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!
Debbie Fishell knows what it’s like to travel internationally, take up a new residence abroad and invest in offshore real estate.
She recently sat down with Viva Tropical to chat about why now is the right time to move, invest, play, and “escape” to Puerto Armuelles, Panama, probably one of Panama’s most hidden up-and-coming investment hotspots.
Debbie Fishell
Why does Puerto Armuelles make a good place to invest?
Beautiful beaches! Puerto Armuelles is the second largest city in the Chiriqui province, with about 22k residents, and the only city on the Pacific side of Panama that is actually right on the beach.
Beachfront property is still affordable in this area, but don’t expect it to stay that way as more people hear about Puerto. I’ve seen beautiful Panama Real Estate beachfront lots here for $35k!
Puerto was a bustling town in the 1950’s when Chiquita Banana operated here, providing many jobs and building infrastructure. The banana company pulled out about eight years ago, leaving most of the town’s people unemployed, which is currently evident in the many homes and structures that are in disrepair. Many of these buildings can be purchased for a very low price and rehabbed for re-sale. I have seen older homes as low as $15k! Negotiations have been ongoing and, it looks like Chiquita will soon be up and running in Puerto Armuelles again.
A few miles south of town is a company called Petro Terminal Panama (PTP). The PTP facility has the capacity to pump over 850,000 barrels of crude oil per day through the pipeline from the Pacific shore to the Caribbean shore. There is currently a plan by American Occidental and Quatar Petroleum to build a multimillion dollar refinery close to the existing PTP facility, which could potentially bring millions of dollars into the local economy and become one of the area’s main employers.
There is also talk of a new Deep Container Port just outside of Puerto Armuelles. This future port would have 217 storage facilities, a deep-water container area, cruise ship landing, and a marina with a dry dock.
In addition Puerto Armuelles was designated a Free Trade Zone in 2001 (Baru Free Zone) for business and commerce, to make the area more attractive to private capital investors. There are currently numerous incentives to establish businesses in the area. Baru is the second largest free trade zone, after Colon, in the entire country.
Major highways are being built, a new large-scale cement plant is almost completed, the new and proposed businesses I mentioned above, all mean thousands of jobs and opportunities are being created for locals and foreigners. These people are going to need places to live and local business to help support their needs. Business opportunities abound!
Debbie Fishell
Are expats living there?
It’s tough to pin down exact numbers. Informal estimates are that there are about 400 expats living in the area. Most of these are concentrated at the beach or in Las Palmas, a neighborhood that was once the gated community for the Chiquita Banana Company executives.
There are about 45 homes in Las Palmas and I’ve been told that about 40% of those are owned by expats. There is an active Yahoo group where expats post questions and there are occasional gatherings. Right now there is a group working together to restore the old community swimming pool in Las Palmas, which is scheduled to open in December 2014. There is also a tennis court in the neighborhood!
Debbie Fishell
What are the main attractions to the area?
There are currently only a couple of very small hotels and decent restaurants (entrepreneurs: hint-hint) in Puerto Armuelles. There are numerous opportunities to attract visitors however. The beaches are fabulous and there are no crowds there, for now. Swimming, surfing, and canoe paddling are perfect sports for Puerto’s beaches.
Fishing offshore is some of the best in the world – yes, I said world! Chiriquí Bay has been featured in international fishing magazines for the amazing sport fishing here. There are a couple of fishing lodges in the area that cater to fishermen. The bird watching in the area is amazing! I have about 50 Amazon parrots and numerous other birds, that come by my house daily. Hiking and horseback riding offer great ways to see the beautiful, tropical countryside and exotic wildlife.
All of the amenities a person needs are here. There are supermarkets, hair salons, retail stores, gas stations, a hospital, and several banks. There is even an alternative medical clinic! Puerto is only about a half hour drive to Costa Rica and one hour to David, the second largest city in Panama. The best part of Puerto is the sense of community here. Everyone smiles and says “hola” or “buenos” when they pass. It is a town known for being “tranquilo” – no stress!
Debbie Fishell
Are there any major infrastructure changes underway or coming?
The road from the PanAmerican Highway (Paso Canoas) has been under construction to expand it to a four-lane road and is nearing completion. President Varela recently signed an agreement to improve the road going out to the beach community of Limones, south of Puerto and heading towards PTP.
New water and sewer pipes are being installed soon; we’ve see the surveyors out marking the streets recently. There is also a new, very large, commercial cement plant that is almost completed on the road coming into Puerto. A new hospital expansion is also underway.
