Panama is a beach and island lover’s paradise, with its two long coastlines and more than a thousand islands. Where else on earth can you surf in the Pacific Ocean in the morning and take an evening dip in the Caribbean Sea, all in the same day?
We’ve scoured the best beaches Panama has to offer. Here are our top 12, in no particular order. Since each beach has its own charm and unique characteristics, it would be almost impossible not to be able to find the tropical beach atmosphere you seek somewhere along the coast of Panama.
Ceclia Beth
1. Santa Clara & Farallón, Pacific Coast: These two are the most appealing beaches along the Pacific Coast, and the best for swimming. Best of all, they lie within a 2-hour drive of Panama City. Here the water is bluer and the sand is whiter than what you’ll find in many neighboring beaches closer to the city.
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2. Isla Bastimentos National Park, Bocas del Toro: Cayos Zapatillas, or the “Slippers Islands” (so-called because they resemble footprints), not only fulfill the beach lover’s fantasy with their soft sand backed by a tangle of jungle. They are also surrounded by a rich display of coral that attracts hordes of fish, which makes for some excellent snorkeling.
VivaTropical
3. Boca Chica, Chiriquí: We are a bit partial to Boca Chica, which offers pristine ocean views of tropical blue seas, lush vegetation, and remote islands with white sand beaches and swaying palms. Not to mention, this area also offers world-class fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
Michael McKenzie
4. Santa Catalina, Veraguas: Originally a highly coveted secret surf spot, Santa Catalina probably has the most consistently great waves in Panama. It is the closest access point to Isla Coiba with its world class diving, pristine beaches, and nature reserve.
César Duarte
5. Contadora Isand, Panama: The beaches here are sandy brown, with warm waters suited for snorkeling and swimming. Contadora Island is one of Panama’s more affordable beach destinations.
Haakon S.Krohn
6. San Blas Islands, Guna Yala: This is by far Panama’s premier beach destination with with powdery white sand, extensive coral reefs, piercing turquoise water, and clusters of enticing palm trees. The indigenous and colorful Kuna population administers this province, and their unique culture is one of the best reasons to visit the region.
Gaspar Serrano
7. Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama: The Pearl Islands are a relatively unsung beach destination, despite the fact that this Pacific archipelago is close to Panama City, has some of the country’s best snorkeling, and boasts white sand beaches and calm waters. Outside of holidays and the hard-core summer, you won’t find crowds here, even during weekends. It’s well worth a short boat ride to enjoy solitude at one of Panama’s best beaches.
Chuck Holton
8. Isla Coiba National Park, Veraguas: This island is Panama’s number one diving site. It’s rather remote, but its incredible beaches and the Isla Coiba National Park make it worth the excursion. If the main island is too crowded, try venturing to Granito de Oro where the beaches are so idyllic that midsize cruise ships make stops here.
Andy B.
9. Las Lajas, Chiriquí: One of the lesser known beaches in Panama, Las Lajas is worth a visit, with its swaying palm trees and perfect water temperature. This beach is known for having just the right amount of waves for bodysurfing. Given that the beach stretches for more than 8 miles, it is also the perfect walking beach as well.
Manuele Zunelli
10. La Barqueta, Chiriquí: Strong currents at this black sand beach mean the water is not ideal for swimming. However, like Las Lajas, it is lengthy and good for walking. It’s also home to an impressive nature reserve.
Roman Königshofer
11. Playa Los Destiladores & Playa Venao, Azuero Peninsula: There are a multitude of beaches lining the coast of this peninsula, but these two are the best. Located within a 20-minute drive from one another, you can surf both in one day. Not into surfing? Try the protected cove at Playa Venao, where it is calm enough for a swim, or travel a bit farther east for the best beach surfing hotspot.
Emerging Terrains
12. Burica, Chiriquí: Looking for an underpopulated stretch of some of Panama’s best beaches? Burica, apart from a few small towns and one accommodation, is absolutely desolate. So what is its attraction? Lots and lots of isolated beaches, rows of palm trees, and at times surfable waves. The beach is formed with gray sand and striated rocks that stretch all the way out into the sea.
Which of these Panama beaches is your favorite? Are there any others you think we should have included? Comment and let us know!
Pedasi, Panama is in the midst of a dynamic transformation. This little-known fishing village on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, with a population of roughly 2000, has seen a surge in foreign investment that heralds a period of growth for both expats and investors.
