Panama is a country located between two continents and two oceans, with a rich culture and an amazing history.
It is one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America, and the coastline adds to this beauty with breathtaking beaches.
The climate is great, with summer being the predominant season all year round, with some rain in the other months.
As a tourist destination, it has some of the best-kept secrets for beach lovers looking for tranquility, peace and relaxation.
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Best Beaches in Panama MAP
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Saint 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 quiet fishing village located away from the Panamanian surfers.
The south side of the main road has a beautiful beach area and a pretty town with lots of restaurants, bars and shops. Surfers will find some great waves, including perennial favorites Caballito and El Tamarindo. You can also enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding.
Playa Bluff
Playa Bluff is one of Panama’s best kept secrets. Located on Isla Colón, it is known for its consistent and large waves. Therefore, it is an excellent option for surfers and boogie boarders.
Don’t like surfing? The waters there are still swimmable when the wind is not strong, and the three-mile stretch of golden sand surrounded by palm trees is perfect for lying down and unwinding.
Getting there can be a bit tricky as the road to Playa Bluff is dirt and often bumpy. However, there is a good chance that you will see sloths and monkeys swinging in the trees along the way.
Don’t forget to bring your food and drinks. There are not many restaurants or shops around this beach.
Playa Coronado
Coronado Beach is just an hour and a half from Panama City and is the main draw. It is especially popular among city residents who escape there for the weekends, as well as expats who want to stay by the ocean and still be close to the metropolis.
The coastline is dotted with vacation homes, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, while downtown Coronado is home to many shops and restaurants.
The waters of this black and white sand beach are usually calm, making them perfect for swimming or kayaking. Other activities beachgoers can enjoy include horseback riding, frisbee and jet skiing. Surfers will appreciate the close proximity to El Palmar, a great surfing spot.
The San Blas Archipelago
This archipelago of islands is located in the Caribbean Sea, east of Panama, and is known for snorkeling. The San Blas Islands are an extremely remote, undeveloped, untouched destination that has remained a mystery. The indigenous Guna people are descendants of the Kunas who live on these islands.
Europeans first arrived in the San Blas Islands in 1503, but little did they know that it would be more than 400 years before anyone else would set foot on these islands again. At the time they were known as “Islas de Escudo” and only later were they named after their native inhabitants. Today, foreign travelers are allowed to visit these islands and experience local life with a Guna family.
The beach of San Blas dazzles with its power and beauty. Do not be afraid of its vastness; enjoy the fascinating color of the water and the white sand. The San Blas Archipelago is one of the best kept natural secrets in the world, a paradise of turquoise seas and white beaches that no tourist has ever visited.
Cayos Zapatilla, Bocas del Toro
The Cayos Zapatillas or Zapatilla Keyes is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, off the mainland of Panama in the Province of Bocas del Toro. They are a top 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, Cayos Zapatilla has a very rocky and rugged coastline. However, it has earned a reputation as one of Panama’s most beautiful beaches because of its water and pristine white sand. The water here is calm and inviting for swimming and snorkeling, with large schools of brightly colored fish making this place breathtaking.
Starfish beach, Bocas del Toro
The beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, with white dunes and rustic beach huts. It’s 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 or running along the shoreline.
The beach is located directly on the Indian River and flows into Bocas Bay. It is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the sun. It is located near Boca del Drago beach on the main island of Isla Colon. It’s a great place to go if you want to do some hiking as there are over 100 steps onto the island. It is perfect for swimming and admiring starfish as the water is shallow and translucent.
Isla Contadora, Pearl Islands
If you’re looking for a real getaway with a touch of luxury, head to Isla Contadora in the Pearl Islands. It boasts secluded, pristine white beaches and is easily accessible via a short flight or scenic boat trip.
Its proximity to Panama City makes it a favorite destination among affluent locals. For that reason, the coast offers many luxurious accommodations and excellent dining options.
The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore the untouched nature and beaches at your own pace, on foot or by golf cart. Isla Contadora is also home to Playa de las Suecas – Panama’s only nudist beach – where you will truly feel like you have found paradise.
In addition to relaxing in a tropical environment, you can also enjoy diving and snorkeling. Between June and October, Isla Contadora becomes an excellent place to spot humpback whales.
Short on time? No problem. During a day out you can experience the atmosphere of the island. While it may not be long enough to completely unwind, it will leave unforgettable memories.
Red Frog Beach
If you haven’t been to Panama City yet or want to get away from all the hustle and bustle, this little village is just the place for you! It is a sleepy town with a beautiful beach, untouched by modern civilization. The largest island on which Red Frog is located is shaped like a gigantic frog, hence the name.
It was first built in 1877 by Irish settlers; a hurricane finally destroyed it in 1905. It was rebuilt again in 1957 by Manuel Freyre Ferrer, who had it rebuilt mainly because of the connection with his dearly departed mother. This beach is famous, but it doesn’t feel crowded even though there are a lot of people walking around.
Red Frog Beach is also a great place to view 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 is also an excellent place for diving and snorkeling, as it is home to many sea turtles, rays, eels, seahorses and numerous species of fish. The best time to go to this beach is between May and October as it receives the least number of tourist trips due to its remoteness.
Punta Chame
Punta Chame is not only a beautiful beach, but also a beautiful trip, with remote areas bordering crab farms and mangroves that are great for photos. Most visitors come to Punta Chame to windsurf.
The area is regularly hit by strong gusts of wind, making it an excellent place for the sport.
As you stand on the soft sand and look across the water at the mountains, you will think that this might be the most beautiful beach in Panama.
Young children and non-swimmers can have fun in the warm, shallow water, and parents can simply laze on the beach.
The beaches wrap around a small headland, but almost all the action takes place in one area. During the windy season from December to April, this area is every kitesurfer’s dream.
Primarily a day trip destination, this hidden gem is about a 1.5-hour drive from Panama City.
Isla Coiba in the Coiba National Park
Isla Coiba is a must for anyone visiting Santa Catalina. Even if you don’t dive or snorkel, you can visit the well-preserved national park, which was declared a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) in 2005.
The Coiba Express boat ride takes about 90 minutes and if you are lucky you might see a pod of dolphins following you for a short while.
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 can sometimes be difficult.
Coiba National Park is a 20-minute flight from Panama City to Santiago or a five-hour drive (245 kilometers). Upon arrival in Santiago, make the 25-kilometer journey to Puerto Mutis to reach the island by water.
