Sugary sands and exquisite seashores are synonymous with Central America, and Panama has a few of the greatest, with white sands, tropical island paradises, and marine life that offers the remainder of the continent a run for its cash. Past exploring the prime issues to do within the palm-laden highlands of Valle de Antón and vibrant Panama Metropolis, the place to be in Panama is on the coast. Each the Pacific and Caribbean sides have swoon-worthy stretches of sand, and these are our picks for the perfect seashores in Panama.
San Blas Islands
The tiny, palm-fringed San Blas Islands, often known as Guna Yala, are an archipelago of 378 islands on the Caribbean aspect of Panama. Lots of the islands are uninhabited, however some are house to the Kuna individuals, an autonomous Indigenous individuals who keep governance of their ancestral house. A visit to the San Blas Islands isn’t simply an journey to a tropical paradise — it’s additionally a singular cultural expertise and an perception into how the Kuna individuals have lived for hundreds of years: fishing, buying and selling, and taking care of their most treasured crop, the coconut timber that dot the islands.
The easiest way to meet your desert island desires is by sailboat, drifting from island to island with the nice and cozy breeze and ending every day with rum-filled coconuts and your toes within the sand. Many travellers mix a San Blas journey with a journey to or from Colombia on a multi-day crusing journey that hits a number of islands earlier than crossing the ocean to Cartagena. If you happen to’re after a little bit extra motion than sitting in a hammock and watching the waves, San Blas has world-class snorkelling, together with the chance to spy a sunken ship, the Buenaventura, which has been stranded for 65 years within the crystal-clear waters. However you’d be forgiven for placing your toes up and pretending you’ve been castaway, too.
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Santa Catalina
On Panama’s Pacific coast, Santa Catalina takes a little bit adventuring to get to, however the journey is value its weight in gold for the epic surf spots and scuba diving alternatives this tiny former fishing city affords guests. Discover essentially the most constant surf right here between April and October, however Santa Catalina is a year-round board-riding vacation spot. A patch of reef produces incredible seaside breaks for newbies, and a few level breaks at Punta Roca and La Punta are for extra skilled surfers.
Choose to be underwater? Santa Catalina is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Coiba Nationwide Park, an unlimited space of 1,743 sq km (673 sq mi) that’s usually known as the Galapagos of Central America due to its unbelievable range of marine life. The preferred dive websites are off the islands of Rancherias, Canales, and Contreras, and the variety of underwater critters that may be discovered right here is really astounding. White-tipped reef sharks circle the coral, and turtles hang around on the ocean grass. It is also attainable to see dolphins, eagle rays, and satan rays. If you happen to’re fortunate and time your go to proper, you may even spot a whale shark, big manta rays, or humpback whales from July to September.
This space additionally has an fascinating historical past. From 1914 to 2004, Coiba Island was house to a penal colony that housed the nation’s most harmful criminals. It’s attainable to go to the ruined buildings on an organized tour and see how nature is reclaiming this darkish a part of Panama’s historical past.
Cayos Zapatilla
Discover this group of coral-surrounded, uninhabited islands within the Bocas del Toro archipelago on Panama’s northern Caribbean coast. Native legends say that the islands had been created when God touched down from the heavens, creating two islands within the form of his toes. Different tales inform of pirates hiding their treasure right here, so should you’re trying to stay out your Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy, that is the place to do it. Fishing and diving are the principle attracts for travellers in Bastimentos Island Nationwide Marine Park. White sand, palm timber, and mangroves encompass every cay, and the marine life is spectacular. These islands are crucial websites for the endangered hawksbill turtles, which nest on the shores between March and September.
Playa Venao
Undoubtedly certainly one of Panama’s greatest seashores, Playa Venao is comparatively undeveloped and boasts black sand throughout its crescent-shaped bay, world-class browsing, and loads of alternatives for water-based actions, akin to stand-up paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing, and even whale watching. If you happen to’d relatively keep on dry land, you possibly can go to fincas and eco-farms and wander to waterfalls and lookout factors for jungled views throughout the Pacific. The year-round provide of waves caters to all talent ranges, and the tranquil, untouched vibe may come as a welcome break from a few of Panama’s extra in style locales. However that doesn’t imply it’s a must to go to mattress early — there are full of life bars, and should you go to in late March, hit up Reactor Venao, a competition of music, artwork, and wellness that takes over the small city yearly.
