The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in panama"
Named by 6 of 81. Red Frog BeachA long strip of sand with clear water and rainforest behind it; one source warns the sea can be rough with riptides.Another source calls the water calm and good for swimming, so conditions are described differently.
Named by 5 of 82. Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)Clear water with red and orange starfish on the sandy seabed; visitors are asked not to touch them.Described as an excellent spot for snorkeling.
Named by 5 of 83. Playa VenaoA crescent-shaped beach about 3 km long with golden sand, forested hills and a surf-focused, laid-back feel.Known for surf breaks, and it also has swimmable sections.
Named by 4 of 84. Playa Blanca (Coclé)Powdery white sand and clear turquoise water on the Pacific side.Calm waves suit swimming and snorkeling.
Named by 3 of 85. San Blas IslandsTurquoise water, white sand beaches and thatched huts; the islands are home to the Guna people.Sources give different island counts: 365 in one, 378 in another.
Named by 3 of 86. Isla CoibaA UNESCO World Heritage Site known for diving and snorkeling, and the largest island in Central America.Granito de Oro, a tiny islet nearby, is named for snorkeling and diving.
Named by 3 of 87. Contadora IslandThe biggest of the Pearl Islands, about 50 miles from Panama City, with 13 separate beaches.Playa Larga is the island's longest beach, good for walks and sunsets.
Named by 3 of 88. Bocas del ToroAn archipelago of six main islands where boat taxis are the way to get between beaches.A one-hour direct flight from Panama City.
Named by 2 of 89. Bluff Beach (Playa Bluff)Good for escaping crowds, with strong waves for surfing and a long golden stretch of sand.One traveler rode an e-bike from Bocas Town to watch sunset here.
Named by 2 of 810. Cayo ZapatillaTwo uninhabited islands in Bastimentos National Marine Park with white sand and good snorkeling.No bars or restaurants, and most people go by boat tour.
Named by 2 of 811. Playa Las LajasA long stretch of golden sand with calm water on the Gulf of Chiriquí.Relatively undeveloped, for a more rustic beach day.
Named by 2 of 812. Playa CoronadoA developed beach town with many amenities, convenient for a beach holiday.Sand is a mix of tan sand and black volcanic sand.
Named by 2 of 813. Playa Santa ClaraSoft golden sand and gentle waves suit swimming and sunbathing.Listed among beaches serving Panama City visitors.
14. Santa CatalinaPopular with surfers and divers, and a gateway to Coiba National Park.Playa El Estero has consistent waves for surfing.
15. Playa BonitaThe only beach close to Panama City, with a view of the mouth of the Panama Canal.
16. Isla TabogaA short boat ride from Panama City with calm water for swimming and snorkeling.
17. Boca BravaGolden beaches and far fewer tourists than expected; reached by boat from Boca Chica.
18. Isla GrandeA small Caribbean island with local culture, snorkeling and boat tours.
19. Isla PerroSmall island with a sunken shipwreck used for snorkeling.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Panama.
Questions people ask
- Where are the best surf beaches in Panama?
- Sources point to Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula, Santa Catalina and its Playa El Estero, and Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro.
- How far is Panama City from the beach?
- Playa Bonita is the only beach close to Panama City. Isla Taboga is a short boat ride away, and Contadora Island is about 50 miles out.
