With a plethora of uninhabited islands, chilled Caribbean vibes on one facet and monster Pacific swells on the opposite, Panama sits poised to ship the easiest of seashore life.
Whether or not you’re trying to snorkel over rainbow reefs, experience depraved waves or just loll on golden sands, there’s one thing right here for each kind of seashore bum. Right here’s our checklist of the perfect seashores in Panama.
1. The San Blas Archipelago
Greatest seashores for snorkeling
Whereas there are numerous contenders for Panama’s most lovely seashores, the sandy stretches within the San Blas Archipelago take the cake.
Also referred to as Guna Yala, the 365 islands are visually luxurious and supply a possibility to unwind like no different — the electrical energy provide is irregular, and there’s no web entry.
Whereas this pared-back existence will not be everybody’s thought of paradise, San Blas’ seashores dazzle for his or her powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters that just about render snorkeling gear superfluous.
The area is ruled by the Guna (the primary Indigenous group to realize political autonomy in post-colonial Latin America), so that you’ll additionally achieve perception into their tradition and lifestyle. That is the place to take pleasure in a seafood-rich food plan, pack a stack of fine books and sink right into a hammock.
2. Cayos Zapatilla, Bocas del Toro
Greatest seashores to take pictures
Cayos Zapatilla is the place postcards come to life. These two uninhabited islands are a part of the Isla Bastimentos Marine Park in Bocas del Toro, an aesthetically pleasing archipelago on Panama’s Caribbean coast.
“Zapatilla” is Spanish for sneakers, and the cays get their identify from their distinctive form. From aerial pictures, they seem like two sneakers strolling within the water. Native legend says they have been footprints made by God as he descended from heaven.
Solely one of many cays is open to guests, and its whole circumference may be explored on foot in below 45 minutes. The Zapatilla Cays are wild, untouched and restaurant-free, so that you’ll be tasked with bringing your personal provides. Don’t neglect your digicam both, because it’s almost unattainable to take a foul photograph right here.
3. Starfish Seashore, Bocas del Toro
Greatest seashore to swim
What’s to not love about seeing starfish dotting the seafloor? Starfish Seashore (Playa Estrella) is likely one of the hottest seashores in Bocas del Toro.
Located on the principle island of Isla Colon, this splendid seashore has shallow, translucent waters good for swimming and admiring sea stars and seashore bars to make sure you depart along with your coronary heart and abdomen full.
4. Playa Venao, Azuero Peninsula
Greatest seashore to make pals
An extended, picturesque Pacific seashore, Playa Venao actually has lots going for it. Formally known as Venado however pronounced and spelled as “Venao,” this attractive stretch of blackish volcanic sand has reworked from a wild seashore on the southern fringe of the Península de Azuero to a go-to vacation spot.
Although it mainly lures surfers, many come for digital music festivals, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding, zip-lining, horseback using and climbing to the La Cascada waterfall.
Playa Venao is an intimate group with taking place hostels and stylish seashore leases dotted throughout, in addition to loads of surf colleges eager to assist newbies with their first wobbly rides, together with Excessive Surf Store at El Sitio Lodge.
5. Playa Blanca, Coclé Province
Greatest seashore resorts in Panama
A decade in the past, Farallón was a fishing village crammed with the ruins of the Panamanian army base destroyed through the US invasion to oust the then-military chief of Panama – Manuel Noriega.
At present, close by Playa Blanca (White Seashore) has a number of the finest seashore resorts in Panama, and it’s significantly engaging for all-inclusive followers. Right here, you’ll discover established names like Playa Blanca Seashore Resort, Lodge Riu Playa Blanca and The Buenaventura Golf & Seashore Resort Panama to name residence.
A lot of the unique village allure nonetheless exists in family-friendly Farallón if you happen to wander off from the resorts. One other veritable spotlight is visiting the tiny Isla Farallón by boat or jet ski from Farallón Seashore.