Isla Grande
Serene and secluded, Panama’s Isla Grande isn’t grande in any respect, protecting about 28 sq km (11 sq mi). There aren’t any roads or automobiles, and that’s a big a part of the appeal, although you’ll nonetheless discover all the pieces you want, from hostels and seaside cabins to tenting spots and scrumptious meals. The island has Afro-Caribbean roots and the delicacies to match — suppose fried fish, an abundance of seafood, and daring flavours. For many who wish to climb, the Isla Grande Lighthouse rewards those that trek up its 112 steps with an uninterrupted view throughout the island, and nature trails abound if you wish to keep out of the water. Lay eyes on the island’s iconic Black Christ statue, positioned on the reef on the entrance to the island. At excessive tide, it appears to be like as if it is strolling on water.
Playa Blanca
As you may guess from its title, Playa Blanca on Panama’s central Pacific coast boasts an extended stretch of glowing white sand that is certain to tick each field to your tropical seaside desires. What was a small fishing village is now a bustling city with high-end resorts and seaside golf equipment dotted alongside its turquoise shores. Though it may not be Panama’s most genuine location, it’s a worthy spot to spend a number of days enjoyable on the seaside, sunning your self foolish, and getting some much-deserved downtime after mountain climbing in Valle de Antón, which is simply an hour away.
Starfish Seaside, Bocas del Toro
Within the north of the nation close to the Costa Rica border, Bocas del Toro is one other of Panama’s archipelagos that has all of it: mangroves, reefs, nice waves, and good vibes. The principle islands are Isla Colón, Isla Carenero, and Isla Bastimentos, and you may hop amongst them on quick water taxi rides. Exploring all of the seashores right here would take weeks, however the goldmine is Starfish Seaside. Positioned on Isla Colón, this stretch of sand is lined with palm timber and blessed with heat, crystal-clear waters, however that isn’t what you are visiting for. This seaside is inhabited by big orange starfish that hang around on the sand. Get there early to keep away from the crowds. The seaside is accessible by bus with a brief stroll, by renting a scooter, or by hopping in a taxi.
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Playa Larga, Pearl Islands
Within the Gulf of Panama, Contadora Island has greater than 10 seashores, making it a beach-hopper’s paradise. The largest is Playa Larga, a stretch of golden sand and cerulean sea excellent for snorkelling and seafood snacks. Like most island spots in Panama, the waters are stuffed with plentiful marine life, together with vibrant coral reefs and their resident tropical fish, in addition to occasional sharks and rays. From June to October, humpback whales migrate by way of the realm. Birdwatchers ought to head to close by Pacheco Island, house to lots of of pelicans. Searching for someplace that feels really off the crushed monitor? Float over to Saboga Island for distant shores and a peaceable escape from the vacationer path.
Taboga Island
Simply accessible by ferry from Panama Metropolis in simply 45 minutes, Taboga Island makes the proper day-trip escape or an extended keep should you want a little bit island time. Often called the Island of Flowers, Taboga is a volcanic island identified for its various flowers and alternatives to discover on land or by sea. It’s commonplace to see flying fish, rays, and dolphins from the ferry to the island, and the marine life sightings proceed upon arrival. With delicate sand and clear, glittering water, Playa La Restinga is the favorite spot for many guests, however you may as well hit up Playa Honda, or head out on a ship to attempt your hand at fishing. From boat excursions and kayaking to mountain climbing and birding, you’ll discover one thing to do right here whether or not you’re mendacity on the sand or not.
Playa Bluff, Bocas del Toro
Playa Bluff is certainly one of Bocas del Toro’s best-loved seashores, and for good motive. You’ve obtained 4km (2.5 mi) of golden sand; a collection of hostels, seaside bars, yoga retreats, and surf faculties; and surroundings to match. Although browsing is in style, that you must know what you’re doing: Bluff’s tunnels and barrels aren’t for newbies or, more often than not, even intermediate surfers. However to not fear — should you’re not assured sufficient to take a activate the waves, you possibly can take part within the nightly vigils to watch turtle nests between April and August. Endangered hawksbills, leatherbacks, and inexperienced turtles nest right here, so it is the proper place to get entangled in conservation. Afterward, Bocas’ nightlife awaits. Begin off the evening at a laid-back over-water bar sipping rum cocktails to reggae music or head out on an island-hopping celebration that’ll have you ever ingesting on abandoned seashores.
