How to live an active outdoor lifestyle in Coronado… year round
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We can’t think of what Coronado doesn’t offer expats by way of an active, outdoor lifestyle. Think of excellent surfing, deep sea fishing, stand-up paddling, kite-boarding, beach yoga, golfing, hiking and more — on land and at sea.
Surf it up
If you’re into surfing, you’re in for a treat in Coronado. Last year, a new road was built to Playa Tetas (ignorance is bliss, don’t look it up in the dictionary) in Punta Barco, making it just a 5 minute drive from Coronado to one of Panama’s best surf spots. Surf schools, camps and shops abound in El Palmar and near San Carlos.
What’s your calling: deep sea fishing or dolphin spotting?
Charter a boat out from the Vistamar Marina for some serious deep sea fishing or head to one of the villages nearby and have real local fishermen take you out for $20/hr. Try your hand at reeling in a tuna, dorado, wahoo or sea bass to grill for dinner, or sip on a cocktail on board while you watch dolphins, sea turtles or humpback whales in the setting sun.
Coronado is for golf aficionados
Coronado takes Panamanian golfing to another level. The four prime 18-hole, par-72 courses are all set within luxury communities with club houses and amenities to match. Picking the course really just comes down to your style. The Buenaventura is a Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course allowing for multiple tee placements to accommodate various skill levels. Pricing is reasonable too and favorable to residents and seniors. The Decameron’s Mantarraya Golf Club is another beautifully landscaped course next to the Royal Decameron, designed by Randall Thompson and the American Golf Course Design firm. Next, the Vistamar’s J. Michael Poellot-designed course boasts ocean views at every hole (with good winds for those up for the challenge). Their prices are a bit steeper but might just be worth it for that star hole, perched on the beach for the perfect approach shot. Or, head to Vistamar’s driving range and practice while looking out to the mountains. And finally, BlueBay, a historic club, which, given its narrow fairways, forests and winds, is not one to be taken lightly. For lighter days, it has a less challenging par-3 9-hole executive course in the same grands.
Head to the mountains
If you’ve had enough of the beach, Coronado is also a great launchpad for day trips to nearby mountain retreats nestled amidst Panama’s tropical dry forests. You might not even have to get into your car. Right next to the main gate to Coronado, the government has set aside 45 hectares of forest for preservation in the Bosque Seco Reserve— its walking paths are loved by walking-enthusiasts and bird-watchers alike. 50 minutes away, the Altos de Campana National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise and its trails open up to incredible views from lookouts if you’re less avian-enthused than your hiking partner.
Or, explore everything that Altos de Maria and El Valle de Anton, Panama’s prime mountain destinations, have to offer just 30 minutes away. The options are endless. For hiking, head to the Sleeping Indian Girl trail, the hot springs or the spectacular 35-meter El Chorro Macho waterfall, which has a natural, enchanted (or simply enchanting, if you don’t care for local legend) lagoon at its base, a perfect spot for a swim. Walk amidst hundreds of jewel-colored butterflies in the tropical forest. Or, rev the engines and hop on an ATV or buggy and head deep into the mountains, crossing streams ‘til you bump up to the Tavida waterfall, ready for a dip.
Staying fit in town
You don’t have to leave town to stay in shape. Coronado has a bunch of gyms, studios and classes for all ages. Check out Lift Studio for weight training, zumba, yoga, children’s gymnastics, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, fencing and more. Or, head to El Litoral for every type of yoga you can imagine, fly yoga even. And, if you’re ready for a serious beach-butt bootcamp, Sano Fitness is ready for you.
Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is a leading expert in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, he holds a Marketing Information Systems degree from James Madison University. After a successful corporate career managing multimillion-dollar inventories at Hajoca Corporation, Kent pursued his dream of living abroad, moving to Panama in 2007.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he established Panama Equity to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s top properties. Known for his transparency, expertise, and market insights, Kent has helped hundreds navigate Panama’s real estate landscape. Fluent in Spanish, he frequently publishes market reports to empower clients with informed decisions.
Beyond real estate, Kent is passionate about Panama’s culture, landscapes, and surf-friendly beaches. He lives in Panama with his wife and three sons, embracing the vibrant lifestyle the country offers.
