Top 12 Most Exquisite Beaches in Panama You Don’t Want to Miss

Panama beaches are some of the best, both on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Some are lively with music and restaurants on the shore, while others are a calmer place for a quiet escape. 

The Panamanian beaches found along the Pacific Coast are mostly long and wide with giant waves; these beaches are ideal for surfers. The Caribbean Panama beaches are calmer, so ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and relaxing. 

Panama boasts many beaches to choose from for all kinds of travelers. The best time to visit is in the summer. The weather is usually nice, even though it sometimes rains because of its tropical weather. 

To find the ideal beach for you, check out these 12 exquisite Panama beaches! 

Top 12 Best Panama Beaches

Check out this list of Panamanian beaches, and be sure to pay them a visit next time you travel to this gorgeous country.

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1. San Blas 

Size: various

San Blas has some of the best Caribbean beaches in Panama. These beaches can be a little harder to access but it’s worth it because they’re more remote. If you’re willing to take the trip, you will be rewarded with time on a remote island in San Blas. Tour companies help travelers navigate and enjoy activities on the islands. 

Spend all day gazing out into the Caribbean Sea. Go kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or even take a multi-day camping excursion. 

2. Isla Playa Blanca

Size: 15.53 miles (25 km) 

Isla Playa Blanca is one of the most stunning Panama beaches in the Caribbean. It’s 20 minutes from the port of Portobelo, making it accessible only by boat. That’s part of its charm. Isla means island: it’s completely surrounded by water. 

Isla Playa Blanca’s best view is underwater. Colorful coral reefs make it ideal for scuba divers and snorkelers. The water is crystal clear and with magnificent marine wildlife; a dream come true for ocean lovers. 

This Panama beach is ideal if you’re traveling with kids because it has shallow waters and lots of shade. There aren’t many restaurants, so make sure to pack enough food for your stay.

3. Red Frog Beach

Size: 2.34 sq mi (6.06 sq km)

Red Frog Beach is one of the best-kept secret beaches in Panama. This tropical oasis in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama has just a handful of restaurants and private hotels. If you love less developed beaches, this one’s for you. 

Red Frog is a remote slice of paradise and it’s quite affordable. If you’re looking to invest, Red Frog is a great opportunity to own some of this magical remote beach before it gets too popular. 

4. Las Tablas Beach

Size: 2.9 sq mi (7.5 sq km)

Las Tablas is a charming Panama beach that’s welcoming to all travelers. It’s surrounded by grazing cattle, fertile farmlands, and sweeping hills. It has a strong agricultural community and it’s home to a lively town center and a friendly local community. 

This is a more developed beach that’s the capital of the Los Santos province. It’s one of the best places in Panama to live a relaxed life and retire. Las Tablas is located in the arco seco (dry arc) which has some of the best weather in Panama all year long! 

5. Bluff Beach

Size: 0.14 m (240 m)

Bluff beach is one of the few Panama beaches in the Bocas del Toro that’s swimmable and has large waves. It is popular for boogie boarders and surfers. The soft golden sands of Bluff Beach make it easy to find your piece of paradise and enjoy the waves rolling in.

As a quiet and solitary getaway, this is the ideal place. There are a few restaurants, but it’s best if you bring your own food. The dirt road to Playa Bluff is bumpy but worth it! See if you can spot the sloths and monkeys hanging out in the trees. 

See also: Practical and Inspirational Guide To Visiting Panama

6. Isla Coiba in Coiba National Park

 Extension: 194 sq mi (503 sq km)

If you’re an adventurer, Isla Coiba is one of the best Panama beaches for you. Enjoy the uninhabited jungle with stunning beach views and abundant wildlife. The main beach is a beautiful crescent of sand with smaller islands around it. The area is deserted with pristine water. 

Find peace and quiet on one side; the large waves are on the other side if you’re looking to surf. It’s a wonderful place to go scuba diving alongside whale sharks. Many kinds of birds, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles live on the island. 

7. Playa Venao Beach

 Extension: 1.8 mi (2.8 km)

Playa Venao Beach is located on the Peninsula de Azuero. It’s another ideal beach to go surfing with the golden-brown sands. The waves come in all sizes, making it a perfect spot to learn surfing if you’ve never tried. 

Accommodation options range from hostels to luxury hotels on the beach or cheaper options a little further away from the beach in the small town of Pedasi. Playa Venao is another beautiful Panama beach not to be missed! 

8. Playa Santa Catalina

 Extension: 163.9 sq mi (424.4 sq km) 

One of the most stunning Panama beaches in Santa Catalina. It’s located on the Pacific Ocean in front of Coiba Island and Cébaco Island. It’s surrounded by wild forest that covers the coast making an ideal spot if you’re looking for an adventure in nature full of wildlife. 

It’s one of the best places to go surfing because there are waves all year long. International surf competitions are held in Playa Santa Catalina. It’s also a great place to visit the inland nature and immerse yourself in the wonder of the Panamanian forest.

See also: 12 Gorgeous Places in Latin America to Go Surfing

9. Isla Bolaños

 Extension: 174 mi (281 km)

Isla Bolaños is in the Chiriquí province, and it’s mostly known for its mountains and quiet beach. The sand is warm, full of palm trees, and enchanting mangrove forests. Divers encounter a glorious underwater world at Isla Bolaños, including whales and dolphins! 

This island is a part of the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Chiriqui, so it’s preserved and protected. It’s the perfect destination to snorkel, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. 

10. Las Lajas Beach

 Extension: 21 sq mi (54.2 sq km)

Las Lajas Beach is close to the city of David in the Chiriquí province. It’s one of the best beaches in Panama because it remains relatively undiscovered. The waves are friendly for body boarding or light surfing for beginners. 

Reach Las Lajas Beach by renting a car and driving there. It’s about 2 hours from David and a 6-hour drive from Panama City. 

11. Isla Grande

 Extension: 10 sq mi (26.6 sq km)

Isla Grande (Big Island) is in the Portobelo region of Panama. It’s a 5-minute boat ride from the harbor town of La Guaira. This amazing Caribbean island is full of tropical vegetation and surrounded by clear aqua waters. 

Spend a day relaxing in the warm waters, lounging in a hammock, or strolling down the beach on this small island. The waves are gentle, so it’s perfect for new surfers. 

Experience the Panamanian calypso culture at this mesmerizing beach. 

12. Isla Escudo de Veraguas

 Extension: 1.66 sq mi (4.3 sq km)

Isla Escudo de Veraguas is a tiny, rustic island. It’s full of natural beauty such as untouched coral reefs and thick mangroves. 

This is the ideal spot to be one with nature. It was featured on one of the episodes of Planet Earth 2 because it’s home to the pygmy three-toed sloth. 

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the wildlife of this Panamanian island, camp overnight on any of the island’s beaches. Playa de Karen in the northern part of the island is the perfect place to disconnect from your day-to-day routine and connect to nature. 

Panama Beaches Map

Check out this Panama map and all the exquisite beaches you can enjoy! There are also many Panama beach resorts and hotels to choose from.

Learn the Language of Panama 

Now that you know the most exquisite beaches in Panama, it’s time to test your Spanish-speaking skills and visit at least one of these stunning Panamanian beaches! Latin America has so many incredible hidden gems. Learning Spanish is ideal before your trip. What’s more, according to a study by The Economist, a person can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $125,000 extra just by knowing a foreign language. Not only is learning Spanish fun, but it also opens doors to incredible work and life opportunities. 

Sign up for a free trial class before your trip to Panama to improve your comprehension skills and learn to communicate fluently in Spanish. Check out our flexible programs and affordable prices!

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