Who would enjoy living in Puerto Armuelles?
Puerto Armuelles is a great place to live if you are an entrepreneur and have the vision to help create businesses as they are needed or build and/or rehab homes to sell to the new residents who are coming. I believe there are many opportunities available for the foreseeable future.
Puerto is also a perfect destination for anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the Panamanian culture; very few locals speak English here but they are genuinely friendly and eager to help you. The beaches are beautiful, with amazing fishing and even good surf sometimes.
There are fertile nearby “fincas” (farms) for sale on the outskirts of the town for very low prices. I recently looked at a one-acre farm with a house, fruit trees and gardens, water, and three new cement pig pens for $29K. These can easily be set up as a self-sufficient homestead for anyone who desires quiet seclusion or a perfect “bug out” location.
Is it a problem buying property so close to the Costa Rican border?
I wouldn’t call it an issue, but I would recommend using an attorney that is knowledgeable about real estate law here, or anywhere in Panama for that matter.
There are laws regarding how title can be held within a certain distance from beaches and the Costa Rican border. In Panama, real estate is typically Titled (able to get title insurance) or what is call R.O.P. (Right of Possession) property.
There are pros and cons to buying ROP real estate, so it should be investigated thoroughly before purchasing to see if it fits your expectations. Some of the ROP properties, which are generally near beaches and borders, can be a safe investment and many can be titled for a fee. Personally, I bought property that I could get a clear title on.
Learn more about Debbie, through her postings on Escape Artist.
Burica Panama Coastline
Burica, Panama, is one of the country’s best kept real estate secrets. But you needn’t take our word for it. One visit to this remote paradise is enough to make any traveler or would-be expat feel like a pioneering explorer.
It’s as pristinely beautiful as it is mysterious and secluded. And both nature and adventure abound in Burica.
However, before you categorize it as a place meant only for those who want to live out their childhood Swiss Family Robinson dreams, there’s a lot more to this place than just its raw, undisturbed natural beauty.
Despite its remote feel, Burica is surprisingly close to civilization. And not just any old town either. It’s less than a 2 hour drive from David, Panama’s second largest metropolis.
And the wheels are currently turning on several large-scale infrastructure and private development projects that have Burica, Panama, primed for a tremendous boom and accompanying increase in property value.
However, for now, it’s still relatively off the radar of most buyers. That’s why we think Burica is one of Panama’s last remaining secret investment opportunities.
But, for those hoping to score a killer bargain on a property in a place with exploding investment potential, we recommend you act fast. The best deals could soon be gone.
Here are a few of the things that make real estate in Burica, Panama, such a great investment.
Accessing Burica, Panama is an adventure in itself.
Nothing says “remote destination” like having to go off-road to get there. Burica is located on Panama’s Pacific coast on a peninsula the country shares with Costa Rica. And up until about three years ago, there wasn’t even a road to get you to the end of the Burica peninsula. The landscape is made up of dense jungles that just don’t lend themselves well to vehicle travel.
Viva Tropical
In fact, the end of the peninsula was once only accessible during low tide, when residents were able to drive directly on the beach. Otherwise, it was a no go. So, here you had this stunning tropical paradise that virtually no one in the world even knew about or could get to. Talk about exclusive!
Well a few years ago, the government finally put in a road that created access to the entire peninsula. It’s still a rough ride, but the views at the end are totally worth it for those who don’t mind being bounced around in a jeep for the last few miles.
The Burica landscape is otherworldly.
What awaits you at the end of the road to the Burica peninsula is a lush tropical paradise situated on a volcanic reef that juts out over 200 meters in some places. This makes for some amazing waves that serve as an impressive view and calming background noise as you relax in your hammock beneath the coconut palms.
During low tide, the underwater reef is exposed, creating a completely different silhouette that literally makes the shore look like a completely different place. It also makes for an amazing moonscape.
Viva Tropical
There’s also no shortage of wildlife, as Burica is home to a number of exotic species. Among the most prevalent are monkeys. Howler monkeys and capuchins, with their white faces, are all over the place. You can also see the endangered red-backed squirrel monkeys, which are unique to the region and can’t be seen anywhere else.
Burica is an ocean lover’s paradise.
Whatever your choice of aquatic thrill, you can find it in Burica, Panama. If enjoying the coastal breeze while you watch the waves roll in is as adventurous as you get, then you can while your days away in solitude on the beaches of Burica. If that’s merely where your adventure begins, then Burica makes the perfect jumping off point for a long list of aquatic activities.
