Panama - Sun & Beaches

Sun & Beaches

With about a thousand miles of Caribbean and Pacific coastline, and hundreds of picturesque islands, Panama is a beach lover’s paradise. The combination of white-sand, crystalline, tropical water and some fine accommodations attract thousands of vacationers from all over the world.

You’ll find facilities for your favorite recreational activities close at hand. Whether your penchant is snorkeling, diving, fishing, windsurfing or golfing, a vacation on Panama’s beaches is guaranteed to meet your highest expectations for tropical fun. Here are a few of the beaches you’ll be able to choose from.

Contadora

The fifth-largest of the Pearl Islands, which were discovered by Balboa in 1514, Contadora is located in the Pacific Ocean about 50 miles from Panama City. Here, in the 220 islands of the Pearl island group, the Spaniards found the famed, 31-carat pearl known as "La Peregrina" that was given to the Queen of Spain. Contadora Island features fine hotels, restaurants, a dive shop, a 9-hole golf course and oven a duty-free store. Among its 13 beaches, there is one where you can sunbathe au natural if you like. You can take excursions to nearby islands, most of which are uninhabited, and find your own private beach for sunbathing and picnicking. Just across the way is Pacheca Island, roosting spot for magnificent frigate birds and an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Coronado & Pacific Mainland

On the mainland, to the west of Panama City, stretch miles of inviting beaches: Punta Chame, Nueva Gorgona, Coronado, San Carlos, El Palmar, and Farallon, to name but a few. The best developed of these is Coronado, about an hour's drive from the city. A fine, 18-hole golf course combined with first-rate hotel accommodations and a white-sand beach guarantee the perfect tropical golf vacation. The golf course sponsors a number of international tournaments every year.

Bocas del Toro, San Blas and Isla Grande

On the Caribbean side, you'll find superb coral sand at Bocas del Toro, San Blas and Isla Grande. On the San Bias Islands, you'll meet the wonderful Kunas, attentive and colorful hosts who will find the perfect island for your sunbathing and snorkeling pleasure. In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, you'll find mile after mile of exquisite beaches, pristine coral reefs and excellent accommodations. Another outstanding destination is Isla Grande, where you can kick back in comfortable surroundings and explore beaches, coral formations and coconut plantations at an island pace. (More about San Blas)

Taboga Island

This lovely island, popularly known as the "island of Flowers, can be reached in an hour by boat from Panama City. A popular spot for a day trip or overnight stay, Taboga offers fine beaches, restaurants and hotel accommodations Popular activities on the island include sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, or just strolling along the flower-festooned paths and enjoying the slow pace of island life.
Taboga island has played an important part in Panama's history The first Spanish settlement was founded there in 15~4, and Pizarro's expedition to Peru departed from the island in 1526. Pirates Francis Drake and Henry Morgan have stopped over in its sheltered cove. A hotel industry grew up during the California gold rush, and then the island hosted a hospital during the building of the Panama Canal. An American naval base was built on Taboga during WWII, and visitors today can explore an artillery bunker on the island's summit, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Panama City skyline in the distance. The far side of the island is a protected refuge, where tens of thousands of brown pelicans nest every year.

With about a thousand miles of Caribbean and Pacific coastline, and hundreds of picturesque islands, Panama is a beach lover’s paradise. The combination of white-sand, crystalline, tropical water and some fine accommodations attract thousands of vacationers from all over the world. You’ll find facilities for your favorite recreational activities close at hand. Whether your penchant is snorkeling, diving, fishing, windsurfing or golfing, a vacation on Panama’s beaches is guaranteed to meet your highest expectations for tropical fun. Here are a few of the beaches you’ll be able to choose from.

Contadora
The fifth-largest of the Pearl Islands, which were discovered by Balboa in 1514, Contadora is located in the Pacific Ocean about 50 miles from Panama City. Here, in the 220 islands of the Pearl island group, the Spaniards found the famed, 31-carat pearl known as "La Peregrina" that was given to the Queen of Spain. Contadora Island features fine hotels, restaurants, a dive shop, a 9-hole golf course and oven a duty-free store. Among its 13 beaches, there is one where you can sunbathe au natural if you like. You can take excursions to nearby islands, most of which are uninhabited, and find your own private beach for sunbathing and picnicking. Just across the way is Pacheca Island, roosting spot for magnificent frigate birds and an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Coronado & Pacific Mainland
On the mainland, to the west of Panama City, stretch miles of inviting beaches: Punta Chame, Nueva Gorgona, Coronado, San Carlos, El Palmar, and Farallon, to name but a few. The best developed of these is Coronado, about an hour's drive from the city. A fine, 18-hole golf course combined with first-rate hotel accommodations and a white-sand beach guarantee the perfect tropical golf vacation. The golf course sponsors a number of international tournaments every year.

Bocas del Toro, San Blas and Isla Grande
On the Caribbean side, you'll find superb coral sand at Bocas del Toro, San Blas and Isla Grande. On the San Bias Islands, you'll meet the wonderful Kunas, attentive and colorful hosts who will find the perfect island for your sunbathing and snorkeling pleasure. In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, you'll find mile after mile of exquisite beaches, pristine coral reefs and excellent accommodations. Another outstanding destination is Isla Grande, where you can kick back in comfortable surroundings and explore beaches, coral formations and coconut plantations at an island pace. (More about San Blas)

Taboga Island
This lovely island, popularly known as the "island of Flowers, can be reached in an hour by boat from Panama City. A popular spot for a day trip or overnight stay, Taboga offers fine beaches, restaurants and hotel accommodations Popular activities on the island include sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, or just strolling along the flower-festooned paths and enjoying the slow pace of island life. Taboga island has played an important part in Panama's history The first Spanish settlement was founded there in 15~4, and Pizarro's expedition to Peru departed from the island in 1526. Pirates Francis Drake and Henry Morgan have stopped over in its sheltered cove. A hotel industry grew up during the California gold rush, and then the island hosted a hospital during the building of the Panama Canal. An American naval base was built on Taboga during WWII, and visitors today can explore an artillery bunker on the island's summit, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Panama City skyline in the distance. The far side of the island is a protected refuge, where tens of thousands of brown pelicans nest every year.

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