The beaches along Panama’s Pacific Coast are mainly long and wide with large waves, ideal for surfing. Meanwhile, the Caribbean side offers smaller beaches with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters here rival the best of the Bahamas.

Having lived and worked in tourism in Panama for several years, I definitely have my favorite beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in Panama:

Best Caribbean Beaches in Panama

1. Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Guna Yala (San Blas Islands) may well be the best-kept secret in the Caribbean, although the beaches of San Blas have often been described as some of the best in the world. Development has been limited because the indigenous Guna tribe controls the archipelago.
There is a total commitment to maintaining a wonderful natural environment. The sands are lovely and white, and the water is clear and perfect for snorkeling. Scuba diving is not allowed. Accommodation is eco-friendly and mostly rustic, but that’s the charm of this “paradise on earth” and my all-time favorite place.

The San Blas Islands are truly an amazing place to visit! The small islands, with their unspoiled beauty, turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and swaying palm trees, are absolutely stunning. The beaches in Guna Yala are without a doubt the best beaches in Panama, and a visit here is the experience of a lifetime.

To get there, you can either book jeep transfers, oftentimes as a (customizable) package that includes a couple of overnights, from Panama City, or take a short 30-minute flight from Panama City’s domestic airport. The best and most comfortable way to see the islands is, without a doubt, a catamaran sailing tour.

Catamaran recommendation: Private Sailing Yacht Guji 

Explore the islands in an exclusive and elegant way. Sail and sleep on board – all-inclusive.

2. Cayos Zapatillas (Bocas del Toro)

Bocas del Toro is part mainland and part archipelago, and it sits right on the border with neighboring Costa Rica. The beaches of Bocas are the quintessential Caribbean… turquoise waters and white sands, with coconuts growing from a fringe of bright green palms. Although I must caution you: If you visit the San Blas Islands first, not much else in Panama can compare to those beaches.

That being said, the Zapatillas islands, which are two idyllic mangrove islands in Bocas del Toro’s Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, definitely belong to the best beaches in Panama. These islands look like something out of a postcard. They have white-sand beaches, tropical forests, palm trees hanging over the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and coral gardens.

The water is partly sheltered by a barrier reef and guarantees fine snorkeling. You may see nurse sharks and moray eels as well as many colorful fish. The uninhabited islands are an important nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

You can best reach the Zapatillas islands on a day tour offered by many agencies in Bocas town, or ask us to organize a private boat tour for you and your family.

Hotel recommendation: Al Natural Resort ***

Between jungle and sea, Al Natural Resort is a comfortable, private retreat, perfectly integrated into the lush tropical environment. A stay designed for real disconnection.

3. Red Frog Beach – Bocas del Toro

Next on our list of Panama’s best beaches is Red Frog Beach, Bocas del Toro’s best-known beach. It is located on Bastimentos Island and takes its name from the little red frogs that scramble along the shores. Red Frog Beach has a naturally beautiful setting, with lush vegetation just behind the beach. Sloths and monkeys live in the trees, while the marine life offshore is colorful and impressive.

A steady breeze and clear blue waters make it a great spot for surfing. But beware! This beauty can have deadly riptides and dangerous currents.

You can reach the beach by water taxi from Colon Island, then hike through the jungle to the other side of Bastimentos Island.

Hotel recommendation: Palmar Beach Lodge ***

Palmar Beach is a barefoot beachfront lodge nestled between the vibrant jungle and Caribbean Sea on Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro. Set along the golden sands of Red Frog Beach and surrounded by lush rainforest, the lodge invites you to unplug, slow down, and rediscover life at nature’s rhythm. 

4. Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) – Bocas del Toro

Located near the Boca del Drago beach on Bocas’ main island, Isla Colón. Colorful starfishes are often found in the clear blue waters here, hence the name (please don’t pick them up). The palm trees provide further color contrast and much-needed shade. You can rent kayaks, floating chairs, and water bikes by the hour to reach the mangroves.

The beach isn’t very wide here, but the water is calm, with only a gentle slope into the water. Starfish Beach is clearly one of the most beautiful and swimmable beaches in the Bocas area, and one of the best beaches in all of Panama.

It is a perfect place to visit on a Panama family vacation, especially for parents with small kids. Just avoid weekends when a lot of locals come here, and it can get busy and loud. A couple of small restaurants are nearby.

You can visit Starfish Beach as part of an organized boat tour or take a bus or taxi from Bocas town to Boca del Drago and walk from there.

Hotel recommendation: La Coralina Island House ****

Where the Caribbean Sea meets the rainforest. A sanctuary built for stillness, depth, and a different kind of luxury.

MAP

Best Beaches in Panama

Best Pacific Beaches in Panama

5. Isla Gamez and Isla Bolaños – Chiriquí province

Chiriquí province, long known as a mountain destination, has recently become known as a world-class beach and island destination. Warm sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, majestic mangrove forests teeming with exotic wildlife and birds (think toucans, monkeys, and more), and a glorious undersea world including dolphins and whales can be found here.

