If you live in Panama City, you know that one of its best assets isn’t in the city at all. The city’s convenient location makes it the perfect base to visit some of the best beaches in Panama. On any given weekend, you can hop in a car and be at the beach in less than two hours. That means you can lie under a coconut tree with your feet in crystal blue waters or surf the waves of the Pacific. Sounds great right?
There’s no doubt that Panama City’s proximity to so many great beaches is a huge draw for expats. And a point of pride for locals. There’s little that Panama’s beach scene doesn’t have. With almost 3,000 miles of coastline and access to both the Caribbean and the Pacific. Not to mention the hundreds of islands to enjoy.
So what are the most popular spots for city dwellers to head for a beach trip? Read on for some of the best beaches near Panama City, Panama.
(Watch the video below or read on to learn more)
Taboga Island
Taboga Island is also known as the ‘Island of Flowers’. And is a beloved beach trip for capital-dwellers who can only afford a taste of paradise for as little as a few hours.
How to get to Taboga Island?
Taboga Island is located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Panama City. This beachy island is best accessed by ferry which leaves from the causeway 5 times a day. A round-trip ride will cost you $24 and take about 30 minutes each way.
Things to do on Taboga Island?
Upon arrival, you’ll find a long stretch of sandy beach on which you can happily pass the hours relaxing. For those looking to take in the rich abundance of aquatic life around Taboga Island, there are various operators who offer snorkeling tours around the island.
You will find small huts along with the beach selling food and drink. However, you’re best to bring sunscreen, a towel, and whatever else you’ll want for the day with you.
For those interested in a more cultural, historical excursion we recommend a visit to the quaint St. Peter’s Church. Founded in 1550, the Church of St. Peter is the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere after the one in Natá in Coclé Province.
Where to stay on Taboga Island?
Thinking of stretching out your stay at Taboga Island beyond just a day trip? There are a variety of hotels available including the stunning Villa Caprichosa perched up on the island’s hills that offer breathtaking views.
Playa Venao
Playa Venao is one of our favorite go-to beach destinations. With long stretches of white sand, it’s not hard to guess why we and many others love coming here. Known as one of the best surf spots in Panama, Playa Venao is a world-class beach break that catches just about any swell. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner though, because Playa Venao has waves for every skill level. A mere 30-minute drive from Pedasi, this beach will keep you coming back time and again.
Ps…For seasoned surfers, the main break is located towards the center of the half-moon beach. Beginners can find more moderate swell and smaller crowds on either side of the bay. This break is a paradise for anyone wanting an adrenaline-infused adventure.
Las Tablas
Image Credit: © Daniel Gonzales
Farther afield, but totally worth it, is the beach town of Las Tablas. About a four-hour drive southwest of Panama City, this is a popular destination for weekend trips.
This cute town is known for its dedication to Panamanian folk art, music, gastronomy, and culture. It’s also a very popular destination for those in search of an authentic and unrivaled carnival celebration experience. There are plenty of small hotels and inns where you can stay while you explore this coastal region.
What makes Las Tablas special is its proximity to several great beaches. Less than a 15-minute drive from Las Tablas, you can choose from many wide sandy beaches including Playa El Uverito and Playa Las Comadres. If you’re looking for a secluded beach experience, head to Playa El Jobo that is almost devoid of visitors and a great place to watch the sunset.
Playa Coronado
Hop in the car in Panama City and head southwest along the coast for 90 minutes and you’ll come to Coronado. This growing beach community has become increasingly popular with expats. As well as national and international tourists over the years, and for good reason. Coronado offers some of the prettiest beaches in Panama within proximity to the city, making it a great choice for both a day trip or for a longer getaway.
Regardless of how you like to spend your outdoor time, Coronado has something for everyone. Beach enthusiasts can sunbathe, swim, or surf. For the sand averse, there are golf courses, resorts with great pools, and plenty of restaurants to try. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve made a quick trip to Coronado, you’ll likely plan your next visit before you know it. Truly one of the best beaches near Panama City.
Contadora Island
For a quintessential Panamanian beach experience, head to Contadora Island. A short, hour-long ferry ride from Panama City will transport you to another world far from the skyscrapers and traffic of the nation’s capital. In fact, with very few exceptions for people who service the island, no cars are permitted on Contadora Island. Your best bet to explore the island’s various secluded beaches is to rent a golf cart for the duration of your stay.
Contadora Island is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend. Apart from feeling worlds away but close enough for a day trip, relaxation is the name of the game here. Lounge in the sun on a number of white-sand beaches. Get in some snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Or kick back on a patio and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood. At the end of a long weekend, you’ll head back to the city feeling revived and refreshed.
Portobelo
Directly north of Panama City on the opposite side of the isthmus, you’ll find the quaint port city of Portobelo. Portobelo is bursting with local history thanks to nearby Fort San Lorenzo and several sites of colonial Spanish ruins.
Once you’ve soaked in the historical sites of Portobelo, it’s time to hit the beach. Portobelo is a great jumping-off point to visit several beaches in the area. The easiest one to access is Playa Blanca, just a few minutes from the town. From there, you can pay a local operator to take a small boat out to some of the other beaches in the area.
A particular favorite for the surfing community being Isla Grande. This a beautiful Caribbean island surrounded by clear waters and lush green vegetation. Isla Grande has a number of point breaks making for great waves
If you’re looking for a special experience, consider a stay at El Otro Lado, a private resort best accessed by boat. Decked out with vibrant colors, local style, and plenty of top-of-the-line amenities, this is the perfect beach escape for a special occasion.
San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands may not be especially easy to get to, but the journey will certainly be worth it. Here you will find pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Largely recognized as one of the best beach destinations near Panama City, with more than 390 islands.
Wondering how to get to the San Blas Islands?
You can either fly directly there from Panama City, or drive to Puerto de Carti (about two-and-a-half hours) and then take a water taxi out to the islands.
From there, the world is your oyster. There are plenty of islands that have hotels or cabanas that you can rent from basic beach huts to fancy cabins perched above the water. It’s relatively easy to hire a water taxi or local boat operator to shuttle you around to different islands to explore, snorkel, or merely take in the stunning views. Whatever you do, don’t forget to try some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
Looking for a place to stay?
There are various resorts to avail of on the San Blas Islands. You can stay at a more upmarket resort or alternatively experience something different by spending the night in a stripped back beach cabin. A very popular option for many tourists.
Bocas del Toro
Unless you’re up for a 10-hour drive, you’ll want to hop on a plane to get to this beach destination. The brief one-hour flight will have you to paradise before you know it. With an unmistakable Caribbean-island vibe, it’s hard not to leave all your worries behind at Bocas del Toro.
Brightly painted homes, businesses, and bungalows are scattered about the island and reflected in the crystal clear waters. There are tons of options for where to stay on Bocas del Toro. Whether you’re looking for a humble cabana or a four-star resort, you can find it here. There are also tons of dining options to match from casual beach bars to more elevated restaurants. When you plan your trip, be warned, chances are you’ll wish you’d stayed longer.
Regardless of where you head first, it would be a shame to spend time in Panama without checking out the breathtaking beaches. So start exploring, and work your way through some of the best beaches near Panama City, Panama.
Interested in a beach property in Panama? Check out our great beach lots and properties available and contact us to start your journey to the sun, sea, and sand.
