Top 10: The Best Beaches in Panama

When you think of Panama, what comes to mind? No doubt the iconic Panama Canal, right? While this beautiful Central American country is home to a true engineering feat, Panama has so much more to offer. Stunning natural landscapes, beautiful wildlife, and beaches that’ll blow you away!

With so many to choose from, which ones are the best to visit, you ask? At Civitatis, we’ve got the scoop on the beaches you can’t miss when you visit the wholly underrated country of Panama. Get ready for some fun in the sun with this comprehensive list of the best beaches in Panama!

1. Cayos Zapatilla

A visit to Cayos Zapatilla (Zapatilla Island), two islands near Bastimentos Island, can do the body a lot of good. Cayos Zapatilla belongs to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, a protected area featuring gorgeous unspoiled beaches. Plus, visitors of Cayos Zapatilla are met with an impressive coral reef that’s super easy to see while snorkeling! Wander around the island, relax on its large sandy beaches, and greet the giant turtles that call this home. It’s sure to be a nourishing experience for the mind, body, and soul!

Getting there is as easy as booking an excursion to Cayos Zapatilla and Cayo Coral from Bocas del Toro. An island oasis you don’t want to miss!

2. Beaches of San Blas

Next, we take you to the archipelago of San Blas, just over 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Panama City. The archipelago is made up of 365 islands and islets. In our opinion, they make up one of the most fascinating landscapes in Panama and even the world! The beaches of San Blas boast turquoise waters, fine white sand, and, to top it all off, lush island vegetation. Sound like the definition of paradise? We think so.

Although the beaches of San Blas are perfect for relaxing beachside, there are plenty of other activities available. You can go snorkeling, sail on a catamaran, or delve into the culture of its Indigenous communities. With the excursion to the islands of San Blas from Panama City, you’ll have all this and much more!

3. Starfish Beach

Included on our list of the best beaches in Panama, we turn our attention to Playa Estrella. Otherwise known as Starfish Beach, on the island of Colón. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking adventure during their trip. Don’t be fooled though, Playa Estrella is also considered one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Panama. Why? Beyond its stunning scenery, Playa Estrella is home to a large population of starfish, giving the beach a unique local population.

A visit to Playa Estrella is well worth it. Its calm waters are home to loads of starfish that can be seen perfectly thanks to its crystal clear waters. But be sure not to touch them! To maintain this natural paradise, it’s key to leave them where they are on the sand. This way, we can prevent them from suffering and becoming extinct. Want to see them for yourself? Check out this excursion to Starfish Beach and Bird Island from Bocas del Toro!

4. Playa Santa Clara

Switching over to the Pacific side of Panama, we head next to Playa Santa Clara. A long and beautiful white sandy bay, this beach offers visitors a quiet place to unwind. Despite being just 1.5 hours from the capital, Santa Clara Beach is a seldom explored destination making it an ideal spot to clear your mind and go for a relaxing swim.

5. Playa Santa Catalina

Our search for the best beaches in Panama takes us next to the beach of Santa Catalina, a surfer’s paradise. Known for its big swells, Santa Catalina is a go-to spot for catching waves without compromising on paradisiacal landscapes.

Located in the province of Veraguas, Santa Catalina can get swells that exceed 9 meters (30 feet) in height! Depending on the time of the year you visit, you may even happen upon an international surfing competition, an experience you’ll never forget!

6. Playa Venao

Looking to the southern coast of Panama, specifically to the Azuero Peninsula, we find Playa Venao, an unspoiled paradise belonging to several natural reserves, including Cerro Canajagua National Park, La Tronosa Forest Reserve, and the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge.

The beach features a huge crescent-shaped bay with a volcanic seabed that gives it a touch of black sand. Like the beaches of Santa Catalina, Playa Venao is also a favorite amongst Panamanian surfers.

7. Beaches of the Pearl Islands

Among our picks for the best beaches in Panama, are the beaches of Pearl Island. This archipelago, off the Pacific coast, offers a wild landscape highlighted by its dreamy beaches and deep blue waters.

Just as its name suggests, these beaches have a significant presence of pearls. Something Spanish explorer Núñez de Balboa noticed when he landed on the shores in the 16th century. But that’s not all – the beaches of Pearl Islands are also home to a large population of tropical fish and whales!

8. Playa Bluff

To end on a high note, we suggest a visit to Playa Bluff. A beach with more than 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) of golden sand surrounded by a large tropical jungle. Although located near the city of Bocas, Playa Bluff is practically deserted, making it a real haven of peace. It’s also a great spot for beach sports!

Moreover, sea turtles come to Playa Bluff to lay their eggs here from April to September! Without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Panama.

9. Playa Rana Rojo

Playa Rana Rojo, or Red Frog Beach in English, is named after a poison-dart frog native to the country. But don’t worry, you’re unlikely to meet any of these frogs at this now bustling beach. You can easily get to the beach by grabbing a water taxi from Bocas Town or Old Bank, which will bring you to Red Frog.

In Red Frog, you’ll find a number of hotels and hostels to stay at. If you’re thinking of staying in Bocas Town, we recommend spending a night or two at one of the lodges in Red Frog. That way, you can make the most out of the many restaurants and bars, as well as the strong waves that crash onto the beach!

10. Playa Venao

Possibly the best surfing beach in Panama is the horseshoed Playa Venao. This dark-sand beach has some of the most consistent waves in the country. But don’t worry if surfing isn’t your thing, this beach has plenty of good restaurants nearby as well as some bustling bars.

Playa Venao is just 25 minutes from Pedasi Town, and is also home to a range of accommodation options, if you want to spend your days hitting the waves on your surf board!

There you have it, those are the best beaches in Panama! Of course, there are a number of others we would have liked to include, but just missed the cut. What did we miss out on? If you’re visiting panama, be sure to check out more activities in Panama with Civitatis and fill your itinerary. ¡Buen viaje!