Known for its local festivals, sportfishing, nearby pristine beaches, and natural beauty, it is also the home of Panama’s first female president, Mireya Moscoso Rodríguez de Arias. She has been instrumental in improving Pedasi’s infrastructure and making the real estate market more attractive for foreigners seeking to build new homes and invest in the region’s growth.
Zanzabar Photography
Pedasi, Panama – Historical and Cultural Heartland
The Azuero Peninsula was settled over 11,000 years ago and remnants of this pre-Columbian culture are still evident today. Pedasi, like other small towns in the area, tracse its cultural roots to this ancient civilization.
It was in 1671 that Pedasi and Las Tablas (a community just north of Pedasi) were formally established. Local history holds that the area became a choice for settlers after major fires in Old Panama City during the latter 16th century drove people to find safer locations. The region still has many colonial churches that reflect the beauty and richness of their Spanish heritage.
The waters around the peninsula have become known as Panama’s Tuna Coast. The abundance of yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, and snapper in the area offer excellent year-round fishing. Restaurants in Pedasi will actually cook your edible catch to taste, something that you won’t find elsewhere in the region.
Playa Venao – Panama’s Surfing Destination
Just a short distance from Pedasi, Playa Venao has become one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. Recently, it hosted the DaKine ISA World Junior Surfing Championship and has become a favorite with wave riders from all over the globe. With the laid-back vibe, beach bars, and nightlife you’d expect from a surf-oriented town, Playa Venao can be a gateway to your own “endless summer.”
Come for Carnival, the Big Party in Pedasi
With over 500 celebrations and religious festivals each year, there is always something going on in and around Pedasi. Perhaps no festival has gotten as much attention as the Desfile de las Mil Polleras – the Thousand Pollera Parade. This is part of the larger regional Festival Nacional de la Pollera, based in Las Tablas in July.
The pollera is considered one of the most beautiful national costumes in Latin America. Consisting of a two-tiered skirt and a blouse, these elaborate garments have come to symbolize Panamanian culture at its finest.
Associated with Carnival, four days before Ash Wednesday, La Pollera is celebrated in full glory. The rich materials, brilliant colors and accessories (Tembleques) have become a centerpiece for Panamanian and Pedasi culture.
Isla Iguana and Cerro Hoya
Isla Iguana and the lesser known Cerro Hoya Nature Park are two locations where expats can get “up close and personal” with a wide selection of wildlife not found elsewhere in Panama. Five species of sea turtles, buffalos, sloths, monkeys, and even the occasional jaguar or ocelot can make visiting these natural preserves a once in a lifetime event.
Jason Cserny
Buying in Pedasi
The recent uptick in buying real estate in and around Pedasi has dramatically influenced property prices, even for undeveloped lots. With a number of luxury projects planned, it is not surprising that may foreign investors are pouring large amounts of money into the area.
For the single buyer, trying to make sense of the pricing can be both confusing and frustrating. It is necessary to look, not only what the value of your property might be, but also what the realistic value (and price) of the land you are interested in is in its current state.
Pedasi’s Market Stage Is Important
With all the potential that exists for investment and development in Pedasi, the Azuero Peninsula, and Panama in general, it is important to understand exactly at what stage the market is in terms of the prices that are being asked.
Think of a “market stage” as a description of where an expat location is in terms of land development. The price of property starts with its value to local residents and increases all the way to a full scale town complete with amenities.
Being able to identify what “stage” a particular area might be in can help you decide what to buy, what to build and, most importantly, what you should pay. As in any real estate market, prices are not always reflective of the value of a parcel of land in its current state. Remember that speculation on what property may be worth in the future might not support the price being asked today.
Being Selective Can Pay Dividends
The number of foreign investors buying large plots of land in Pedasi has increased dramatically in the last decade. The prices that many of these developers are asking are often in the “stage four” (established expat community level) range when, in truth, the area is only at a “stage two” or “stage three” level.
The remoteness and unsullied nature of Pedasi is both its biggest drawing card and major drawback. Being able to get building materials, and modern infrastructure amenities can be a challenge for investors who are working with a limited budget.
By being selective, you can maximize your potential in terms of finding property that is priced realistically. With the promise of a strong return on investment, Pedasi may just be the hidden tropical getaway you’ve been looking for
So What Are You Waiting for?
