Garie Beach

what are the best beaches close to panama city panama?

i will be traveling to panama for a week in the company of my gf , does anyone know where the best beaches are in panama besides bocas del toro or any of the islands that requiere a plane trip?? driving would be more affordable?? or whats the best option?? thanks

Public Comments

1. This question has been asked and answered already but here goes. For my money, the best is Isla Grande, on the Caribbean side, about a 30 minute drive east of Colon, just beyond Portobello. You take a water taxi out to the island where there are small hotels and hostels and restaurants. Just before you get to Portobello there is a very nice beach. The water is clearer on that side, the sand is whiter and softer. On the Pacific side, my favorite is Santa Clara. It is about a 55 minute drive from the city just off the Pan American Highway. There are several hotels there where you can stay. The beach is frequently deserted and you can walk and walk and not see anybody. Closest to the city is Taboga Island. You get there by taking a ferry from the Amador "Causeway. The beach there is ok. Nothing special but the location. There are two hotels there and a couple of restaurants. It's a nice place to spend the day or the night.
2. Your best beach, in Panama, is the beach that belongs to Inter - Continental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa. In order for you to enter there you must have a hotel reservation made by an authorized Inter - Continental Hotel Group agent like me. I am located here in Tijuana and I have plenty of experience in this area.
3. I agree with Seryan in that the question has been asked quite sometimes, and that for my taste one of the best beaches on the Caribbean side of Panama is Isla Grande. However I disagree with the other person about Playa Bonita. I guess he's not really that informed that the Bay of Panama is quite dirty and somewhat contaminated, and that the cove that makes Playa Bonita is well....part of the bay. The hotel installations are nice for a seminar, or for a weekend getaway, but just ask any local if they will dare take a dip! Other places to look at are Playa Blanca, Buenaventura, Coronado, El Palmar, Bocas del Toro, Malibu, Santa Catalina (if you like surfing), and a couple more. Now as always there's always something for your budget, so ask because prices vary considerable if you're a tourist and if you visit during weekdays or weekends.