The picturesque islands of Gamez and Bolaños are part of the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Bolaños and Gamez both have amazing white sand beaches and lush vegetation with swaying palm trees. You’ll see lots of colorful fish and turtles in the crystal-clear waters. These islands are the perfect place to relax, snorkel, and just enjoy with family and friends.

Both are virgin islands, and you might not see another soul all day. Be sure to bring everything you need.

Nearby Boca Chica acts as the gateway to both the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park and its islands. The natural beauty here is impressive, but it is still off the radar for most tourists.

You can reach the islands on a boat tour from Boca Chica, about a 1-hour drive from Panama’s second-biggest city, David.

Hotel recommendation: The Resort at Isla Palenque *****

This 400-acre private island off Panama’s Pacific coast is an extraordinary escape, offering no fewer than seven secluded beaches — with just eight casitas.

6. Las Lajas – Chiriquí province

Las Lajas is a town located near the city of David in the Chiriquí province. It has one of Panama’s best beaches but remains relatively undiscovered. This little-known beach stretches for over 9 miles, and you can walk for miles alone without seeing a soul.

Las Lajas Beach is also popular for its calm waters and lack of strong waves. However, on occasion, the waves can be favorable for bodyboarding or even surfing when the tides are right. On weekends, the beach brings many visitors to its brownish sands lined with palm trees.

Las Lajas Beach is best reached by rental car or on a self-drive tour, as it’s an easy stop on your itinerary. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from David, Panama’s second-biggest city, or a 6-hour drive from Panama City.

Hotel recommendation: Las Lajas Beach Resort ***(*)

This hotel is an amazing place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location, beachfront dining, and sun loungers.

7. Isla Coiba – Gulf of Chiriquí, Veraguas province

Isla Coiba, Central America’s largest island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park. The island’s unspoiled white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife attract travelers from around the world. Coiba Island’s protected waters offer fantastic spots for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Offshore, Granito de Oro is a small island with a beach and coral reef. In the water, you may see hammerhead sharks, whales, manta rays, and other colorful marine life. It is often called “the Galapagos of Central America”. Why you’ve never heard of it? The former penal colony remains a Panama off-the-beaten-path destination because of its remote location and the nature reserve’s restrictions.

Most travelers arrive via an organized snorkel or dive tour leaving from Santa Catalina on the mainland. It’s not the easiest or cheapest place to get to, but so worth it. It is truly an amazing place.

Hotel recommendation in Santa Catalina: Villa Coco ****

Villa Coco is a luxury boutique hotel and one of the most famous in this small, picturesque town. The family-run hotel has just nine rooms spread around a lush green garden, where you can enjoy ultimate tranquility and relaxation.

8. Santa Catalina – Gulf of Chiriqui, Veraguas province

Until a few years ago, Santa Catalina was a tiny, mellow fishing village that saw virtually no visitors beyond Panamanian surfers. Santa Catalina’s somewhat remote location has kept it free of large tourist crowds, but word is out, and people are starting to show up.

Located along the Pacific Ocean in Veraguas province, it has some of the country’s most consistent surf and is the starting point for trips to Isla Coiba (see above). La Punta in Santa Catalina is the most popular surf break for the gurus.

Playa El Estero is the perfect spot for beginner surfers with its small to medium-sized rolling waves. But even if you don’t surf, you will enjoy Santa Catalina’s beaches and laid-back vibe.

Santa Catalina is best reached by rental car from Panama City, which is about 5 hours away, or on a self-drive tour. There are no gas stations, ATMs, or big grocery stores in the village, so come prepared.

Hotel recommendation in Santa Catalina: Villa Coco ****

Villa Coco is a luxury boutique hotel and one of the most famous in this small, picturesque town. The family-run hotel has just nine rooms spread around a lush green garden, where you can enjoy ultimate tranquility and relaxation.

9. Cambutal – Azuero Peninsula

Playa Cambutal is a laid-back beach town on the southern Azuero Peninsula. Mostly popular with surfers and deep-sea anglers, its attractive coastline will appeal to almost everyone. It is still an off-the-beaten-path destination. Although the first hotels have opened in recent years, the area still lacks many facilities.

Cambutal’s dark-sand beach is lovely and surrounded by one of the peninsula’s few coastal forests.

Surfing is still a major reason that many travelers come here, as the waves are nice and uncrowded. Fishing at Playa Cambutal is also quite good, as the seafloor drops steeply just beyond the coastline, creating an area ideal for large fish, including tuna, marlin, and grouper.

Beyond lounging on the beach, activities in Playa Cambutal include ocean kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking. Playa Cambutal is also close to Cerro Hoya National Park. Although very remote, this park is one of the richest (and most untouched) in Panama. It’s also one of the last habitats for the endangered scarlet macaw in Panama.