For starters, it’s full of incredible surf spots that are mostly only known by the locals, who guard these secrets with their life. The great surfing conditions are made possible by the peninsula’s exposure to southern swells, combined with the reef, which drops to depths as low as 300 feet and makes for some amazing waves.
Burica is also home to world-class deep sea fishing. Nearby Islas Ladrones and Isla Montuosa formed the backdrop for many a world record tuna, black marlin, wahoo, and dorado. So far, Burica has one great fishing lodge called Hooked on Panama. And many more are sure to follow as the area develops.
Viva Tropical
Burica, Panama, is home to the first-ever Adventure Colony.
After reading the above, you can probably imagine why we saw such potential in the Burica area when choosing the location for our first Adventure Colony, Playa Burica. Not only did it have the atmosphere and great natural resources that we value, but we also realized what a great investment opportunity it was due to several proposed improvements (like the road we mentioned, which was only a rumor when we first discovered the area).
Our Adventure Colonies are developments for people like us who value wild and beautiful places and want to live in harmony with their natural environment, while also taking advantage of all of the opportunities it offers for adventure. However, even we couldn’t have imagined the success Playa Burica would have.
We’ve sold lots to retired doctors from the midwest U.S., young entrepreneurs from Poland and the U.K., restaurant owners from the Caribbean, and many more individuals who now make up a diverse population that shares our vision and is committed to our dream of maintaining the pristine natural beauty of Burica, Panama.
Viva Tropical
There’s never been a better time to invest in Burica, Panama, real estate.
Over our years of experience in the Central American real estate market, we’ve identified the various stages every area goes through on its way to becoming an established expat community. We’ve also pinpointed the exact step in that process where maximum return on investment is achieved.
In Burica, Panama, it’s about to happen.
Burica is currently in market stage 2 of our development model. Pretty much the only people who’ve been buying land there are pioneers like us who’ve been able to purchase large tracts of land at rock bottom prices based solely on its agricultural use to the locals who owned it.
It required a lot of work and due diligence, but the end result is that we’re now able to offer the land in manageable plots to end users who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to enter such a market on their own.
Well, when large land investors and pioneering developers start buying up land in an area, people start to talk. Interest is generated in the area and even more investors start to show up and begin developing the area.
That’s already happening around Playa Burica. Our scouts tell us that two large pieces of property have been purchased at prices that quite honestly shocked us. This is good news for Playa Burica owners and buyers.
Not only are their property values automatically going to increase, but those nearby developments will have to include more and better amenities in order to be financially feasible in this market. So, Playa Burica owners will also benefit from the businesses and services being offered in the surrounding areas.
That’s why it’s important to act fast if you’re considering investing in the Burica, Panama area. It’s too late to be the first on the scene. But it isn’t too late to profit from the improvements that are coming.
Thomas Richman
Two ongoing projects that will have a major impact on Playa Burica
We’ve already seen the effects that the new road has had on property values in Burica. It’s part of the reason we saw such great potential in the area. Well, it doesn’t stop there. Panama’s government is currently in the process of completing two huge infrastructure projects that will have an even bigger impact on the area.
New Access Via Air
The first is the airport in nearby David. The city’s Enrique Malek International Airport is undergoing a massive expansion and renovation, which will ultimately open its runways to flights from the U.S. and many other nations for the first time ever. That means that people from all over the world will soon have access to Playa Burica via a world-class airport that’s a mere two hour drive away. For now, that is.
Improved Ground Transportation
Why’s that? You guessed it. Construction has just begun on a new 4-lane road from Paso Canoas (at the Costa Rican border) to Puerto Armuelles, the last stop before you begin the trek across the Burica Peninsula. Not only is that good news in terms of access, it’s also a good indication that the government plans to continue to invest in Puerto Armuelles.
And, while the city itself isn’t the type of place that caters to people who enjoy the Adventure Colony lifestyle, it’s the closest place for those in Burica to stock up on supplies. So any growth in Puerto Armuelles is a tremendous benefit to Playa Burica owners and residents.
Bonus offer for Viva Tropical readers!
We realize that, as much as we love Playa Burica, it isn’t for everyone. Namely those who need to be within walking distance to shopping malls and movie theaters. But if you love the idea of getting back to nature on your own private piece of tropical paradise, just a short drive from those other conveniences, then Playa Burica could be right for you.
