THE BEST BEACHES IN PANAMA
Beach days are happy days and some of my happiest have been on beaches here in Panama. For a very small country, Panama has so many extraordinary beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. From sugary sand to volcanic rocks, and from snorkeling to surfing, Panama has it all. Here, in no particular order, are my picks for best beaches in Panama.
ISLA IGUANA, PEDASI, LOS SANTOS PROVINCE
Isla Iguana is a wildlife refuge off the coast of Pedasi in the western part of Panama. Naturally, the island is home to iguanas, but it’s also home to marine birds like frigates and pelicans. It’s very small with two very surprisingly distinct looks. The side where boats arrive carrying tourists has sugary, white sand beaches with exceptional water clarity. When I wasn’t catching rays, I spent my time snorkeling by the rocks where I saw plenty of cool tropical fish and an eel.
I definitely think everyone should venture over to the other side of the island just for a look. You’ll be shocked at the contrast between the two sides of the island. In minutes, I felt like I had been transported to Hawaii. The volcanic shoreline contrasted against the deep blue water and prickly, green vegetation reminded me of places I had visited in there. It was just me and two other people. Because of the rough current, most people don’t swim here, but it is mind-blowingly beautiful. Reserve your trip here!
NOTE: You cannot bring alcohol to Isla Iguana. Authorities will check your cooler when you arrive. Tours to Isla Iguana leave from Playa Arenal in Pedasi or from Mariabe for a short 10 minute boat ride.We paid $80 for the round trip. Make sure you bring your ID/passport as you must register with maritime authorities before heading to the island.
PLAYA ESTRELLA/STARFISH BEACH, BOCAS DEL TORO PROVINCE
This list is heavy on beaches in Bocas del Toro, because Bocas del Toro is amazing. Bocas is an archipelago off the Caribbean coast and is probably my favorite spot in Panama with its relaxed island vibe, rainforest flora and fauna and plenty of places to explore.
Playa Estrella is definitely my happy place: with flat, warm, crystalline waters, gigantic orange starfish and beachside huts selling yummy tropical drinks and food, what’s not to like? It’s truly a magical place that holds lots of great memories for me and my children. I could spend a lot of time here just floating in the water watching the boats go by, sipping my frozen margarita.
During high season, you can count on a stronger party vibe with multitudes of Costa Rican visitors coming in for a budget-friendly weekend. Costa Rica is only about 25 miles away to the north. People in Bocas are very kind, so if you’re a go with the flow type, Playa Estrella is a fantastic beach day. Reserve your space here!
NOTE: To get to Playa Estrella, take the Bocas del Drago bus from the park in Isla Colon. At Bocas del Drago, you’ll be able to either take a boat ride for a dollar or two to Playa Estrella. You can also walk 15-20 minutes down the road, where you’ll start to see the bars on the beach. Just pick your favorite spot, grab a chair and make yourself comfy for the rest of the day. Don’t forget to bring cash as I have not found any places on Playa Estrella that accept cards.
CAYO ZAPATILLA, BOCAS DEL TORO PROVINCE
Cayo Zapatilla is a top stop on most tours offered in Bocas Town, Isla Colon. Unlike Playa Estrella, there’s not necessarily much to do on Cayo Zapatilla and that’s the point. It’s a remote paradise where tourists land for the day to snorkel, take photos under palm trees and sunbathe. My teenage children and their friends were beyond happy throwing coconuts at other coconuts in the trees and learning to crack them open for a fresh, tropical treat. Cayo Zapatilla is in a word: a dream.
PLAYA VENAO, PEDASI, LOS SANTOS PROVINCE
Playa Venao is what I consider the quintessential Pacific beach in Central America, with black sand, legitimate waves and gorgeous mountains framing the coastline. This little hidden gem offers some of the best surfing in Panama, music festivals, whale watching, deep-sea fishing and nightlife. I enjoyed walking the beach watching surfers, collecting shells, perfect sand dollars and jasper stones in a multitude of colors. There are a variety of accommodations in the area from hostels in town to resorts offering beach access. There are also numerous, laid-back restaurants on the shore cooking up delicious food and serving cold adult beverages.
PLAYA BLANCA, CARIBBEAN COAST, COLON PROVINCE
There are two Playa Blancas in Panama, one on the Pacific and one on the Caribbean. I have only been to the Caribbean side near Portobelo and definitely recommend it as a lovely way to spend a day. It’s not too far from Ciudad de Panama–at a little over an hour. I actually took a tour to Playa Blanca stopping first at Venas Azules for an early morning swim in the mangroves. The water is clear, warm and calm. My friend and I spent quite a bit of time just keeping cool in the ocean. I found a spot at the edge of the water where I could snorkel as well by some rocks spotting lovely blue and yellow fish. There are about half a dozen places to eat playing lively local music and serving typical Panamanian dishes: fish, chicken, rice, and beans.
