Best beaches in Panama | Our top picks

Golden Pacific surf, calm Caribbean bays, and island shores where time feels slower. Panama beaches cover a lot of ground. Some are built for surfing, others for swimming or snorkeling, and plenty still feel untouched. A few are only an hour from Panama City, while others demand a long journey but reward you with solitude.

With two coastlines and more than a thousand islands, there’s no shortage of choice. This guide to the best beaches in Panama pulls out the ones that truly stand out. You’ll find family-friendly shallows in Bocas del Toro, long empty stretches at Las Lajas, and turtle nesting grounds on Isla Cañas. Each offers something different, from easy surf to quiet nature to simple places where you can stop moving for a while.

These are the beaches worth planning around. Pick the ones that match your pace and let Panama’s coasts do the rest.

What are the best beaches in Panama?

Fitting beach time into a Panama itinerary is easy. The challenge is choosing which stretch of sand to visit on your trip. The country has two very different coasts plus more than a thousand islands, so the options range from surf towns to secluded coves. Some beaches are lively and social, others are quiet enough that you may have them to yourself.

On the Caribbean side, Bocas del Toro makes a strong case for being one of the best places to visit in Panama. Starfish Beach has calm, shallow water that’s great for swimming, while Red Frog Beach offers surf and a jungle backdrop. Travel further east and you reach the San Blas Islands, where the Guna people protect some of the most distinctive beaches in the country.

The Pacific side has a different mood. Santa Catalina and Playa Venao are known for world-class surfing. Las Lajas is the opposite, a long and mostly empty beach where you can walk for hours. Isla Cañas has a dramatic seasonal draw: thousands of turtles nesting on its dark sand.

Each coast has its moment, and the best time to visit Panama depends on what you’re after. Dry months bring sun and easier travel, while the green season offers fewer people and more wildlife. The beaches that follow capture this variety and show why they belong on any serious Panama trip.

#1 Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella, Bocas del Toro)

Starfish Beach is one of the most popular spots in Bocas del Toro, and for good reason. It sits on the leeward side of Isla Colón, where the water is calm and shallow, making it safe for swimming and paddling. Families love it here, and it’s often recommended as one of the best options in Panama with kids. You can float for hours, walk out into waist-deep water, and still feel at ease.

As the name suggests, the beach is known for its starfish. Large, bright orange sea stars rest on the seabed just a few feet from shore. They are best admired in the water and never lifted out, since handling them can harm or kill them. Respecting that rule keeps the place beautiful for everyone.

There are a few rustic food stalls along the beach where you can buy fried fish, patacones, and cold drinks. Hammocks and shaded spots make it easy to spend the whole day here. The vibe is simple and local, but that’s exactly the charm. Among the best beaches in Panama, Starfish Beach stands out for its accessibility and easy-going atmosphere.

How to get to Starfish Beach

From Bocas Town, take a shared minibus or taxi to Boca del Drago, about 40 minutes away. From there, water taxis run regularly to Starfish Beach. Some people also walk along the shoreline path from Boca del Drago, which takes around 20 minutes.

When to visit Starfish Beach

The beach is open year-round, but the dry season from December to April offers calmer seas and clearer skies. Weekdays are quieter, while weekends can get busy with both locals and visitors. Go early in the morning for the best chance of enjoying the beach before the crowds arrive.

#2 Red Frog Beach (Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro)

Red Frog Beach has the kind of energy that makes it one of the most memorable Panama beaches. It stretches along Isla Bastimentos, part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and is framed by rainforest instead of hotels. Waves crash onto wide golden sand, while behind the tree line, you’ll hear howler monkeys calling and see sloths draped across the branches. The tiny red frogs that give the beach its name are still here, too, bright dots of color against the green. It’s an easy reminder of the richness of wildlife in Panama.

Swimming can be tricky when the surf is strong, but the beach is perfect for long walks and watching the waves. At quieter times of year, you may find you have long stretches to yourself. Small beach bars serve drinks and snacks, so you can spend the whole day without leaving.

Isla Bastimentos is one of the best islands in Panama for combining forest and coast, and Red Frog Beach is its star attraction. It balances the castaway feel with just enough facilities to keep you comfortable.

How to get to Red Frog Beach

Take a water taxi from Bocas Town on Isla Colón to Bastimentos. From the dock, it’s a short walk along a jungle trail to the beach. Boats run regularly throughout the day, but it’s best to arrange a return time with your driver.

