Where are the nicest beaches in Panama?
Combined, Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines stretch for over 1,786 miles (2,857 km). There are good beaches on both sides of the isthmus, but we’ve boiled down some of the best and put them into the following list.
Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro: This island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago has the region’s nicest beaches, including Wizard Beach and Red Frog Beach. These golden-sand beaches are wide and backed by dense jungle. They also have decent snorkeling opportunities offshore.
Gulf of Chiriquí: The islands within the Gulf of Chiriquí are home to a wide range of stunning, uncrowded beaches. Some of the best are remote and take some effort to get to (i.e. 45-minute boat rides), but you’ll be rewarded with a scattering of small, lovely beaches lined by coconut palms.
Las Perlas Archipelago: This group of islands is a quick flight from Panama City. The islands offer travelers isolated white-sand beaches with excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions. The most developed island in the group, Contadora Island, has several beaches to choose from.
Playa Los Destiladeros, Playa Venado and Playa Cambutal, Azuero Peninsula: These beaches, which line the southern shores of the Azuero Peninsula, are the best and most accessible in region. Playa Destiladeros is wide and has brown sand, while Playa Venado and Playa Cambutal are surf-havens that are beginning to attract more widespread attention.
Isla Coiba: The centerpiece of a national park bearing the same name, Isla Coiba is massive and has a good scattering of deserted, white-sand beaches. It’s also the country’s best dive site.
Playa Farallón: This beach along the central Pacific coastline is one of Panama’s hottest new beach destinations. Sometimes referred to as Playa Blanca, this beach is wide, attractive and within two hours of Panama City. Those interested in upscale beach vacations can hit up the Decameron Resort, which lines a section of the shore.
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Panama City
Panama City is a hub in every sense of the word. Located in the Gulf of Panama along the Pacific Coast, Panama City sits in the heart of the country and serves as the main artery through which the rest of Panama receives its visitors, commerce, and culture.
Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí (Golfo de Chiriquí) lies along Panama’s Pacific coast and extends from the border with Costa Rica on the west to the Azuero Peninsula on the east. The region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, one of Central America’s richest mangrove forests, and the largest island in Panama. It has attractive beaches, remote islands, and two huge marine parks. And its surfing, diving, and sport fishing are first-rate.
Gulf and Canal Zone
Geographically one of the smallest areas in Panama, the Gulf of Panama and Canal Zone pack in some of the country’s most storied settings, including Panama City and the Panama Canal. These areas are must-sees for visitors to the country, as they combine the old with the new and offer up the most cosmopolitan commodities the country has to offer.
Isla Bastimentos
Located in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Isla Bastimentos is a sprawling 52 km island that is only a ten-minute boat ride from Isla Colón. The highlights of Isla Bastimentos are vast, ranging from the world-class snorkeling opportunities in Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos to the chilled-out beaches on the north side of the island.
Isla Contadora
Located 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama, Isla Contadora is the most developed place in the Pearl Islands. This accessible island has lucrative real estate, luxury accommodations and world-class beaches.
Playa Cambutal
Playa Cambutal is a laid-back beach town on the southern Azuero Peninsula. It’s most popular with surfers and deep-sea anglers, but its attractive coastline will appeal to most everyone.
Playa Destiladeros
Playa Destiladeros is a wide, brown-sand beach that’s located just outside Pedasí. Like other beaches on the Azuero Peninsula, Playa Destiladeros is pretty and lacks large crowds.
Playa Farallón
After the Colombian-owned Decameron hotel chain built an enormous beach resort here in 2000, the formerly sleepy fishing village of Farallón was transformed into Panama’s next hot beach destination. Today, this white-sand beach is visited by both national and international travelers looking to soak up the sun. Located along the Pacific coast 68 miles (110 km) west of Panama City, Playa Farallón is easily accessible and undeniably beautiful.
Playa Venao
Playa Venao is a locally famous surf spot 34 km southwest of Pedasí. Playa Venao has hands-down the Azuero Peninsula’s best surfing, with waves breaking in both directions that are perfect for every skill level. The grey-sand beach here is pleasant, extending in a huge arc and surrounded by a curvy hillside. At present, this area is relatively undeveloped, but it is beginning to see a boom of projects as the word gets out about its laid-back vibe and awesome surf.
Coiba National Park
Panama’s Coiba National Park is incredible and exotic. Set along the Pacific coast near the Gulf of Chiriquí, this massive park protects the country’s largest island and some of the most biologically rich waters in Central America. For this reason alone, it’s a favorite among scuba divers and snorkelers.
Azuero Peninsula
Panamanians proudly refer to the Azuero Peninsula as the “heartland” of their country, an apt nickname considering that the peninsula acts as a lifeline of tradition, farming and even partying to the rest of the country. The Azuero has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian indigenous groups, as well as a remarkably well-intact Spanish culture, which is best observed in the festivals and architecture that dominate the region. The Azuero Peninsula’s environment tends to be drier than other parts of the country, but its beaches are some of the best in Panama.
Red Frog Beach
Located on Isla Bastimentos in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Red Frog Beach is a wonderfully mellow white-sand beach. Red Frog is backed by portions of thick rainforest which extend in some places all the way to the water, creating secluded alcoves that are perfect for couples or families who would like a bit of privacy. This becomes especially the case during high tide, when the sea creeps high and swallows much of the shoreline.
