Panama is the only place in the world where you can watch the sunrise on the Atlantic and witness the sunset on the Pacific within the same day. Of course, you’d have to climb to the country’s highest point, Volcán Barú, to witness the sun’s passage across the sky — and we’d much rather spend our days at the beach.
With coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Panama is a beach lover’s paradise, offering everything from serene island getaways to lively coastal towns.
For a relatively tiny country (smaller than South Carolina), Panama boasts an abundance of biodiversity and coastal beauty — the Central American nation is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Unlike neighboring countries like Costa Rica, where tourism has crowded much of its coastline, Panama still boasts endless stretches of remote, unspoiled, white-sand beaches.
Additionally, Panama offers a wider array of unique islands to explore, with roughly 1,500 islands compared to Costa Rica’s 79, and spectacular archipelagos, such as Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands.
When considering which beach to visit on your Panama getaway, it’s important first to consider the differences between the east and west coasts. The Caribbean beaches boast calmer, shallower waters, vibrant reefs, and an Afro-Caribbean culture, while the Pacific beaches have stronger swells, larger marine life, and a stronger Spanish influence.
And, while there’s surfing on both coasts in Panama, the Pacific breaks are much more powerful — ideal for travelers looking to catch a few waves on their Central American vacation.
Whether you’re seeking the lively surf scene of the Pacific or the laid-back, tranquil vibe of the Caribbean, Panama’s two coasts offer a unique beach experience for every traveler.
Whether you’re a surfer or a sunbather, we’ve rounded up the best beaches in Panama for every type of traveler. And, if you don’t feel like limiting yourself to one beach only, consider an expedition cruise or a tailor-made tour, which can connect travelers to multiple beach destinations.
But, whether you’re planning on lazing away in one spot for your entire trip or island-hopping across the archipelagos, we’ve got you covered. Read on for your ultimate guide to your next Panama seaside escape.
Whether you’re a family looking for calm waters or an adventurer seeking the perfect surf break, Panama has a beach to suit your style, complete with unique coastal landmarks.
Bocas del Toro is a paradise of remote beaches and tropical wildlife scattered amongst over 300 islands off the Caribbean coast. Book a roughly one-hour flight from San Jose or Panama City, or a 30-minute water taxi from the coastal town of Almirante, to Isla Colón, the northernmost island of the archipelago. Once you land on the island, head to the northwestern coast to visit the pristine paradise of Playa Estrella (also known as Starfish Beach, for its vast array of oversized cushion starfish in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red).
Snorkel along the mangroves to witness a dazzling array of sea anemones, arrow crabs, and sponges in the crystalline Caribbean waters (a fantastic site for diving, as well). Book a night boat tour to witness the spectacular bioluminescence, which is particularly dazzling during the dry season of December to mid-April. The island is also home to sloths and monkeys, and guests can book a tour to Bird Island, a nearby sanctuary home to brown boobies, pelicans, and other rare species.
Named for the starfish that inhabit its shallow waters, Playa Estrella is a must-visit for wildlife lovers. Find a tranquil spot under a palm tree and look for starfish in the clear water.
A 20-minute flight — or a 90-minute ferry — transports travelers seeking secluded luxury from Panama City to Isla Contadora, a glamorous hideaway in the Pearl Islands. The Pearl archipelago consists of over 200 islands, just 30 miles off the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Panama. Contodara was once a crucial hub for the pearl trade with Spain, and is now a refuge of luxury resorts and pristine beaches favored by the jet-set.
Tropical tranquility awaits at Playa Larga (Long Beach), the island’s longest stretch of coastline, with a pristine white sand beach and clear turquoise waters. And if you’re looking to really go native, head south down the path to nearby Playa de las Suecas, the only beach in Panama where you can legally sunbathe in the nude.
A pristine beach on Isla Contadora, part of the exclusive Pearl Islands. This region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and secluded luxury, making it an ideal escape.
The best spot to hang ten in Panama is Santa Catalina, a town of fewer than a thousand people, which is home to picturesque beaches in the Veraguas Province. Playa el Estero is ideal for beginners, Punta Santa Catalina accommodates intermediate to experts, and Punta Brava is world-renowned as one of the top surf spots in the world, with a world-class break to rival Oahu. Known as one of the best waves in Central America, the swells can reach up to 30 feet.
The best months for surfing are during the wet season from April to October to capitalize on the strong southern swells (also an ideal time for lower off-season travel rates). Surfing is possible year-round; however, we recommend heading out in the early morning for the cleanest breaks. And if you didn’t travel with your own board, don’t fret — there are rental shops lining the coast in Santa Catalina.
Take your time to explore the town during your visit, as given its rising stature in the surf world, it’s unlikely to remain as laid-back and low-key as it is today for much longer.
Santa Catalina is the gateway to some of Panama’s best surfing. The powerful waves of Punta Brava are a draw for experienced surfers seeking a challenge and a vibrant beach town.
Depart from Santa Catalina on a boat tour or charter to visit Isla Coiba, the next selection on our list. The Pacific Coast town is the best spot for departing on day or night trips to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 39 small islands and islets in the Gulf of Chiriqui. A permit is required to access the protected park, home to an abundance of monkeys, birds, and marine life (whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, and more).
A 75-minute boat ride transports guests to Isla Coiba, the largest island in the archipelago, home to the unspoiled beach of Playa Damas. Set out on nearby rainforest trails to witness wildlife on land, or embark on world-class diving or snorkeling to explore the Bahia Damas, the second-largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. Coiba beaches are also a preferred nesting area for sea turtles, and the best time to visit is from July to January, when visitors can book a specialized guide to observe their nocturnal behavior beneath the moonlight.
Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mecca for divers and snorkelers. Its pristine marine park is home to an incredible array of fish and other marine life.
Discover a rustic paradise in the San Blas Islands, an unspoiled collection of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea, off Panama’s northeast coast. Transfer from the main port of El Porvenir and head east via water taxi to Isla Perro (also known as Dog Island), home to an iconic shipwreck and some of the cleanest, clearest water in the Caribbean. Relax beneath the coconut palms on the powder-soft sand of Isla Perro Beach, a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coast in the Lemon Keys. Guests can snorkel out to the shipwreck gunboat, roughly 164 feet from the shore, and visible during low tide.
Though day trips to Isla Perro are popular, visitors can also pitch a tent and stay overnight at one of the 30 campsites on the island. Multi-day adventures by sea are also popular — San Blas is the perfect destination for island-hopping, as guests can explore the 365 Caribbean islands of the archipelago.
Governed by the Guna, an indigenous tribe, visitors to San Blas can experience the region’s rich cultural history and taste the local seafood cuisine on an extended tour. And, considering the difficulty of reaching the archipelago — the San Blas Islands are accessible via 4×4 jeeps, flights, or sailboat charters from Panama City — you may as well stay a little while longer.
The San Blas Islands offer the quintessential Caribbean escape. Island hoppers can discover idyllic spots like Isla Perro, with its shipwreck and stunning turquoise waters.
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