When to visit Red Frog Beach

January to April is the driest period, ideal for beach days and jungle hikes. September and October also tend to be relatively dry in Bocas del Toro, with calmer seas. Weekends and holidays bring more visitors, so go early if you prefer a quieter experience.

#3 Playa Bluff (Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro)

Playa Bluff feels untamed. It’s a long, golden stretch on the eastern side of Isla Colón, where heavy surf pounds the shore and palm trees line the edge of the sand. This is not a beach for casual swimming, since the currents are strong and waves can be dangerous. Instead, it’s a place for surfers, beach walkers, and anyone who likes a bit of drama in their scenery.

The power of the ocean here draws experienced surfers from around the world, and competitions are sometimes held during the season. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth coming just to watch the sets roll in. The beach is also a key nesting site for sea turtles. Between March and September, you may spot tracks in the sand or even see hatchlings making their way to the water.

Among the many things to do in Panama, Playa Bluff stands out for its raw beauty and natural energy. A handful of eco-lodges, guesthouses, and simple beach bars keep the atmosphere relaxed and low-key, so you can spend a whole day here without rushing back to town.

How to get to Playa Bluff

From Bocas Town, it’s a 20-30 minute taxi ride or bike ride to Playa Bluff. The road is partly paved but can be rough after rain, so check conditions if you’re cycling.

When to visit Playa Bluff

The surf is strongest from December to March, when waves are at their peak and the beach feels most dramatic. Turtle nesting season runs from March through September, adding another layer of interest. For long beach walks, go at low tide when more of the sand is exposed.

#4 Cayos Zapatilla (Bocas del Toro)

Cayos Zapatilla is as close as Panama gets to the castaway dream. These two uninhabited islands sit within Bastimentos National Marine Park, ringed by reefs and framed by soft white sand. With no development, no roads, and no shops, the focus is purely on nature. You come here for a few hours, and that’s plenty to see why they rank among the best beaches in Panama.

Visitors spread out along the beaches or drift in the shallows with snorkels. The water is clear and warm, and just offshore you’ll spot coral gardens alive with fish. On land, trails lead through coconut palms and patches of mangrove. There’s not much shade, so bring a hat and plenty of water.

Part of the appeal is the simplicity. You pack in everything you need, and you pack it out again. That lack of facilities keeps the beaches clean and the atmosphere pristine. If you want to see the Caribbean without the noise of bars or hotels, this is one of the easiest places to do it.

How to get to Cayos Zapatilla

Day trips leave from Isla Colón or Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro. The ride takes about 45 minutes by boat, often with stops for snorkeling or dolphin spotting along the way. Book with a local operator and confirm departure times the night before.

When to visit Cayos Zapatilla

The best months are February to April and September to October, when the sea is calm and visibility is excellent for snorkeling. Avoid visiting just after storms, when currents can cloud the water and wash debris onto the shore. Go early in the day for the quietest experience.

#5 San Blas Islands beaches (Guna Yala)

If you’re planning a trip to Panama and want a taste of the Caribbean at its most raw, head for the San Blas Islands. Known locally as Guna Yala, this chain of more than 300 islands is controlled by the Guna people, who manage tourism on their own terms. The result is beaches with turquoise water and white sand that feel far from the mainstream.

You won’t find resorts or big restaurants here. Most accommodations are simple cabins run by Guna families. Meals are home-cooked and often built around fish caught that morning. Days revolve around swimming, snorkeling, or taking a dugout canoe to an uninhabited islet. The beaches are small but striking, with calm bays perfect for floating and sandbars that vanish when the tide shifts.

This is not a polished beach escape. Electricity is limited, Wi-Fi is almost nonexistent, and you’ll need to adapt to local rules. But that’s what makes it special. The San Blas Islands are less about comfort and more about perspective, a reminder of how different travel can feel when culture leads the way.

How to get to San Blas Islands beaches

From Panama City, take a 4WD transfer to the port of Cartí, about 2.5 hours away. From there, boats connect to individual islands. Entry fees apply for the Guna Yala region, and most tours include transport, meals, and lodging.

When to visit San Blas Islands beaches

The dry season from January to April is the most reliable for clear skies and calm seas. May through December is wetter, but it also brings fewer visitors and a quieter experience. Avoid national holidays when popular islands can fill quickly with domestic tourists.

