swimming, relaxation
Playa Chagres
- Location: Near Fort San Lorenzo
- Features: Surrounded by tropical forest and historical significance
- Activities: Scenic views, history exploration
Isla Grande
- Location: Just off the coast of Colón
- Features: Clear blue waters and a laid-back atmosphere
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, relaxation
Playa Maria Chiquita
- Location: Near Colón
- Features: Distinctive black sand and calm waters
- Activities: Sunbathing, swimming
Playa Palenque
- Location: Further from Colón
- Features: Quiet spot with beautiful sands
- Activities: Day trips, relaxation
Best Beaches in Panama
Santa Catalina
- Location: Pacific coast
- Features: Known for excellent surfing opportunities
- Activities: Surfing, relaxing in a rugged, natural atmosphere
Playa Venao
- Location: Southwest coast of the Azuero Peninsula
- Features: Black sand beaches and world-class surfing waves
- Activities: Surfing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, whale watching, hiking, horseback riding, yoga, and attending the weekly Pedasí market.
Bocas del Toro
- Location: Caribbean coast
- Features: Rich Afro-Caribbean culture and perfect waves
- Activities: Beach activities across Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, and Isla Bastimentos
San Blas Islands
- Location: Northwest Panama, Caribbean Sea
- Features: Consists of 365 islands, mostly inhabited by the Guna indigenous group
- Activities: Relaxing on pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Conclusion
Panama offers a diverse range of beaches, each with unique characteristics and activities. From the luxurious Isla Contadora to the culturally rich Bocas del Toro, Panama’s coastlines cater to all kinds of beach lovers. Whether you are closer to Panama City or Colón, you’ll find an array of options to enjoy sun, sand, and sea.
References
- The Westin Playa Bonita
- Playa Blanca Residences
- Panama Travel – Playa Veracruz
- Tourism Panama – Isla de Taboga
- TripAdvisor – Contadora Island
- Tourism Panama – Bocas del Toro
This article ensures a well-rounded overview of Panama’s beaches, catering to anyone looking for the perfect seaside destination.