Cambutal is about a 6-hour drive from Panama City and a good hour from Playa Venao. I’d recommend visiting it by rental car or on a self-drive tour.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Playa Cambutal ***

This intimate oceanfront boutique hotel sits directly on the beach and offers 10 private rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, an on-site beachfront restaurant and bar, and direct access to uncrowded surf and coastal nature. 

10. Playa Venao – Azuero Peninsula

Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most beautiful beaches, stretching over two and a half miles of shoreline, and it’s seldom crowded. It is a horseshoe-shaped bay known for consistent waves, a black-sand beach, outdoor activities, comfortable accommodation, great food, and vibrant nightlife.

Playa Venao has become a hot destination for locals and overseas tourists alike. Along with Santa Catalina, it is famous for having some of the best surfing in Panama. Playa Venao offers consistent breaking waves for all skill levels, from beginner to professional.

The area also offers many other recreational activities, such as kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and whale watching. Playa Los Destiladores is another beautiful beach near the cute, traditional village of Pedasi.

Venao is about a 5.5-hour drive from Panama City and is easiest to reach by rental car or as part of a self-drive tour.

Hotel recommendation: El Sitio Village ***(*)

El Sitio offers oceanfront rooms, a lively beach club, an outdoor pool, surf rentals, and a restaurant focused on fresh local seafood and international dishes.

11. Isla Iguana – Azuero Peninsula

Isla Iguana offers the only white-sand beach on the Azuero Peninsula, together with beautiful, crystal-clear waters. It is a secluded paradise, considered a wildlife refuge, inhabited only by rare birds, giant lizards (“iguana” in Spanish), and purple and red crabs.

The island lies off the shore of Pedasi and is accessible only by boat. Isla Iguana is a snorkeling and diving paradise, with the largest area of well-preserved coral reefs in the Gulf of Panama, including 14 coral species, more than 350 tropical fish, and over 200 invertebrate species. Several marine turtle species come to the island to lay eggs from April to September, and humpback whales swim through these waters from June to November to mate.

This island offers two beaches: El Cirial, the main and larger beach. It has calm waves and is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a nice swim in the amazing waters. El Faro is smaller and more secluded. It has stronger currents but is more popular for snorkeling. A hiking trail lets you walk from one beach to the other.

You can reach the island from the picturesque town of Pedasi in Los Santos province. Head to nearby Playa Arenal and arrange a return boat ride to Isla Iguana with local fishermen.

Hotel recommendation in Pedasi: Casa Lajagua ***

This 1.2-acre, family-operated bed & breakfast offers a picturesque, relaxing atmosphere and excellent accommodation. Set in beautiful grounds, it features a designer swimming pool, relaxing lounge area, and spacious, comfortable rooms.

12. Isla Contadora – Pearl Islands (Islas Perlas)

Located 30 miles off Panama’s Pacific coast, Isla Contadora is the most developed place in the Pearl Islands (“Las Perlas”). The island is a popular beach escape for those wanting a break from Panama City. Contadora combines nature with sophistication: white-sand beaches and pelicans with exclusive villas and a few boutique hotels. But don’t expect many restaurants or nightlife here. The island is rather quiet and can sometimes even feel deserted.

The island has eleven beaches. The most well-known might be Playa de las Suecas (translates to Beach of the Swedes), a pristine, charming, semi-hidden spot that also happens to be Panama’s only nude beach.

Other popular beaches include Playa Galeón, Playa Cacique, and Playa Larga. For a true virgin-island experience, you can also take a boat to one of the archipelago’s uninhabited islands and beaches.

The water surrounding Isla Contadora is ideal for a variety of water activities. Diving and snorkeling are among the most popular. The island is only half a square mile, so it’s easy to get everywhere. Transportation is largely limited to golf carts, four-wheelers, scooters, and bicycles, all of which you can rent for the day. Or you can easily walk to many of the beautiful beaches.

To get to Isla Contadora, you can fly from Panama City in just 20 minutes or else take a rather costly but scenic 2-hour ferry; hence, it is a bit far and expensive for a day tour.

Hotel recommendation: 4 Elements ****(*)

The “Balinese”- inspired property is a veritable picture-postcard equivalent of the exotic tropical island settings of the distant South Pacific. It combines the breathtaking beauty of Panama’s unspoiled nature with all its first-world services and amenities.

*****

 Conclusion:

Bordering both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and home to thousands of islands, Panama offers some of the world’s best beaches. Whether you’re looking to relax, snorkel, or surf, this little Central American country has got you covered. To find glorious tropical beaches, start with a visit to Panama’s Caribbean islands.

Contact us today to plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, or honeymoon in Panama.

Have you been to Panama and its awesome beaches? Which one was your favorite?

Let us know in the comments.

Check out our sample Panama tours