#6 Santa Catalina Beach (Veraguas)

Santa Catalina is one of the most famous surf towns in the country. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now a destination where surfers from across the world come to ride consistent Pacific swells. The beach itself is broad and dark-sanded, backed by palms and small hostels. For surfers, it’s one of the most reliable Panama beaches, with breaks that suit both pros and intermediates.

Even if you don’t surf, Santa Catalina has plenty of appeal. The town is small but welcoming, with simple restaurants, hammock-filled hostels, and a few boutique eco-lodges. The vibe is relaxed, with everything focused on the beach.

Santa Catalina is also the gateway to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO-listed reserve known for its marine life. Diving and snorkeling trips leave from here, making it an ideal base if you want both surf and underwater adventure. Kayaking and horseback riding are also options, though most visitors come for the waves.

It’s not the easiest place to reach, but that remoteness is part of its draw. Come prepared to stay a few days, and you’ll see why many visitors end up lingering longer than planned.

How to get to Santa Catalina Beach

Santa Catalina is about six hours by bus from Panama City, usually with a transfer in Soná. Driving takes around five hours. Once in town, everything is walkable, and the beach is right at the center.

When to visit Santa Catalina Beach

The surf is best from March to October, when swells are strongest. For calmer seas, visit in the dry season from December to February, when the town is sunnier and less muddy. Diving trips to Coiba run year-round, but visibility is usually better during the dry season.

#7 Playa Venao (Azuero Peninsula)

Playa Venao has grown from a sleepy fishing cove into one of the most popular surf towns in the country. The bay is wide and crescent-shaped, with consistent waves that make it a magnet for surfers at every level. Beginners can book lessons, while experienced riders can head straight into the break. Surfing here has become one of the classic recommendations from Panama travel experts for anyone touring the Pacific coast.

The beach itself is dark sand, backed by a lively mix of hostels, eco-lodges, and boutique hotels. You’ll also find restaurants serving everything from local seafood to wood-fired pizza. It’s social without feeling overcrowded, and there’s always something happening in the evenings, from live music to bonfires on the sand.

While Playa Venao doesn’t have the cultural pull of the Guna communities, it delivers a reliable combination of surf, comfort, and atmosphere. Non-surfers can enjoy paddleboarding, yoga retreats, and boat trips to nearby coves. The surrounding hills also have trails for hiking and birdwatching.

How to get to Playa Venao

Playa Venao is about a five-hour drive from Panama City. Most visitors either rent a car or take a bus to Pedasí, then a taxi for the final stretch. The road is paved and straightforward. Once in Venao, most guesthouses and hotels are clustered close to the beach.

When to visit Playa Venao

Waves are consistent year-round, but April to October brings the biggest swells. December to March is drier and sunnier, making it easier for non-surfers to enjoy the beach and the town’s social life. Music festivals and surf competitions often happen in the dry season, adding more energy to the scene.

#8 Playa El Palmar (Pacific coast)

Playa El Palmar is one of the easiest surf spots to reach from the capital. Just outside the town of San Carlos, about 90 minutes from Panama City, it’s a small crescent-shaped bay with a mix of sandy stretches and rocky points. Among the many beaches in Panama, it’s a favorite with weekend surfers and beginners who want quick access without a long drive.

The waves here are usually manageable, making it a good place to take your first lesson. Several surf schools operate right on the beach, renting boards and offering classes. When the swell is bigger, the point break attracts more advanced riders, so you’ll often see a mix of skill levels in the water.

The beach itself is low-key. There are a few small restaurants and kiosks where you can grab a snack or drink, but no large hotels or big developments. Families from the city often come for the day, bringing picnics and umbrellas.

It’s not the most beautiful or remote of Panama’s beaches, but it’s practical, fun, and a solid introduction to the country’s Pacific coast.

How to get to Playa El Palmar

From Panama City, drive west along the Pan-American Highway for about 90 minutes. Look for the signed turnoff near San Carlos. Buses heading toward San Carlos or Coronado can also drop you nearby, though having your own car makes the trip easier.

When to visit Playa El Palmar

The dry season from December to April is the most popular time, with sunny days and easier road conditions. Swells arrive year-round, but March to October usually brings more consistent surf. Weekends get busy with locals, so go on a weekday if you want more space in the water.

