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Sun, sea, sand, snorkeling, and perhaps a little more serenity on Panama’s lesser-sung coastline.
They may not have the lure of the Caribbean beaches found in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and San Blas, but Panama’s Pacific coast beaches have much to draw you, including good swimming, snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, surfing, and kayaking. Plus, this vast coastline — which extends from the Chiriquí province through to the Pearl Islands some 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Panama City — generally feels more peaceful and untouched. Several beachside ecolodges have sprung up here, too: our specialists can point you toward one that suits.
The Peal Islands archipelago is only a two-hour drive from the capital, and yet often uncrowded. Think stark-white, uninhabited stretches of sand, pelicans, and calm spots for snorkeling.
A few hours’ drive in the opposite direction brings you to the relatively undeveloped surf hub of Playa Venao with its black-sand beaches, brightly painted buildings, and carefree ambience.
Then, to the far west of the coastline lies the Gulf of Chiriquí, where you’ll find mangroves, yet more deserted, known-only-to-locals beaches, and healthy coral reefs that lend themselves to great snorkeling.
Best time to visit Panama’s Pacific Coast beaches
For the largest doses of sun and generally drier conditions, it’s best to visit this coastline between November and April.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Pacific Coast Beaches by contacting one of our Panama specialists
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Places to visit in Pacific Coast Beaches
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Pacific Coast Beaches, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring Pacific Coast Beaches
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Pacific Coast Beaches, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Pacific Coast Beaches
- Cala Mia Pacific Coast Beaches
- Pearl Islands Pacific Coast Beaches
- Chiriqui Highlands 57 miles away
- Tranquilo Bay 78 miles away
- Bocas del Toro 85 miles away
- El Valle 123 miles away
- Coclé Province 124 miles away
- The Canal Zone 165 miles away
- Panama City 170 miles away
- Coral Lodge 210 miles away
- Darién 286 miles away