The best way to experience Pedasi is to go there. Plan a visit and see what this growing village has to offer; you won’t be disappointed.
Map of Pedasi, Panama
Pedasi, Panama Fast Facts
- Population: 2,000+
- Typical temperature: 86 Fahrenheit
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Tocumen International Airport (Panama City, Panama)
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Panama City, Panama
If you’re hoping to retire to a beach haven overseas, may we suggest Panama? The Latin American country has a great deal of culture to offer, as well as beautiful scenery and fabulous weather. And the Panama beaches are an important part of the package.
Panama has many draws as an overseas retirement location, including vibrant communities, great quality inexpensive housing, and the beaches are some of the best. In fact, one of the best things about the country is that it has beaches leading onto two oceans: the Pacific and the Caribbean. In fact, Panama has over 1,500 miles of coastline!
Panama Beaches
In the past, Panama’s beaches have often been overlooked. Many of them are very rural and remote, and they haven’t typically been popular tourist destinations. However, there are some absolutely gorgeous areas of coastline in the country, and we don’t think that you should overlook them.
If you’re thinking about visiting or retiring to Panama, take a look at these top five beach areas in the country.
Coronado
Coronado Panama
Set only an hour away from Panama City, Coronado is a beach town that is well-loved by expats and Panamanians alike. The beaches themselves are an impressive site to behold. The beaches in this area have fantastic black and white sand, and are great fun to visit.
Away from the beach, the town of Coronado also has a range of leisure facilities including bars, restaurants, shops and a plaza area. This is a very popular area, and has a great expat community. This area is very different from the rest of the beach areas on the list: purely because of how developed it is. Coronado is the destination for you if you want to be able to shop in an American-style grocery store and meet up with friends for a nearby round of golf.
Boca Chica
Photo by Boca Chica Island
The Boca Chica area is wonderful if you’re looking for a rural, romantic spot to spend time with a loved one. The landscape here is made up of hills, valleys, and banana plantations. It also has a perfectly tropical climate. In the past, this was a very remote area, but it is fast becoming the next up and coming spot. The new airport in nearby David will soon be accommodating direct flights to the United States and Canada, which will make traveling here very easy.
The beaches in Boca Chica benefit from fine sand, dark beautiful water, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Factor in the Chiriqui Marine Park, and the coast at Boca Chica is very attractive.
Bocas Del Toro
Bocas Del Toro is an area that’s made up of six islands, along with a number of uninhabited islets. It’s a beautiful part of the country, and is described by Conde Nast as “the Caribbean that time forgot.”
This area is popular with tourists and expats for many reasons. It has a great community, and is also home to some of the most typically beautiful beaches in the whole of Panama.
Here, you can expect to see flawless white sandy beaches and clear, turquoise water. Because of this, the beaches in this area are particularly popular snorkelling destinations.
Santa Catalina
The Lonely Planet has reported that Santa Catalina has the potential to be the next great Central American beach destination.
This laid-back town is mainly populated by laid-back Panamanian fishermen, but it does have a huge draw for tourists and expats alike: great surf! The beaches of Santa Catalina offer incredible surfing opportunities. Because of this, the town is growing, and is developing more and more facilities for expats.
Because of the relaxed atmosphere of the town, it also has a growing reputation for having a healthy attitude. There’s a real focus in the town on healthy food, as well as yoga. Santa Catalina is one of the few places in Panama with this sort of vibe.
Pedasi
Pedasi is a small town set in the outback of Panama. It’s a relaxed, low-key place with a rich history of folklore. If you visit the town, you can expect to be greeted by friendly residents, great food, and maybe even a beach party or two. There’s also something a little out of the ordinary waiting for you at Pedasi. In this area, some of the beaches feature beautiful lava covered sand.
But it’s not all quiet here. There are also a great deal of sports opportunities to choose from. Whether you’re into surfing, scuba diving, sports fishing, or horseback riding, you’ll find something to enjoy in the area.
The one downside of Pedasi is that property prices are quite high here compared to other rural areas with limited services.
Is One of these Panama Beach Areas Right for You?
Panama is a beautiful country that offers a lot more value for money than other more typical holiday or retirement destinations. It’s an inexpensive place to live, and this is true even in some of the more popular coastal areas.
If you’re looking for the ideal beach destination, to visit or even to retire to, one of these five areas might be the one for you.