Hitting the Beach

Panama without a doubt has some of the most exquisite beaches in the world. And while it's tempting to want to buy a beautiful home with picture windows overlooking the ocean, we've decided it's far better to visit the beach than to live there.

Isla Gamez

Coastal temperatures in Panama, even with breezes coming off the water, are scorching. It's absolutely lovely if you're in a swimsuit sipping a frozen drink under a palm tree, but that kind of heat is not something we want to contend with every day.

The good news is there are dozens of spectacular beaches within easy driving distance of Boquete, including the world-famous Bocas del Toro archipelago of islands off the Caribbean side of Panama. In February we stayed at the Red Frog Beach island resort on Isla Bastimentos, one of the larger islands in the region. The coastal town of Almirante, where you catch the ferry to Bocas Town, is about 175 km away or a three hour and 15 minute drive from Boquete through scenic mountains.

Closest to us, about 65 km away or an hour and fifteen minute drive through the city of David, is the Las Olas beach resort on Playa La Barqueta. Another great getaway is the Show Pony beach resort on Playa Las Lajas, also on the Pacific, about 126 km away or a two-hour drive.

One of Dave's favorites is Boca Chica, a small fishing village that juts out into the Gulf of Chiriqui surrounded by dozens of tiny islands. It's about 95 km away or an hour and 35 minute drive from Boquete. In January we stayed for a few days at the Bocas del Mar resort, which has a fabulous swimming pool, excellent restaurant and hammocks overlooking the water. We took a day trip on a small boat to the tiny, uninhabited Isla Gámez, which has a picture-perfect swimming beach.

Las Lajas

In March, we crossed the border into Costa Rica to stay at the Hotel Banana Azul on Playa Negra, near the charming beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The area is above the Bocas del Toro region on the Caribbean side, in the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica. While there we spent a day on Playa Punta Uva, which has spectacular clear, turquoise water and white sand.

Generally, beaches on the Pacific side of Panama are best for relaxing under an umbrella or walking, but not swimming. There are strong currents and undertows that make swimming a challenge, if not dangerous. Beaches on the Atlantic/Caribbean side are usually perfect for swimming, with clear water and smooth sandy bottoms.

Still, location makes a big difference. On an earlier trip to Bocas del Toro, we had a lovely day in the water on Starfish beach, off Bocas Town, as well as the beach in front of our rental on Isla Carenero. But big waves and pounding surf at Red Frog beach prevented us from getting in the water there.

At the end of the day, all the beaches we've been to have had extraordinary sunsets, and equally as beautiful sunrises. So there's no wrong choice when it comes to beaches in Panama.

Red Frog Beach, Bocas del Toro

Hotel Banana Azul, Costa Rica