If so, you should check out our free Adventure Colony book, which explains a little bit more about the concept and what it means to live the Adventure Colony lifestyle, something that’s only available in places like Burica, Panama. The book also contains over $20,000 in exclusive real estate discounts, so download it today!
Map of Burica
Burica Fast Facts
- Population: About 1,360 (Numbers are hard to nail down, but this is a good guestimate)
- Typical temperature: Low 90s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Tocumen Airport. Domestic flights to Panama City, Panama and international flights to Costa Rica depart from Enrique Malek International Airport in David
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Panama City
Everything you need to know that happened in the last 2 months in Panama.
Each day we sift through hundreds of articles in English & Spanish to bring you the very best ones from Central America. From investment indicators to new infrastructure projects. Adventure stories to politics. It’s all here.
Panama February 2014.
Viva Tropical
Panama Lifestyle
Panama named best place in the world to retire (NY Daily News)
The folks over at AARP, the New York Daily News and USA Today have been pointing south to Panama as the world’s top choice for where to think about retiring overseas.
Top 10 Reasons to Live, Work and Retire in Panama (Newswire)
But if you need more than one reason to take the plunge and move overseas, here are 10 Reasons to Live, Work and Retire in Panama.
Panama: A Real Estate Alternative to Costa Rica (Costa Rica Star)
If 10 reasons were not enough, did you know that Panama has over taken Costa Rica as a top retirement destination?
Dssasso
Panama Investment
Panama – the Latin American business hub? (Global Legal Post)
Panama is fast emerging as a business hub in Latin America with many incentives for companies to set up in the region.
Panama seeks to be international arbitration center (Panama America translated by Google)
Recently, Panama approved a law to regulate domestic and international arbitration. This will allow Panama to position itself as an international arbitration center. Just one more example of how Panama is positing itself as a desired home for global businesses.
Investment in Oil in Puerto Armuelles, Panama (AB Panama)
Once home to the Chiquita Banana Company, and a bustling economic center, the now sleepy port town of Puerto Armuelles (Chiriqui Provence) is being courted by Qatar as the spot for a possible oil refinery in Panama.
Deadline to resolve Panama Canal expansion receives extension to Feb. 1 (Tico Times)
Finally there is the on-again, off-again, Panama Canal Expansion which is facing major budget overruns. For now, work on expanding the Panama Canal will continue after the construction consortium officially extended the deadline until Feb. 1 to resolve a dispute over $1.6 billion in cost overruns.
Royal Caribbean
Panama Tourism
Celebrating 100 years on the Panama Canal (Travel Weekly)
There is going to be a big party in Panama this year, and you should make plans to attend the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal.
Practically every cruise line has one trip scheduled through the 48-mile Panama Canal, which is a bucket-list item for many cruisers, especially Americans.
Copa Airlines to offer service from Fort Lauderdale to Panama (Miami Herald)
Getting to Panama is about to get even easier. Copa Airlines is to begin service between Fort Lauderdale and Panama City, Panama, in July 2014. Flights will depart Fort Lauderdale on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Airlines Include Panama in Plans (La Prensa – Translated by Google)
If Copa connections were not enough, even more airlines are coming to Panama. TAP, BlueSky and Aeromexico are all negotiating flight connections from Portugal, Grand Cayman, and Mexico City to Panama’s Tocumen International Airport.
Tourism manager wants to cap Panama dengue reports (Today Panama)
But the tourism sector has been a casualty to the epidemic of dengue in Panama, as several large-scale package tours that were bound for Panama have been cancelled.
Tourist arrivals exceeds the expected target in 2013 (Panama America Translated by Google)
Even with these cancellations, Panama’s 2013 tourism statistics speak for themselves. In 2013, 2.27 million visitors came to Panama, stayed an average of 9.3 days and spent $168 per day.
Noel Maurer
Panama Economy
Panama’s Economy Will Grow Over 5 Percent In 2014, Making It The Fastest Growing Economy In Latin America (International Business Times)
Panama’s economy is expected to grow over 5% in 2014, making Panama the fastest growing economy in Latin America.
What’s pushing this economic powerhouse along?
First, the Panama Canal is knee-deep in a $3.2 billion expansion, even with the Canal’s budget hiccups and pushed back budget deadlines, it is going full steam ahead.
PANAMA GDP ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (Trading Economics)
Second, Panama saw its GDP rise 5.57%, and is expected to repeat the performance in 2014, according to Trading Economics. But the International Monetary Fund is even more optimistic, calculating Panama’s GDP growth at 6.9%, the highest in the whole of Latin America.
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