#9 Playa Blanca (Pacific Riviera)

Playa Blanca is one of the most accessible resort beaches on Panama’s Pacific coast. Just a couple of hours from the capital, it’s a stretch of pale sand lined with large hotels and gated communities. Unlike many of the country’s raw and wild beaches, Playa Blanca is all about convenience. You check into a resort, step out of your room, and you’re on the sand.

The beach itself is calm and swimmable, with shallow entry points that make it family-friendly. Resorts maintain their own sections, with sun loungers, beach bars, and watersports rentals. Jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks are all on offer, so it’s not the quietest place. What it lacks in solitude, it makes up for in comfort.

This is not the place for travelers looking for untouched nature, but it’s popular for short breaks and all-inclusive packages. For many, Playa Blanca is a practical stop when you want to relax without worrying about logistics.

How to get to Playa Blanca

From Panama City, it’s about a two-hour drive west on the Pan-American Highway. Buses toward Penonomé or Río Hato can drop you near the main entrance roads to the resorts, but having your own car makes arrival much smoother.

When to visit Playa Blanca

The dry season from mid-December to April is the most popular, with guaranteed sun and calm water. During the wet season, heavy rains are common, but resorts often offer lower rates. Weekends and holidays fill up quickly with domestic visitors.

#10 Playa Las Lajas (Chiriquí)

Playa Las Lajas stretches for more than 12 miles along the Gulf of Chiriquí, making it one of the longest beaches in the country. The sand is dark, the waves are steady but not overwhelming, and the horizon feels endless. It’s rarely crowded, which is why many travelers count it among the best beaches in Panama.

You won’t find major resorts here, but you will find a scattering of small hotels, family-run guesthouses, and beach bars serving fried fish and cold beer. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with hammocks strung between palms and tables set out on the sand.

The water is warm, and swimming is usually safe close to shore, though currents can be strong further out. At low tide the beach is wide enough for long walks or even horseback rides. Sunsets are spectacular, with the sky often turning deep orange and purple before fading into night.

How to get to Playa Las Lajas

From David, the provincial capital, it’s about an hour’s drive. Buses run from David to Las Lajas town, with taxis or local pickups covering the short ride to the beach. Having your own car gives you more freedom to explore.

When to visit Playa Las Lajas

The dry season from December to April offers the best conditions, with long sunny days and calm roads. Rain falls more often from May to November, but the beach stays quiet and atmospheric. Sunsets are striking year-round, especially on clear evenings.

#11 Playa Los Destiladeros (Azuero Peninsula)

Playa Los Destiladeros is a rugged, wide beach near Pedasí on the Azuero Peninsula. Strong waves crash along the dark sand, and cliffs rise on either side of the bay, giving the area a dramatic backdrop. It’s far less crowded than nearby Playa Venao, and for many that’s the appeal. 

The beach attracts surfers who prefer space to themselves, as well as travelers looking for a quieter coastal escape. Tidal pools form around the rocks at low tide, making it possible to cool off even when the waves are rough. Walks along the shoreline are long and peaceful, with very few people around.

Several boutique hotels and eco-lodges sit above the beach, offering some of the most stylish Panama accommodations in the region. Most are small-scale and designed to blend into the natural setting. You’ll also find family-run guesthouses in nearby Pedasí.

For anyone putting together Panama travel tips, this beach is often overlooked, but it’s a good choice if you want privacy without giving up comfort. It’s not built up, but there’s enough infrastructure to make a stay easy.

How to get to Playa Los Destiladeros

From Pedasí, it’s about a 15-minute drive. Most accommodations can arrange transfers or taxis. Public transport doesn’t reach the beach, so having your own car or booking a ride is the simplest way.

When to visit Playa Los Destiladeros

The dry season from January to April is the most reliable, with sunny skies and manageable roads. During the rainy season, the surf is strong and the area feels wilder, but some of the smaller hotels may close temporarily. Sunsets are impressive throughout the year.

#12 Playa Coronado (Pacific Riviera)

Playa Coronado is one of the most developed Panama beaches and a classic weekend getaway from Panama City. The sand here is a mix of gray and black volcanic grains, streaked with lighter patches that make the shoreline look almost marbled. The waves are moderate, swimmable in calmer weather, but also suitable for beginner surfers and bodyboarders.

