Tread the fine sands of a tropical icon
Forget the canal. Panama City beaches are right up there with the city’s best water features.
There’s no sand in the city limits, but there are great beaches close by to warm up, cool off and stretch out. From a black beach to diverse marine life, there’s so much to explore if you want a break from downtown.
Panama is a timeless escape
Reinvention never felt so good
Sure, this metropolis is famous for a culture that never sits still. Whether we’re talking about pirate treasure or hyper-fast finance, Panama City has reinvented itself more times than even it can count. But Panama City beaches have always been beautiful. Most of them lie southeast towards the Gulf of Parita or on several islands you can reach by ferry. To get to many of these beaches, you’ll likely have to use a car rental from Panama City. A good set of wheels will take you through Veracruz, Puerto Caimito, the Chame District and other communities that offer access and a fresh towel.
Migrate with other rare creatures
The city itself has a fascinating relationship with the coast. After all, it’s what drew so much trade here for centuries, becoming a stew of art, commerce and diasporic influences. You might want some light relief from the nightlife and ding of a cash register though. Which is why Panama City beaches are well worth exploring with plenty of prep and sunscreen.
Highlights include San Carlos Beach and its delirious surfing opportunities, the cradle of Playa Blanca Beach, and the pinch-yourself shores of Isla Taboga. Temperatures often climb to 80 degrees or higher but remember that you’re on the Caribbean side of the country. That means January to May are the dry months in which you can enjoy more prolonged spells on the sand.
Seeking a wilder side of life at sea? Panama — a bridge between North and South America, as well as the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans — welcomes plenty of exotic visitors every year. Sea turtles, humpback whales and other creatures are regularly seen migrating. In fact, over 200 of Panama’s beaches have protected turtle nesting sites. You might be able to catch these animals on the move with boat tours, locals guides and package deals.
The top eight Panama City beaches
It’s time to recommend the best beaches in Panama City — and they are all killer, no vanilla. Plan your days or weeks with our scorching rundown of spots for quick breaks, couples and family vacations.
Veracruz Beach
Laid-back for locals
40km southwest of Tocumen airport
If you’re starting small, check out Veracruz Beach on the edge of the city. Young Panamanians flock down on weekends for cheap food and drinks. But during the week, it’s a haven for anyone looking to catch rays or paddleboard. The seafood meals are especially impressive for a handful of dollars. You can also find fish markets for guesthouse or condo cooking.
Isla Taboga
Paradise for a day
30 minutes from Panama City
Blood-red sunsets. Coconut cocktails. A sign you absolutely won’t miss when you step off the ferry. Isla Taboga is a place you might think you know from old fashioned postcards or juice commercials, but it’s very real. Taboga Beach is a relaxed cove with some stunning views for hikers. The restaurants and bars are excellent here too. Expect to pay around $24 for an adult return ticket.
Coronado Beach
A glitzier choice
116km southwest of Tocumen Airport
Lying aside the most developed coastal community in Panama, Coronado Beach tends to greet wealthier visitors. You’ll see mansions gazing out to sea, as well as expensive jet skis and sailboats on the waves. Don’t let that put you off, though — it’s a brilliant place to tan, buy a beer and try watersports. Plus, it’s more convenient than most beach resorts. There’s a shopping mall and even a rodeo nearby.
Gorgona Beach
Shimmering black sands
110km southwest of Tocumen Airport
A little east of Coronado lies Nueva Gorgona, a small town that relocated Panamanians from an older settlement to make way for the Panama Canal. The volcanic sands have colored parts of Gorgona Beach black: a nice quirk for your trip. The waves are slightly rough here in the early morning but calm down quickly.
Punta Chame
An isolated escape
126km southwest of Tocumen Airport
It’ll take several hours to hit Punta Chame, but you’ll be glad you did. This thin peninsula is surrounded by white sand, and the distance gives you more privacy than other retreats. Book a kite surfing session, take a long swim and gaze at Otoque Oriente island from your deck chair. Several Panama beach restaurants will fill you up later with acai bowls and octopus platters.
Playa Blanca
Grand but never overwhelming
150km southwest of Tocumen Airport
A soft-sanded beach that rarely feels crowded, Playa Blanca remains a favourite for tourists and snowbirds. You’ll discover it down from the forests and mountains of the Cocle Province. Kayaking, sports fishing and jet skiing are common sights, while the Anton Valley is just over an hour’s drive north for hikers. There’s always golf or horse riding if you’d rather stay by the waves.
Contadora Island
Total tropical immersion
1 hour from Panama City
As quiet and serene as palm leaves deserve, Contadora Island is the springboard for visitors — and even TV crews — looking to explore the Pearl Islands. It used to be a base for Spanish conquistadors, yet now caters for expats and people day tripping from the mainland. Rare birds sing in the trees. Humpbacks can be spotted during mating season. And to cap it all, the beaches are divine.
San Carlos Beach
Adventure sports await
126km southwest of Tocumen Airport
There isn’t one San Carlos beach, but two, and others a few kilometres north and south. The town boasts a historic lighthouse that’s open throughout the week. Along the coastline you can snorkel, join a sightseeing boat, or snap up calamari at a local bar. And if you’re new to extreme sports, Panama Surf School will make you a natural on the board.
Top Travel Tips:
It’s essential to get a car rental to Panama City beach spots.
Always check guidelines to respect the local culture and ecology.
Pack plenty of sunscreen — the heat may surprise you.
A tropical adventure that’ll keep you on your toes? The sand can always warm them up, so pack your shorts for Panama this year.
Thinking of travelling to Panama? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
