The Pacific coastline of the Bay of Panama boasts fine sandy beaches that are ideal for lazing around with your feet in the water… Located just 2 hours from the capital, the bay’s beaches stretch from Punta Chame to Playa Blanca; these long stretches of white, grey or black sand line the Pacific coastline . They are the refuge of many city dwellers on weekends and during the vacations, and a dozen or so seaside resorts have established themselves here. Santa Clara, Farallón and Río Alto are among the most beautiful beaches in the region.Discover the most beautiful beaches in Panama, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Punta Chame
This 15-kilometer spit of land juts out into the Pacific Ocean, forming a natural peninsula that protects Chame Bay. Punta Chame is renowned among kitesurfers and windsurfers for its constant winds (15 to 25 knots) from December to April. Several kitesurfing schools offer lessons and equipment hire. The shallow waters and sandy bottom are ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike. Outside the windy season, the beach regains its calm and attracts surfers and families looking for peace and quiet. Access is via a narrow, mangrove-lined road from the Panamerican Highway. A few seafood restaurants and simple lodgings dot the peninsula. The village remains authentic, without excessive tourist development.Atmosphere: sporty and naturalApprox. 1h15 from Panama CityIdeal for: kitesurfing, windsurfing, tranquility
Gorgona beach
Playa Gorgona attracts Panamanian families from the capital to spend the day by the sea. This narrow beach of grey volcanic sand fills up on weekends and public holidays with a typically local festive atmosphere, with music, children’s cries and laughter echoing throughout the day. Street vendors sell ceviche, patacones and cold drinks. Families set up umbrellas, chairs and coolers for the day. The Pacific waters remain warm all year round (26-28°C), with moderate waves suitable for family bathing. Several beachside restaurants serve grilled fish and seafood at affordable prices. Accommodation is limited – most visitors come by the day from Panama City. During the week, the beach regains its calm and offers a more peaceful atmosphere.Atmosphere: popular and lively (weekends)Approx. 1h30 from Panama CityIdeal for: local immersion, festive atmosphere, swimming
Playa Coronado
Playa Coronado is the most exclusive resort on Panama’s Pacific coast. Developed in the 1940s as a weekend destination for Panama City’s affluent classes, today it boasts luxury villas, golf courses and secure residential complexes. The beach itself alternates between white sand and volcanic black sand over several kilometers. The constant waves attract surfers, especially at the Teta break. The water remains generally rough with currents – caution when swimming with children. Progressing from the Panamericana towards the beach, you pass through residential areas with well-tended gardens overflowing with bougainvillea, hibiscus and palm trees. Many restaurants, supermarkets and shops serve the community of expatriates and Panamanians who have second homes here. Access to some parts of the beach may be restricted by private property. Public areas remain accessible, however. The atmosphere is calmer and more orderly than on popular beaches, with fewer street vendors.Atmosphere: residential and affluentApprox. 1h15 from Panama CityIdeal for: surfing, luxury residences, relative calm
Playa San Carlos
Playa San Carlos is reached after crossing the fishing village of the same name. A small, bumpy 2 km road leads from the center to the coconut-fringed beach, which mainly attracts local Panamanian families and those from Panama City who come to spend Sundays at the water’s edge. The atmosphere is friendly and popular, with little developed tourist infrastructure. A few ranchos (straw huts) offer shelter from the sun, and vendors sell drinks and snacks. The village of San Carlos retains an authentic coastal village atmosphere, with its colorful houses, church and small central square. It’s a glimpse of local Panama far from the standardized tourist areas. The moderate waves are ideal for swimming, although the beach remains quite busy at weekends.Atmosphere: local and family-friendlyApprox. 1h30 from Panama CityIdeal for: authentic atmosphere, contact with the locals
Playa Santa Clara
Playa Santa Clara is one of the most pleasant beaches on the central Pacific coast. This long stretch of fine white sand stretches for several kilometers, offering plenty of space even on weekends. The beach is lined with a few charming hotels and residences with well-kept tropical gardens, without the massive development that characterizes Coronado. The atmosphere remains peaceful and relaxed. You can walk for hours along the shore and easily find a secluded spot, especially during the week, and the moderate waves make for safe swimming. The fine sand invites you to walk barefoot, and the sunsets over the Pacific are spectacular. With several small restaurants and beach bars offering grilled fish and ceviche in a relaxed atmosphere, Santa Clara is particularly suited to visitors seeking peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. It’s an ideal place to read, stroll and simply enjoy the seaside without excessive hustle and bustle.Atmosphere: calm and restfulApprox. 2 hours from Panama CityIdeal for: relaxation, long walks, reading by the water
Playa Blanca (Playa Farallón)
Playa Blanca is aptly named, with its dazzling white sand contrasting with the blue-green waters of the Pacific. For many years, this vast expanse of several kilometers was a virtually deserted beach before the arrival of hotel development in the 2000’s. Today, the Royal Decameron, a large-scale all-inclusive complex, dominates the landscape with its hundreds of rooms. Other hotels of various categories have sprung up, gradually transforming this once wild beach into an established seaside destination. Despite the development, the length of the beach means that you can still find quieter areas away from the hotel complexes. Sunrise and sunset strolls offer beautiful views of the coast. Waves can be strong in places – check conditions before swimming. Several independent restaurants and bars have set up close to the hotels, offering an alternative to all-inclusive packages. Beach access remains public despite the presence of resorts.Atmosphere: touristy and developedApprox. 2 hours from Panama CityIdeal for: all-inclusive packages, white sand beach, tourist infrastructure
Practical tips for Pacific beaches
Most of these beaches can be reached in 1 to 2.5 hours by road from Panama City via the Pan-American Highway. On weekends and public holidays, traffic can slow down considerably, especially on the way back to the capital on Sunday afternoons. The waves on Panama’s Pacific coast are generally stronger than on the Caribbean coast. Keep a close eye on children, and ask locals or your hotel about currents. Few beaches have lifeguards, and the sun is strong all year round on this coast. Apply sunscreen generously, wear a hat and seek shade regularly, especially between 11am and 3pm. Sunburn is common among visitors who underestimate the intensity of the tropical rays.
