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The beaches in Panama provide an extraordinary escape, where the sandy coastlines meet fascinating history and diverse wildlife. This Central American haven boasts coastlines in both the Caribbean and Pacific, offering adventurous water sports, delicious local cuisine, and lively cultural events. Visitors can explore colourful coastal towns and discover hidden bays with unique charm. All these popular beaches unveil natural wonders and engaging experiences that captivate every traveller’s heart and inspire lasting memories. Experience an unmatched adventure on these truly remarkable Panama beaches.
Top 10 Beaches In Panama
These beautiful beaches in Panama uncover a blend of sun, sea and history, inviting explorers to experience coastal wonders and cultural heritage.
1. Playa Venao
Photo: Inzay20 / Wikimedia Commons
Playa Venao showcases a crescent-shaped Pacific shore that evolved from a modest fishing cove into a competitive surfing arena in 2013. The name, meaning “Calf”, originates from local legends about rock formations resembling cattle. Visitors can explore tidal pools with octopuses and climb to Mirador Cerro Venao for amazing views. Occasionally, 16th‑century Spanish shipwreck artefacts appear during storms, adding historical intrigue to this coastal destination for exploration.
Location: Los Santos Province, Panama
Nearest Airport: Cap Manuel Niño International Airport
2. Santa Catalina
Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Catalina has undergone a transformation from an ordinary fishing village into a well-known surf destination since the 1970s. Australian surfers discovered reliable breaks that elevated its profile. The beach provides access to Coiba National Park, a recognised UNESCO area featuring a historic penal colony from 1919 to 2004. Visitors can dive to explore underwater volcanic structures while observing the remains of the abandoned prison in a coastal setting for unforgettable coastal memories.
Location: Pacific coast of the Veraguas province
Nearest Airport: Cap Manuel Niño International Airport
3. Bocas del Toro Beaches
Photo: M M / Wikimedia Commons
Bocas del Toro offers a unique Caribbean charm. Named by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this archipelago presents Starfish Beach with crimson sea stars and Red Frog Beach, where local poison dart frogs inhabit forest trails. Abandoned 19th‑century banana plantations now form a natural backdrop for eco‑tours. The blend of natural phenomena and colonial remnants creates an engaging environment for visitors, making this coastal region an essential visit for those seeking authentic island experiences.
Location: Panama’s northwest Caribbean coast
Nearest Airport: Isla Colón International Airport
4. San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
Photo: Haakon S. Krohn / Wikimedia Commons
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) presents a collection of 365 Caribbean isles preserving indigenous culture since 1925. The Guna people maintain pre‑Columbian traditions, with thatched huts such as those on Chichime, offering opportunities to trade for colourful molas. Some islands retain repurposed 1940s radar stations now used as basic lodgings. This coastal region provides visitors with a cultural experience, combining historical significance with the natural beauty of its scattered, preserved islands, making it one of the unique beaches.
Location: Panama’s Caribbean coast, east of the Panama Canal
Nearest Airport: Carti Airport
5. Playa Blanca
Photo: Rowan Heuvel / Wikimedia Commons
Playa Blanca offers an experience defined by 1990s luxury development. This is among other white-sand beaches, situated near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, allowing visitors to observe passing ships. The adjacent Decameron Resort occupies land once owned by Manuel Noriega’s associates and now provides family-friendly pools and salsa dance venues. The blend of history and modern leisure invites travellers to enjoy a coastal retreat that celebrates innovation and tradition along its shoreline.
Location: Rio Hato, Panama
Nearest Airport: Tocumen International Airport
6. Playa Coronado
Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Playa Coronado represents Panama’s first planned beach community, established in 1953, becoming one of the most developed beaches. Originally attracting American expats engaged with Canal work, the area later hosted Cold War diplomatic meetings at the Coronado Country Club during the 1960s. Today, retirees enjoy golf on Tom Fazio-designed courses, while low tide reveals Spanish anchor remnants dating back 500 years. This coastal destination seamlessly blends historical significance with modern recreational opportunities.
Location: Southwest of Panama City
Nearest Airport: Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport
7. Isla Taboga
Photo: Ayaita / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Taboga, known as the Island of Flowers since 1515, sits on a volcanic isle that once saw pirate Henry Morgan’s pre-attack on Panama City in 1671. The Church of San Pedro, dating from 1550, exhibits salvaged ship figureheads. Daily ferries from the Amador Causeway, constructed with canal excavation rocks, ensure reliable access. This island, among the top historical beaches, combines maritime heritage with religious landmarks, offering travellers an opportunity to explore its coastal character.
Location: Pacific side of the country in the Gulf of Panama
Nearest Airport: Tocumen International Airport
8. Playa Las Lajas
Photo: Ayaita/ Wikimedia Commons
Playa Las Lajas, another must-visit beach in Panama, extends for 20 km along the Pacific coast. Initially uncharted until 2008, local surfers identified its impressive breaks. Behind the shore, the 19th‑century Las Lajas Ranch remains operational, providing horseback riding through teak plantations. At night, bioluminescent plankton illuminates the waves, a phenomenon recorded by Spanish naturalists in 1789. This coastal stretch offers historical insights and outdoor pursuits that appeal to adventurous travellers seeking a dynamic beach environment.
Location: Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí
Nearest Airport: Cap Manuel Niño International Airport
9. Playa Cambutal
Photo: Ayaita / Wikimedia Commons
Playa Cambutal offers a remote Pacific surf spot known for its left-hand point breaks featured in 1980s Australian films. The beach’s name derives from the indigenous Naso word meaning “place of winds.” Stone markers from the 16th century, installed by Spanish explorers, once guided ships to freshwater springs. This coastal destination attracts dedicated surfers and history enthusiasts, inviting visitors to explore both challenging waves and maritime relics along its dynamic shoreline.
Location: Tonosi, Los Santos Province, Panama
Nearest Airport: Cap Manuel Niño International Airport
10. Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach)
Photo: EinfachFrankfurt1955 / Wikimedia Commons
Playa Estrella is also known as Starfish Beach. Situated in Bocas del Toro, the crystal-clear waters support abundant Oreaster reticulatus starfish, first noted by marine biologist Jean-Baptiste Vérany in 1846. Adjacent mangroves conceal British pirate hideouts from the 17th century, reachable by guided kayak tours through intricate waterways. This coastal spot offers marine observation and historical exploration, providing visitors with natural wonders and maritime heritage.
Location: Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
Nearest Airport: Isla Colón International Airport
The beaches in Panama serve as an invitation to explore a world where stunning coastlines and cultural stories converge seamlessly. Every shore reveals distinctive landscapes and memorable adventures waiting to be discovered. From lively seaside towns to secluded coves, each visit promises a fresh perspective. Plan a trip with TripXL and ensure your exploration of these remarkable shores is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
Cover Photo: Alex Proimos / Wikimedia Commons