NOTE: Once again, bring cash for vendors on the shore.
ISLAS SAN BLAS, COMARCA GUNA YALA
More often than not the most idyllic photos of remote tropical islands in Panama are photos of Islas San Blas. The islands are spectacular. The water is crystal clear, the islands are charming and the people are fascinating. The Kuna Yala people are the indigenous community that lives on and manages the islands. They maintain provincial status and therefore have a certain level of autonomy. Their economy prospers by way of tourism, artisanal works and fishing. A day at San Blas can be other-worldly: talking with locals whose way of life is so radically different, learning about their customs and exploring this extensive archipelago of 365 islands.
I visited three locales here: Isla Diablo, Piscina Natural and Perro Chico. The islands boast beautiful beaches, waters perfect for snorkeling, family owned restaurants and a bar to get your favorite–strong–cocktail. Piscina Natural, or the natural swimming pool, was the place that felt absolutely surreal. There I was, in the middle of nowhere, walking around a sandbar with our sweet, indigenous guide, searching the sea grasses for starfish. I found myself questioning if this was reality or a dream. Our last stop, Perro Chico, is so unique with a Colombian ship wrecked right off the shore. I enjoyed snorkeling over the hull of the ship spotting corals and tropical fish.
There are numerous tours to Islas San Blas departing every day from Panama City. One can arrange a day trip leaving very early in the morning through Get Your Guide or Viator and returning that same day. It’s also possible to arrange accommodations like a very basic cabin with a bed and some mosquito netting. I imagine it would be an unforgettable experience to sleep under those stars in such a far-flung paradise. I definitely have that on my Panama bucket list.
ISLA COIBA NATIONAL PARK, VERAGUAS PROVINCE
Isla Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been given a Special Zone of Marine Protection status. Serving as a penal colony from 1919 to 2004, it remained virtually untouched for years giving sanctuary to a myriad of birds, mammals and marine life. Visitors enjoy snorkeling and diving, spotting orcas, and swimming with whale sharks, tropical fish and sea turtles who make their homes in its system of extensive coral reefs. Other species that are endemic to the island are the scarlet macaw, crested eagle, and mantled howler monkey. The island plays an important role in scientific research in Panama, as the evolution of its species in isolation can be seen here, much like on the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
NOTE: The easiest way to get to Isla Coiba is by taking a boat with a tour company from the town of Santa Catalina in Veraguas. If you are coming from Panama City, you can take a bus from to Sona and then transfer to Santa Catalina. There are also tours leaving from Panama City taking you all the way to Isla Coiba in comfy vans.
BLUFF BEACH, ISLA COLON, BOCAS DEL TORO PROVINCE
Bluff Beach on Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, is a wild, beautiful beach that reminds me of spots I’ve visited in Hawaii with golden sand, gnarled palm trees, driftwood and strong waves that attract boogie boarders and surfers alike. The beach is not really suitable for swimming as the rip current here is real and swimmers can find themselves in trouble very easily. This beach is quite lengthy, at around 5 miles long, and is a great place to get a good workout, pack a picnic or just spend the day relaxing.
NOTE: You can get to Bluff Beach taking the colectivo from the park in Bocas Town which is very inexpensive. Taxi service and rental bikes are also available from town.
ISLA CONTADORA, PANAMA PROVINCE
Isla Contadora is part of the Pearl Islands archipelago located about an hour and a half way from Panama City by ferry. The Spanish stopped to count pearls at Contadora before moving them on to their next location. There are plenty of activities to pass the day or a weekend here. Spend the sunbathing on Playa Larga, swimming, snorkeling or exploring the island. Fun fact: Isla Contadora is home to Panama’s only legal nude beach, Playa de las Suecas, “Swedish Beach.”
It is the most developed of the Pearl Islands, with restaurants, hotels and Sonny Island Resort where you can purchase a day pass for $20 which includes: lunch, snacks and water, a chair, umbrella and shower. Many locals pack all their beach essentials for the day including a cooler. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages to the island.
NOTE: You can get to the Pearl lslands by ferry. Most leave the Amador Causeway at Isla Flamenco with check-in around 6am and starting the return to the city around 3pm. Prices run between $85 to $120 depending on what promotions are running. Sea Las Perlas often has promotions arriving at Contadora.
What does your best beach look like and have you found it in Panamá? Comment below: I’d love to hear from you!