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10Best Beaches it in Panama
Kuna Yala
On Panama's Caribbean coast, you'll find the province of Kuna Yala and its 365 offshore islands – a treasure trove of white sand beaches and blue waters. Visitors come here to snorkel, swing in hammocks and laze away the days in the sun.
Playón Chico
From Playón Chico, one of the most populous islands in Kuna Yala, you can catch a boat to Yandup, a resort island with some of the most picturesque beaches in the country.
Island Hopping in Kuna Yala
One of the best ways to experience the Kuna Yala islands is by chartering a boat and hopping from one to the next. Many of the tiny islands are uninhabited, and for a small fee paid to the Kuna tribe, you can enjoy your own desert island for the day.
Isla Bastimentos
Panama's Bocas del Toro province is another hub of excellent beaches, and some of the best are located on Isla Bastimentos, nicknamed Zapatillas (Slippers) Island. Here you'll find plenty of powdery sand, blue waters and excellent snorkeling on the reefs just off the beach.
Wizard Beach
Wizard Beach is just one of several popular beaches on Isla Bastimentos, along with Red Frog Beach and Playa Larga. Many of the island's tree-lined beaches serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Isla Colon
Isla Colón, the most developed island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, is home to its own set of beaches. When you're not lazing in the sand, you can tour the island's forests, caves and turtle nesting spots by bike or boat.
Isla Grande
For a quick beach getaway from busy Panama City, head to nearby Isla Grande off Panama's northern Caribbean coast. With native inhabitants of African descent, the island has a distinctly Caribbean vibe, and it's known for its snorkeling and diving.
Isla Coiba National Park
If your ideal beach vacation includes a little underwater adventure, look no further than Isla Coiba. This national park ranks as the best dive site in the country, and many of its tiny islands are lined with idyllic jungle-backed beaches. Nearby Santa Catalina is excellent for surfing.
Santa Clara
Just a couple hours from Panama City on the Pacific Coast lies Santa Clara Beach, one of the country's best for swimming. Nearby Farallón is another good option if you're looking to escape Panama City for the day.