Panama has some beautiful beaches. Below are just some of the beaches around the Coronado and surrounding areas. Stay tuned for upcoming information on other beaches in the Pacific and in the Carribean areas.
Coronado Beaches – to the East – Gorgona to Playa Bonita
Coronado Beaches to the West – Punta Barco to El Farallón
A guide to beaches worth visiting while here: Pedasi, Santa Catalina, Bocas, San Blas
A fascinating mix of sparkling black and white sand can be found here using one of the many public beach entrances. Every day this beach changes its design and look. The best entrances are close to the Blue Bay Coronado Golf and Beach Resort, with parking on the street available in close proximity. The calm water and gentle breeze is perfect for a long walk or relaxing swim. Between the area of Coronado Bay Condominiums and the vast beachfront, there is tranquility at its best and ready for you to explore. This is a wonderful beach to simple spend the day relaxing with family and friends and to take sunrise and sunset pictures along the way.
Members of this resort have access to the beach club and all of the amenities. For non-members, there are multiple entrances along Ave. Roberto Eisenmann, and most have parking options. There is a restaurant, restrooms and showers for Beach Club members. The bay water is calm and great for walking, swimming, and also perfect for stand up paddle boarding!
Playa Bonita
Right before the Bridge of the Americas, you will find Playa Bonita (south of the highway). Most of this partially sandy beach is exclusive for resort guests. This popular resort area will offer the perfect view of Panama City skyline and Taboga Island.
Playa Malibu
Are you ready to catch a wave? Playa Malibu is a nice option to take your surfboard, and have a good time riding the waves. White sand awaits you at this beach. It is a wonderful setting with Rio Chame (Chame river) entering the ocean.
Playa Serena, Gorgona
With beautiful black and white sand, this bay is great for swimming, walking and also beach volleyball. The beach entrances are found close to Bahia Resort with a Tiki bar located directly on the beach. There is also a snack bar and restaurant that is open on the weekends at the Bahia Condominiums. A Fonda can be found a little closer to the Pink Towers for local fare. The waves at this beach are subtle and perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.
Punta Chame
This famous penisula invites everybody to come for excellent surfing and kite surfing. Stop at Casa Amarillo for a great breakfast first. White sand beaches where sand dollars flourish stretch on one side of the peninsular, and there are many opportunities to catch a wave. You will find multiple Surf Schools and the famous Nitro City Action Sports Resort.
Playa El Palmar
Great for surfing, swimming and spending a fun day at the beach, this beach has a surf school for beginners. On the weekends, there is a small fee to enter the gate and use the bathrooms and showers that are available here. Along with great food and nice atmosphere at the restaurant nearby, this is a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with ocean view.
Playa Santa Clara
Stunning white sand beaches invite you to have good times at the beach here in Santa Clara. There is parking provided by the restaurants and a small parking/entrance fee is required. The restaurants are serving fresh seafood right on the beach and a small Fonda with typical Panamanian food is just steps away. Rent a bohio with hammock for the day, have use of the bathrooms and showers, and enjoy a great day at the beach. This beach is very popular with tourists and locals alike and also an expat favorite on the Pacific coast.
Playa Grande
Across the entrance to the road going to El Valle is this hidden gem. You can count on unspoiled and tranquil moments here. You might want to check out the Istmo Adventure Retreat, stay overnight and get pampered in the small resort.
Playa Farallón
Widely stretched white sand beaches invite you to spend the day soaking up sun and having fun with many activities. Horseback riding, ATV rentals and jet skies are just a few things offered along the beach. The Hotel Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort Villas is extremely popular. Visitors from all over the world enjoy the amenities and gorgeous setting on this beautiful beach. This beach is another favorite beach for expats and tourists alike.
Beach entrance at Nico’s Beach
Right on the beach is this popular beach bar and restaurant. Park your car, jump into the ocean and unwind with a sundowner.
Playa Punta Barco
This public beach with immense sea cliffs is used mostly by locals and is inside the Punta Barco gated community. If you are not living here, it is almost impossible to gain entrance through the gate to access this beach.
Playa Punta Barco Viejo
Mostly locals also use this beach, but there is easy access to the beach and parking. There is a $5.00 fee on the weekends for parking which is right on this sandy beach. Great for long walks during low tide, and many come to surf the waves here.
Beach entrance at Pipas Beach Bar
Great beach to enjoy a perfect day in the sun where there is a wide, white sand beach along with umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent for a small fee. Try some of the great food and cocktails available at the restaurant. There are bathrooms and showers available. Sit back, relax and listen to the music and enjoy some of the activities after a day swimming and lounging on the beach.
Playa Costa Esmeralda
In a gated community that does not have signage leading to the entrance, this beach is off the Interamericana Highway, across from Hacienda Pacifica housing development. It has a clubhouse with bathrooms, but there are not any restaurants.
Playa Ensenada, San Carlos
From Coronado, turn left into San Carlos at the “La Fontanella” sign. Follow the signs to La Fontanella through town. Keep right and continue past the park. At the end of the road, take a right, then a left at the “Y”. There is another beach if you head right, with palapas (bohios) available for a small charge.
If you like to spend a day with access to a pool, restaurant, and bar, stop at the TurismoCentro across from the entrance to La Fontanella. Day-passes are affordable and you have the best of both worlds; a refreshing pool and a stunning white sand beach. On popular holidays and weekends there are bands or DJ’s playing. Come early and stop by the fisherman’s coop, just past the TurismoCentro. Delicious fresh fish can be purchased directly from the fishermen. On the nearby local beaches are fondas with tasty meals, prepared with the “catch of the day”. Hours and days are irregular. The entrance to this beach is in San Carlos. This tranquil, secluded beach is mainly visited by locals and is inviting for a relaxing walk or swim.