6. El Palmar, Panamá Oeste Province
Greatest seashore for weekend journeys from Panama Metropolis
The beautiful, white-sand seashore of Playa El Palmar lies 14km (8.7 mi) southwest of Playa Coronado, probably the greatest seashore cities in Panama for ex-pats close to the village of San Carlos.
Though a lot much less developed than Coronado, El Palmar is fashionable with weekend households from the capital, however the ambiance stays low-key.
Come right here to seek out peace beneath the palm bushes (it’s named in honor of the plentiful tropical palms standing tall right here) and for tranquil days spent swimming, flying kites, relishing riotous sunsets and browsing — newbies are welcome as a result of average waves 12 months spherical.
7. Gulf of Chiriquí, Chiriquí Province
Greatest seashores for diving and snorkeling
Chiriquí is one other fashionable Panama province for ex-pats and retirees beckoned by the cool local weather and charming cities like Boquete (don’t miss out on the strawberries there).
A number of the finest seashores within the space are undoubtedly discovered inside the Gulf of Chiriquí Nationwide Marine Park, a set of islands good for peering into the underwater world. The gulf has one of many largest reefs within the Pacific.
You may spot migrating humpback whales between July and October, traverse dense mangrove forests and hop between dreamy uninhabited islands amidst a backdrop of Volcán Barú – Panama’s highest level.
8. Playa Larga, Isla Contadora
Greatest seashore for a little bit of glamor
Isla Contadora (Counting Home Island), floating within the Gulf of Panama and linked to the capital by ferry, was as soon as the accounting heart for pearls earlier than they have been shipped to Spain. In more moderen instances, multimillionaires have made the island their refuge.
Nevertheless, a authorities crackdown on tax evasion embittered the beforehand candy deal, and now you’ll see many mansions on the island standing vacant. One factor that has by no means modified all through the island’s historical past, nonetheless, is the attractive seashores.
Playa Larga (Lengthy Seashore) occupies the longest stretch of sand on the island; the one eyesores are a beached ferry and an deserted resort behind it.
Over the hill to the south and accessible through a well-worn path is Playa de las Suecas (Swedish Girls’s Seashore), the place you possibly can sunbathe within the buff – it is Panama’s solely authorized naturist seashore.
9. Santa Catalina, Veraguas Province
Greatest seashore for surfers
Amongst Central America’s prime surf spots, Santa Catalina has proper and left breaks corresponding to Oahu’s Sundown Seashore on an excellent day. Playa Santa Catalina and Punta Brava are finest for knowledgeable surfers, whereas Playa Estero has smaller waves for these nonetheless discovering their ft.
Benefit from the Santa Catalina space whereas it’s nonetheless considerably distant, undeveloped and residential to some significantly depraved surf. Life right here is fairly tranquil in a fishing village the place skateboards rip down the principle avenue, and youngsters go barefoot, however clothes is required to stroll to and from the seashore.
Most non-surfers uncover the world as the principle springboard for day and in a single day journeys to Isla de Coiba and its nationwide park, the place there’s excellent scuba diving and snorkeling on supply.
10. Isla Grande, Colon Province
Greatest seashore to expertise Afro-Panamanian tradition
Isla Grande is likely one of the finest seashores in Colon, Panama’s province with the biggest Afro-descendant inhabitants. Palm bushes and white-sand seashores type the backdrop to this beautiful little island, simply 15km (9.3 mi) from Portobelo on the nation’s northern coast.
A well-liked getaway for folk fleeing the city grind of Panama Metropolis (which is round two hours away by automobile), Isla Grande is a perfect setting for snorkeling, scuba diving or just absorbing the Caribbean island’s relaxed vibe.
There aren’t any roads, only a footpath alongside the island’s southern coast backed by pastel-colored cottages, and remarkably, there’s a statue of a black Jesus Christ within the water who fastidiously watches over beachgoers.
