Panama is undoubtedly a host to some of the most scenic beaches on earth.
Lying between two oceans and two continents, Panama has the right climate to enjoy your vacation along its beautiful coastline.
Each beach has its own personality.
Some can be calm and soothing, while others tremble from the crashing Pacific waves.
Others have a fun and lively aura that comes from the busy seaside restaurants.
If you’re looking to have some fun on one of Panama’s beaches, it’s crucial to know that the beaches on the Pacific Coast are mainly broad and long with waves and are ideal for surfing.
The others in the Caribbean offer smaller beaches with calmer waters that are perfect for relaxing and swimming.
11 Best Beaches in Panama
Whether you’re looking to ride the mighty waves, snorkel over the rainbow reefs or simply sink your feet in the golden sands, there’s always something for you in Panama.
Here’s our list of the best beaches in Panama.
1. The San Blas Archipelago
Featuring fine white sand, palm trees, and turquoise crystal waters, the beaches of San Blas are some of the most beautiful in the world.
These islands are controlled by the native Gunas, and to stay here, you must follow specific procedures to reserve them.
The accommodation is relatively rustic, with three meals a day and transport to the magical palaces.
You can also reach the islands using a private sailboat, and the captains will take you to the best spots for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
There’s no internet access, and the electricity supply is irregular, giving you plenty of time to disconnect from the world and unwind.
2. Red Frog Beach
If you’re new to Panama City, Red Frog Beach is perfect for relaxing and breathing fresh air.
This perfect little village has a beautiful beach worth exploring as it is untouched by modern civilization.
Located on Bastimentos Island, this is one of the most popular beaches in Panama and was built by Irish settlers in 1877.
In 1905, it was destroyed by a hurricane and rebuilt by Manuel Freyre Ferrer in 1957.
Despite its popularity, this beach isn’t frenzied or crowded at all.
It’s a great place to watch parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife.
You can also snorkel and scuba dive to see eels, rays, turtles, seahorses, and other types of fish.
The best time to visit this beach is from May to October.
3. Starfish Beach
Located along the main island of Isla Colon, this beautiful beach features shallow translucent waters and white sands, perfect for watching sea stars and swimming.
The beach sits directly on the Indian River, emptying into Bocas Bay.
There are plenty of things you can do with your family, including swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the sun.
It’s a busy beach where you will meet many people walking around or running along the shoreline.
You can also hike, as there are over 100 steps up the island.
When visiting, you don’t need to pack food as there are several makeshift kitchens around with plenty of mouth-watering grilled dishes such as fried chicken and lobster.
You can also rent a floating chair and enjoy a bottle of beer.
4. Playa Bluff
The Playa Bluff is one of the few beaches in the Bocas del Toro area with large waves that are swimmable.
Surfers and boogie boarders come here to enjoy activities, including watching the waves roll in.
It’s a quiet and relaxing place with very few people.
There are a few restaurants located around the beach, but we do recommend bringing your own food and supplies.
The road to the beach is dirty and bumpy but worth it.
If you’re lucky, you can bump into sloths hanging out in the trees and monkeys swinging noisily from tree to tree.
If you didn’t come to swim or surf, you can always lie down and unwind.
5. Isla Coiba
Another uninhabited jungle you may want to visit, especially when coming to Santa Carolina, is Isla Coiba Island.
It’s a stunning beach with an abundance of wildlife.
The main beach is beautiful, with crescent sand and a tiny offshore island.
The rest of the beaches are all pristine and deserted.
Some beaches have tranquil waters, while others have harsh waves and are only visited by experienced surfers looking for thrilling rides.
You can also snorkel, scuba dive, and swim on different beaches, depending on your preference.
The beach is home to various snakes, birds, crocodiles, and turtles.
The boat ride to the beach takes about 90 minutes; if lucky, you may spot dolphins following you for a short distance.
Bring hats, mats, sunscreen, and water. Finding shade in this place can sometimes be challenging.
6. Playa Coronado
This beach is quite close to Panama City and a common spot for city dwellers looking for a relaxing time during weekends and ex-pats who don’t want to go too far from the city.
The coastline is dotted with hotels, vacation homes, bed and breakfasts, and shops.
The waters are usually calm, perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Other exciting activities you can engage in while here include jet-skiing, Frisbee, and horseback riding.
If you enjoy golfing, you can play a round of golf at the beach club and the Bluebay Coronado.
7. Cayos Zapatilla
If you enjoy taking photos at the beach, the Cayos Zapatilla beach brings life to your photos.
Despite its rough and rocky coastline, this beach has earned a reputation as one of Panama’s most beautiful beaches due to its clear waters and immaculate white sand.
The two uninhabited islands are part of the majestic 13,226-hectare Isla Bastimentos Marine Park in Bocas del Toro.
Cayos Zapatilia is an easy-going haven where you can chill and soak up some sun rays.
The lively coral reefs are nesting places for sea turtles, and the east part offers plenty of interpretative walking trails that wind through tropical forests and mangrove patches.
You will spot colorful fish, nurse sharks, and eels as you explore under the water.
The beach also offers stellar views of the night sky.
8. Isla Iguana
Declared a protected wildlife refuge in 1981, Isla Iguana has plenty to offer.
It is a small island on the Azuero Peninsula and a wildlife reserve.
The gorgeous coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and empty sandy beaches make this place a haven to cool and relax.
Divers have plenty to see, including rainbow-colored fish, turtles, octopuses, and moray eels.
Pack your food, water, and supplies when visiting, as there are no facilities to rent or buy them.
If you want to spend the night, you need to get permission from the refuge’s rangers, and don’t forget to bring repellent and sunblock.
9. Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a small fishing village tucked away in the Chiriquí Gulf.
This place was relatively unknown to foreigners until recently, meaning it doesn’t get many visitors.
It’s an excellent surfing destination thanks to its fantastic beach break.
It also buzzes with exciting and thrilling beach life activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Don’t forget to take the 1.5 hikes to the picturesque Cres Trail that will take you to the lookout point.
The reward is a panoramic view of the Agua Blanc and the Gulf of Montijo.
10. Punta Chame
If you enjoy taking trips to the beach, Punta Chame is an excellent choice as it is located in secluded areas far from a vibrant town and setting.
Most of its visitors are windsurfers, as the area is regularly hit by strong wind gusts.
The vast stretch of beach is found along a significant, flat point of land jetting into the ocean.
Families can have a wonderful time as the water also favors non-swimmers.
The beaches are usually busy from December to April, with kite surfers taking advantage of the wind season.
Older kids or adults interested in this sport can get lessons on the basics of the sport, as the shallow water makes it an ideal place for learning.
11. Punta Duarte
This beautiful beach is among the few beaches in Panama where you can catch a sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
The beach setting is dramatic, with an offshore island that connects to the mainland at low tide.
This is one of the rare beaches in Panama on the Pacific side, where waves are small, and swimming is possible.
It’s possible to walk on the rocks and look through the crystal clear water to see the colorful fish and other sea creatures.
Panama Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Panama Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of Panama has the best beaches?
Santa Clara & Farallón are the two most appealing beaches as they are great for swimming and lie within a 2-hour drive of Panama City.
Can you swim on Panama beaches?
Most beaches in Panama are swimmable, but always ask before you start swimming, especially if you’re unsure about a particular beach.
What should you pack when visiting Panama Beaches?
When visiting beaches, be sure you get your sunscreen, sandals, swimsuit, and beach towels.
What are Panama Beaches known for?
Panama’s beaches are excellent for tourists, backpackers, and locals looking to have a good time on the beach.
The palm trees, crystal waters, and white sand make the beaches some of the best in the world.
