Boasting nearly 1800 miles of coastline, Panama has a fantastic array of top beaches, each one offering a different experience. There’s literally a beach for everyone whether you like surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, swimming in a beachside pool or just lying on the sand in the sunshine. Here are a few of the best beaches in Panama to consider for your tropical adventure. Which one will you have us include in your tailor-made Panama Vacation?
San Blas Islands
Where you go to get away from it all as time stands still.
When you picture the quintessential tropical castaway island, it probably looks something like the San Blas Islands – a tiny bit of sand crowned with swaying palm trees and a few simple thatched huts. You can take a sailing trip through these beautiful remote islands. Your days will be filled with snorkeling, sunbathing, playing volleyball on the sand and meeting the indigenous Kuna people who still maintain many of their traditional ways of daily life. The San Blas Islands are an easy 35-minute flight north of Panama City.
Bocas Del Toro
Panama’s waters sports mecca.
The islands of Bocas del Toro are lined with gorgeous tropical beaches that feature soft sand and coral reefs teeming with underwater life. They offer fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities so that you can see the colorful fish up close. If you get tired of swimming and snorkeling, go island hopping around the spectacular cays. Once you’re back on the mainland, marvel at a beautiful sunset over a cool tropical drink. Or two! Bocas del Toro is in the northwest corner of Panama close to Costa Rica and a short 55-minute flight from Panama City.
Pacific Beaches
All-Inclusive Beach Resorts with miles of wide beaches.
About 90 minutes west of Panama City sits the unpretentious yet increasingly popular beach areas of Playa Farallon and Playa Santa Clara. Previously a small fishing village with a few vacation homes and budget-type hotels, Playa Farallon now boasts the Sheraton Bijao All-Inclusive Beach Resort.To enjoy the days at the best you can also use fly fishing rod as it can make your heart smile.
One of the very best public beach facilities sits on Santa Clara Beach. Here, you can rent a traditional style bohio (hut) to escape the tropical sun as needed. There’s a great restaurant at Santa Clara Beach serving local style Panamanian dishes and ice-cold beer.
Boca Chica
A true tropical paradise!
It’s hard to find a more spectacular tropical paradise than Boca Chica. The area boasts secluded beaches, turquoise blue waters, picturesque islands with pristine white sand beaches and world-class snorkeling, diving and fishing in the Bastimentos National Marine Park. Consider staying at the modern and luxurious Bocas del Mar Boutique Beach Resort offering contemporary-style bungalows at the foot of the glistening blue Pacific Ocean!
Playa Barqueta
Catch a wave or spot a sea turtle in the wild.
There is a scenic, dark sand beach near David that is popular with surfers called Playa Barqueta. It is also popular with wildlife enthusiasts as a great place to watch sea turtles hatching between the months of September and November.
Punta Chame
Get an adrenaline rush with windsurfing.
A popular spot for windsurfers to catch ocean breezes in Punta Chame. Located at the end of a long, thin peninsula, the area gets regular gusts of strong wind. It’s a prime location for windsurfers of all ages and skill levels. The best time to visit is from mid-November to the end of April. The place to stay is Nitro City where you have access to just about any adventure sports activity under the sun.
Isla Coiba National Park
Perfect for a diving and hiking adventure.
Isla Coiba National Park is one of the most famous diving and snorkeling sites in Panama. It’s an adventure just to getting there via a two-hour boat ride across the open Pacific. Nature will reward for your effort with sea turtles and marine life galore!
Isla Coiba protects three kinds of ecosystems –the marine life, the reef and the island. Explore the fine beaches and surrounding dense and wild jungles. You can enjoy many activities including hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, diving and a visit to the infamous penitentiary, dubbed the Alcatraz of Panama.
Pearl Islands
Beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
Only 20-minutes from Panama City by plane, Isla Contadora is home to some of the loveliest beaches in the country. This small island is ringed with scenic stretches of sand surrounded by lush green foliage. Several hours south by boat or a short plane ride is San Jose Island which is home to the Hacienda del Mar Beach Resort and an abundance of wildlife and great beaches.
Isla Iguana
Escape to this unspoiled nature reserve.
Isla Iguana is one of the trendiest destinations in the Azuero Peninsula with its gorgeous, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a wildlife refuge and home to many species including giant lizards, rare birds, purple and red crabs. And of course, it’s also home to the black iguana that gives the island its name. Isla Iguana is known as a snorkeling and diving paradise with some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama. The island can be reached on a 20-minute boat ride from Playa El Arenal in Pedasi.
These are just a few examples of the best beaches in Panama showing an incredible range of choices the Central American destination has to offer. Contact us for more info about Panama or to talk with us about planning your custom travel adventure!
Email: Scott@PanamaTravelConsultants.com
Phone: 1.813.672.9384