The town itself is one of the largest beach communities in the country. Supermarkets, restaurants, golf courses, and gated housing developments spread inland from the coast. For locals and expats alike, Coronado is less about escape and more about convenience. You can get almost everything you need without leaving town, which is rare for many beaches in Panama.

How to get to Playa Coronado

From Panama City, take the Pan-American Highway west for about 80 kilometers, roughly a 90-minute drive. Buses toward San Carlos or Penonomé also stop at Coronado, and taxis or rideshares are easy to find once you arrive.

When to visit Playa Coronado

December to April is the dry season, bringing sunny days and calmer seas. The town fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so midweek is quieter if you prefer space on the sand. The rainy season is less predictable, but shops and restaurants stay open year-round.

#13 Playa Larga (Isla Contadora, Pearl Islands)

Playa Larga lives up to its name. It’s the longest beach on Isla Contadora, stretching for nearly a kilometer along the eastern side of the island. The sand is soft and pale, the water calm, and the bay wide enough to never feel crowded. Palm trees edge the shoreline, offering natural shade in places, while the far ends of the beach feel almost deserted.

The calm conditions make Playa Larga good for swimming and paddleboarding. At low tide, you can walk the full length of the beach and spot shells or seabirds along the way. It’s also one of the better places on Contadora for simply sitting still, as the horizon is wide and sunsets can be spectacular.

While Isla Contadora is the most visited island in the Pearl group, Playa Larga manages to feel peaceful. There are a few villas and guesthouses set back from the sand, but development is limited. Most visitors come for a few hours during the day, then drift back to the island’s center.

How to get to Playa Larga

Regular ferries run from Panama City to Isla Contadora in about 90 minutes. Once on the island, Playa Larga is a short golf cart ride or a 20-minute walk from the main pier. Taxis and rentals are widely available.

When to visit Playa Larga

The dry season from December to April offers sun and calm seas, ideal for beach days. Whale season from July to October adds another draw, as you can often spot them offshore from the beach. Midweek visits are quieter than weekends, when more day-trippers arrive.

#14 Playa San José (Isla San José, Pearl Islands)

Isla San José is the second-largest of the Pearl Islands but sees only a fraction of the visitors that head to Contadora. Playa San José is its standout beach, a long, pale stretch edged by forest and looking out onto calm Pacific water. It feels far more remote than its location suggests, which is why many travelers see it as one of the best beaches in Panama for a real escape.

The beach is wide and clean, with gentle surf that makes it swimmable most of the year. Snorkeling is possible along the rocky ends, where fish dart among corals and sea fans. The island itself is privately owned and home to a small eco-resort, so numbers are controlled, keeping the atmosphere quiet.

How to get to Playa San José

The easiest route is by private boat or arranged charter from Panama City or Contadora. Some eco-resorts on the island include transfers in their packages. Independent access is limited, so plan ahead and confirm transport when booking.

When to visit Playa San José

Dry season from December to April brings the most reliable conditions for swimming and walking. Whale season, July to October, adds another highlight, as humpbacks migrate through the area. Weekdays are especially calm, with only a handful of guests on the island.

#15 Isla Cañas Beach (Azuero Peninsula)

Isla Cañas is best known for its turtles. Each year, thousands come ashore to nest on the island’s long, dark-sand beach, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in Panama. The setting is raw and quiet, with mangroves inland and the Pacific stretching endlessly out front. This is not a polished resort beach, but a place to see nature at work.

The beach runs for more than 10 kilometers, much of it empty. During the day, you can walk for miles without crossing paths with anyone but local fishermen. At night in nesting season, the sand comes alive as turtles haul themselves from the surf, dig their nests, and lay eggs. Guided tours give you a chance to witness the process responsibly.

Away from the beach, mangrove channels can be explored by canoe, offering a different view of the island and its birdlife. The atmosphere is slow, traditional, and rooted in the rhythms of the sea. Simple guesthouses in the nearby village make it possible to stay overnight, though conditions are basic.

How to get to Isla Cañas Beach

From the town of Tonosí on the Azuero Peninsula, head toward the small port where boats cross to Isla Cañas. The trip is tide-dependent, so plan carefully. Local guides arrange both transport and tours of the nesting grounds.

When to visit Isla Cañas Beach

July to November is turtle season, with peak activity in August and September. This is the most rewarding time to visit. Outside of those months, the beach is still striking, but the main draw is missing. The dry season from December to April makes access easier, though the island feels quieter.