Panama City, Panama: 5 Best Beach Destinations
Panama is Perfect for Beaches
From the luscious mountains and colonial charm to the modern capital, many things attract holiday markers to Panama. But the dreamy beach destinations in Panama are the most popular vacation spots, and with good reason!
Panama is the snake-shaped strip of land connecting Central and South America, which gives you options on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. So you don't have to worry about missing out, and enjoy the best of both coasts! It only takes a couple of hours to get from one coast to the other.
Experience the surfer-drawing swells of the Pacific Ocean or the idyllic crystalline waters along Panama’s Caribbean coast that give the Maldives a run for its money. Enjoy basking in luxury or live out your childhood dream of becoming Robinson Crusoe for a day. Panama’s beach destinations have something for every kind of sun and sea worshipper. But in this guide, we handpicked only the best beaches in Panama to help you plan your perfect vacation.
5 Best Beach Vacation Spots in Panama
Playa Coronado
The little town of Coronado is one of the best beaches near Panama City. It is located only an hour’s drive from the capital, or two if there is traffic. Being situated in Panama’s Dry Arc, Coronado is blessed with nearly perfect weather all year round.
As opposed to some of the beach destinations in Panama with a predominantly young and backpacker demographic, Coronado mostly attracts ex-pats, retirees, and Panamanian second homeowners. The town is full of beautiful houses and resorts that offer all the comforts and amenities of luxury accommodation at affordable prices. There are also many excellent dining options available – from casual joints with live music performances to French fine dining.
Grab yourself an ocean-facing slice of paradise in Coronado Beach, rent a car, and explore the nearby spots, like Punta Chame and San Carlos. Practice your swing at excellent golf courses, go on hikes, and mingle with ex-pats on your sunset walks.
Playa Venao and Iguana Island
Playa Venao is positioned pretty much in the center of the country on the Azuero Peninsula, but still within the limits of the Dry Arc, meaning infinite supplies of sunshine during your vacation. Located a 6-hour drive from Panama City or 5 hours from David, getting to Playa Venao is a journey as it is a slightly off-the-beaten-path destination. But not for long, we predict! To get to Playa Venao, you can rent a car or hire a private shuttle. Alternatively, you can hop on a public bus, but you may have to change buses along the way.
Previously known as a surfing destination, Playa Venao is growing in popularity among all kinds of vacationers wanting to experience the unique laid-back vibe and natural beauty. The crescent-shaped beach is hugged by verdant jungle-covered hills, waves are abundant, and the sand-paved streets are lined with hip eateries and boutique shops.
Apart from partaking in local surf culture, you can add yoga to your daily routine. But if you are not into either, your options include stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, sport fishing, whale and turtle watching, hiking, horseback riding, and taking in the eco-wellness scene in town or at a spa. That is a plethora of activities for such a small town. If this already sounds like your ideal beach vacation spot in Panama, taking a day trip to the nearby Isla Iguana will seal the deal. The Iguana Island is a nature and wildlife reserve with crystal clear waters, white sand, and, you guessed it, local resident iguanas.
Santa Catalina and Coiba Island
Santa Catalina, located in Veraguas, after the Azuero Peninsula is closer to David than Panama City. Getting there is an adventure in itself because of its remoteness and the quality of the roads. But you quickly realize that the journey was absolutely worth it when you arrive at a long stretch of glistening beach with a dreamy island in front of it.
The town immediately takes all of your worries away as you enter a zen-like state. There is no commotion and no busy traffic along the sandy streets, just lush jungle all around and a meditative bird song in the background.
If you seek an authentic local experience, we recommend visiting Santa Catalina before it explodes in popularity. The accommodation options range from rustic eco-lodges to boutique hotels with all of the comforts and most of the restaurants feel like being a guest in one’s home. The cuisine is predominantly Panamanian, with a handful of international venues.
The tiny town is visited for excellent surf and diving, but in the center, you will find many stands offering ATV tours, hikes, and island hopping tours. The main attraction, though, is Coiba Island, located an hour away by boat. It’s one of the best places in the world for diving and spotting marine life like whales and manta rays. Once you’ve had enough of the unspoiled beaches and coral reefs (if that's even possible), go on a short hike and if you are lucky, spot the local celebrity – Tito, a giant crocodile.
Guna Yala (San Blas) Islands
Over on the Caribbean side northwest of Panama City, lays an archipelago cut out from a postcard. Consisting of over three hundred islands, the majority of which are uninhabited, Guna Yala Islands, also known as San Blas, are the definition of paradise.
You can get there by taking a small plane from Panama City or splitting the journey into a drive and boat ride. There are no resorts or hotels on these islands. Or any infrastructure for that matter. The local Guna people governing the islands preserve the way they have lived over centuries. The difficult access and lack of comforts prevent huge crowds, and development restrictions help conserve the original state of these paradise islands of Panama. But intrepid vacationers make their way to spend a few nights in eco-huts regardless.
There is also not much entertainment. But we assure you, all you’ll want to do is admire the turquoise water. During the day, you will island hop, marvel at starfish, and interact with indigenous inhabitants, observing their way of life. Your meals will consist of freshly caught seafood, and your lobster dinner will be grilled right on the beach. The internet and electricity on the islands are unstable/non-existent, so this is your perfect opportunity to disconnect, hop in a hammock, and dive into a good read. Live out your childhood Robinson Crusoe dreams, or treat yourself to a luxurious experience sailing around Guna Yala Islands, which is the epitome of a bucket list beach vacation in Panama.
Bocas del Torro
Another dreamy archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, Bocas del Torro is a Western province on the border with Costa Rica. To arrive at Bocas Town, the hub of the islands, you can take a car or bus from David or a 45-minute flight from Panama City and then a 35-minute boat ride to the island.
In addition to pristine beaches, Bocas del Torro offers vacationers a taste of Caribbean culture, with an atmosphere saturated with a laid-back vibe and towns with vibrant colors. The towns are sleepy by day, but the restaurants and bars come to life in the evening, putting on a music-filled dance of plates serving hungry vacationers, yet never compromising the relaxing atmosphere.
Head to Bastimentos Island, one of the largest islands in the archipelago, to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Torro and meet the diverse marine life. You can also admire starfish residents at Boca del Drago or surf at Red Frog Beach.
Pick a combination of these amazing Panama beach destinations to experience both coasts and turn your vacation into a mini adventure. Or select one that speaks to you the most and kick up your feet. One thing is for sure, a beach vacation in Panama is going to set a high standard for all the others to come in the future.