From world renown waves, beach resorts to traditional legends you will find on the pacific coast
The Pacific coast of Panama is characterized by its beaches that differ from each other by the strength of their waves, pleasant temperatures, and shades of sand that range from light to black due to its volcanic origin. They also border mangroves, jungles and rural fishing villages.
This sector is increasingly creating interest on future homeowners, whether for vacation or retirement. It is a destination that is in the sights of those who want to acquire a better quality of life.
West Panama
- Veracruz
Very close to capital city, as soon as you cross the Bridge of the Americas, take a detour to the right to go to this beach. From there you can see the ships in a row on their way through the Canal and some nearby islands to Taboga.
On this beach, rather than bathing, visitors go to the large number of restaurants and bars that are along the shore. A very popular activity is to walk out to sea when the tide is lower than normal causing the famous extremely low tide effect. The beach is also used for outdoor activities such as volleyball or individual paddle tennis.
- Punta Chame
It is located on a small peninsula that is an hour and a half from the capital city (101.3 km). The sea is calm with weather conditions that allow people to do windsurfing or kiteboarding. In the surrounding area there are schools that offer courses in this sport or offer paddle or paddle surfing classes.
Being on this beach you can see Cerros de Chame and Campana and Isla Taborcillo (Old John Wayne island). Its population, mostly fishermen, is 400 inhabitants. Lately they have been opening innovative themed hotels and lodgings, with concepts alluding to water sports, giving this destination a unique character.
- Gorgona
It is also known as Malibu Beach or Nueva Gorgona, because the original town of Gorgona was on the banks of the Chagres River, but after it was flooded with the waters of Gatun Lake for the construction of the Canal it was moved to this new location.
It is located 80 km. from the capital city, equivalent to one hour drive. There is a nearby surf break there, very popular with surfers, who see it as one of the best beaches in the Bay of Panama to practice their routines.
- Coronado
It is the first beach with residential area and tourist projects in the country that was established on this beach. This beach region is one of the best for a weekend getaway. In recent years it is a destination for retirees from all over the world. This sector has its own equestrian community, beachfront condominiums, a golf course, small residential buildings, and international schools for foreign families who want to live far from the city.
It is close to other similar ones on the Pacific coast, such as Playa El Palmar just 11 km. further on, Playa Santa Clara 28 km. away and the resort area in Playa Farallon 31 km. away. For this reason, there are many conveniences such as shopping malls, supermarkets, hospitals and entertainment venues. It is a safe place that is maintained with moderate visits at the time of admission.
- El Palmar
It is known for being a beach with challenging waves for “surfing”. It is also one of the beaches that people from the capital city return to visit, by being at only 1 hour and 20 minutes away. In the surroundings there are several schools to learn how to maneuver a surf board. The best known school is “Panama Surf School”, where beginners can come or to improve their technique.
Cocle
- Playa Blanca
It is the destination that enjoys the privilege of having the best tropical weather in the beach sector, due to its low rainfall and pleasant temperatures. With white sands – hence its name – it is located in the coastal zone of west Panama.
This beach within the small town of Rio Hato has a hotel complex with a name alluding to this beach. In the surroundings there are residential properties and villas close to great facilities. The boom in this sector as a vacation destination made Farallon chosen for the construction of an international airport.
- Farallon Beach
Located in the Rio Hato sector, district of Anton in the province of Cocle, Playa Farallon is a destination referred for its excellent tourist infrastructure. Among them there are “resorts” that promise fun, comfort and good gastronomy.
Something curious is the Farallon rock, of volcanic origin that can be seen in the sea. It is because of this “kind of rocky island” that the town and beach received their current name. You can reach it by boat in 15 minutes.
To get to this point you have to travel along the Pan-American highway, 3 km. west of Santa Clara and 110 km. (68 miles) west of Panama City.
Los Santos
- Uverito Beach
Its original name comes from a hundred-year-old tree called Uvero, under which the San Domingo festivities were held. Uverito Beach located on the Pacific is 112 km. from the center of Las Tablas Town.
Through some rock formations near the seashore, natural pools are formed that are widely used by children, which promotes a more familiar atmosphere. A small viewpoint was built on the largest rock.
Because it is well known in the district of Santo Domingo, there are nearby restaurants and huts to shelter from the sun.
- Las Comadres Beach
Located in Los Santos, arriving at this destination you will notice two rocky forms throughout the entrance. And it is that the name “Las Comadres” comes from a legend where two best friends had a very strong personal dispute while walking on this beach, causing them to drown, both becoming the rocks that stand out at first sight from the shore. It is a quiet sector where you can spend a pleasant time in a fishing landscape and where you can enjoy the regional cuisine.
- Venao Beach
With almost 3 kilometers of beach, it is located in the province of Los Santos, about 25 minutes from the district of Pedasi. Here you can enjoy waves that are famous in the world of surfing at an international level, for receiving the waves from the South. You will almost always find good weather and in the background there is a view of the hills.
It has been chosen as the official venue for “Surf” tournaments, organized by the International Surfing Association (ISA), which puts it on the map of this discipline that moves groups of athletes.
- Cambutal
Located in the district of Tonosi in the province of Los Santos, is this challenging beach of volcanic sand. Its strong waves are recommended for experts, because their cycles vary, and they break between rocky areas.
This place is growing as a destination for local and foreign tourism, so in addition to lodging places, you can see cabins and houses facing the sea. The advantage of this sector in the interior is that it is located in the driest part of the country, so it rains less than in other sectors.
You can also find shallow caves by the sea, circuits to explore in green areas where there are rivers and waterfalls. This sector is more remote with paths with some difficulty, so it is advisable to arrive by 4 x 4 car, and it is located 56 km. from Playa Venao.
Veraguas
- Santa Catalina
Located on the southwest of the Veraguas province, on the Pacific coast, you can visit Playa Santa Catalina. From being a town merely for fishermen, it is now better known for its growing community of surfers, for the tourist attraction for those who seek to tame waves that range from four feet high to 20 feet.
It has the advantage that it is somewhat far from the most inhabited places in that sector, so it is considered a place of escape for those who vibrate this lifestyle with a board and adrenaline a thousand times a day.
Chiriqui
- Las Lajas Beach
It is one of the largest in Latin America, with its more than 18 kilometers you will enjoy walks, rides on “Four Wheels” or horseback riding in a quiet environment.
In its surroundings you will find mangroves that are home to various species of fauna, plants and trees, making it a true treasure of the province of Chiriqui. Its waters have a perfect temperature, with an average of approximately 30 degrees, suitable for snorkeling and diving, among other water activities.
