By Cove Rabidoux
With clear water, diverse marine life and Indigenous culture, Panama’s beaches offer more than a beautiful place to swim.
Beach with palm trees in Panama. Camilo Ospina. Pexels.
When most people think of Panama, the Panama Canal may be the first thing that comes to mind. But beyond its famous waterway, the country is home to hundreds of beaches stretching along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. From secluded stretches of sand to tiny tropical islands, Panama has no shortage of beautiful places to swim, relax and explore. Here are six of the country's prettiest beaches.
1. Playa Huerta
Located in the Colon province, Playa Huerta is a small and secluded gem. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky coastline, the beach offers a peaceful escape from some of Panama’s more crowded tourist destinations, such as Playa Blanca. It’s rarely busy, making it a beautiful spot to swim and snorkel or simply relax and take in the scenery.
But since the beach is relatively undeveloped with no restaurants or hotels, you should come prepared with everything you need for the day, such as snacks, water and equipment.
Additionally, getting to Playa Huerta requires a little more planning than visiting Panama's larger beaches. The journey begins in Portobelo, a coastal town one to three hours north of the capital, Panama City. From Portobelo, you must take a 20-minute boat ride to reach Playa Huerta.
2. Playa Estrella
Orange sea star on the sand. Pedro Lastra. Unsplash.
If you want something more unique, Playa Estrella is the place to go. The beach is famous for its abundance of large orange and red sea stars, which can be seen resting in the shallow, crystal-clear water. In particular, the sea stars are easiest to spot in the shallow water near the shore.
That said, don’t handle the creatures. Petting them or taking them out of the water is harmful, so be sure to leave them exactly where you find them. Apart from admiring the sea stars, the calm water also makes the beach great for swimming.
However, if you aren’t interested in the water, Playa Estrella features several small, open-air seafood shacks and lounge chairs available to rent right along the tree line.
It’s best to visit Playa Estrella as a day trip from Bocas Town, a town on the southern tip of Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro. However, getting to Bocas Town itself from Panama City can be a little more involved, as the fastest option is a one-hour flight with Air Panama. But once there, Bocas Town offers tons of gorgeous accommodations, many of them even on stilts over the water!
3. Playa Restinga
Rocky island shore in Panama. Lauren Martina. Pexels.
White sand isn’t the only thing that makes a beautiful beach; sometimes it’s the surrounding landscape! That is the case with Playa Restinga on Panama’s Taboga Island. The beach’s rocky shoreline and views of El Morro give it a more dramatic appearance than many of Panama’s traditional Caribbean beaches.
At the same time, the bright blue water creates a striking contrast. At low tide, you can even walk across the sandbar connecting the beach to the small islet, where trails offer views of the surrounding coastline.
Located just a 30-minute ferry ride from Panama City, Playa Restinga is a convenient way to explore Panama’s Pacific coast without traveling too far from the capital.
4. Cayos Zapatilla, Bocas del Toro
Palm trees on an idyllic island. Yender Fonseca. Pexels.
For an island escape, look no further than Cayos Zapatilla. Made up of two uninhabited islands within Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, the cays are full of golden beaches and coral reefs. The see-through water makes them especially popular for snorkeling, where you can spot colorful fish and shells beneath the surface. If you’re hoping for the stereotypical tropical island experience, Cayos Zapatilla delivers.
But the islands aren't just beautiful; they're also an important habitat for hawksbill sea turtles, which come ashore to nest along the beaches. While you shouldn’t interact with the turtles, viewing them from afar is a special experience.
That being said, there are no shops once you arrive at Cayos Zapatilla, so be sure to bring all the water and snacks you need for the day.
Reaching the cays requires at least a 30-minute boat ride from Bocas Town on Colon Island, so choose your seat wisely if you get seasick. Those at the back of the boat often experience less bouncing than those in the front.
5. Guna Yala Islands
Canoe off the shore in Panama. Angel Silva. Unsplash.
No list of Panama's prettiest beaches would be complete without the Guna Yala islands. Situated off Panama's Caribbean coast, the archipelago consists of more than 365 islands surrounded by clear turquoise water. But the beaches aren't the only reason to visit. Guna Yala is home to the Guna people, an Indigenous community that has preserved its culture and traditions for centuries.
Unlike many popular beach destinations, Guna Yala has no large hotels or commercial restaurant chains. Instead, tourism is regulated by the Guna community, which helps preserve both the islands' environment and local culture. Make sure you come ready to respect local customs and follow the rules established by the Guna people.
For example, travelers to the Guna Yala islands stay in simple beach cabins rather than large-scale Caribbean resorts. So, be prepared for limited amenities, such as spotty electricity and Wi-Fi, and communal restrooms.
Getting to Guna Yala from Panama City is also quite the journey. It takes several hours and typically involves a four-wheel-drive vehicle from the city to the Carti port. From there, you embark on a boat ride that ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your exact destination.
6. Playa Venao
Playa Venao in Panama. Roman Konigshofer. CC BY-ND 2.0.
Finally, if you want to experience more of Panama's Pacific coast, Playa Venao offers a completely different beach experience. Located on the Azuero Peninsula, the beach is especially popular with local surfers thanks to its waves, but its long stretch of dark sand is just as beautiful for non-surfers. Non-surfers can enjoy humpback whale-watching tours and even local yoga classes.
Because Playa Venao is a five- to six-hour drive from Panama City, it’s best suited for an overnight or multi-day stay rather than a quick day trip. Fortunately, Playa Venao is more developed than other destinations on this list, with plenty of accommodations to choose from, including budget hostels, beachfront cabanas and upscale hotels.
With hundreds of beaches to choose from, these six are just the beginning. Panama has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for crystal-clear water, marine wildlife or a peaceful place to rest. So next time you visit the country, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and explore the beautiful coastline!
Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Cove is an English student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing can be found in the Daily Bruin, The Teen Magazine, Piece of Cake Magazine, and other publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.