1. Surf, Dive & Soak up the Beaches of Bocas Del Toro
Bocas del Toro is Panama’s principal Caribbean beach attraction. This group of low-lying tropical islands, located near Costa Rica’s border, is famed for its beautiful soft-sand beaches and crystal-clear, azure-colored seas. The environment is quite laid-back, with many young visitors flocking to the region and remaining for months or even years. Surfing, swimming, diving, and simply relaxing on the beach are all options at Bocas del Toro. The majority of activities are inexpensive. Despite the presence of luxury resorts with infinity pools, this is a budget-friendly area that is mostly visited by singles or couples.
2. See Ships Transiting through the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is by far Panama’s most famous attraction. The real magnitude of this tremendous achievement of engineering is revealed as a large ship, packed high with colorful containers, glides silently into the locks. A boat trip to the canal will provide you with even more perspective.
3. Hiking & Nature in Boquete
Boquete, a mountain town with a fantastic climate, is a great place to get away from the often unbearable heat of the coast and lower locations. Expats and those escaping the winters in northern regions, as well as native Panamanians searching for a weekend vacation, flock to the town, which is laid-back and safe. The diversity of fine eateries, as well as a mix of quality hotels and luxury inns, add to the attractiveness. It’s also one of Panama’s most significant coffee-growing regions, as well as a popular destination for the environment and wildlife enthusiasts, especially hikers and birdwatchers.
4. Surf at Santa Catalina & Day Trip to Parque Nacional Coiba
Santa Catalina is a popular surfing spot on Panama’s Pacific Coast. The laid-back surfer vibe pervades this tiny but rising community. Small hotels and restaurants, as well as creative eateries, urge you to slow down and relax. If you don’t want to get wet, there are wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving locations nearby, as well as horseback trips around the countryside. Isla Coiba is a major attraction in Santa Catalina. With close to 200 bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes, this beautiful island, now Coiba National Park, is practically unspoiled and considered a biodiversity hotspot. Because of the massive whale sharks that frequent the area, scuba diving is particularly popular. These curious gentle giants like interacting with divers.
5. Kitesurf at Punta Chame
Punta Chame is one of the loveliest beaches in Panama and is also the best spot for kiteboarding in the nation, despite the fact that it is not on most travelers’ itineraries. This region, which is located on a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, is all about the beach. The water is warm and shallow, and the apparently infinite expanse of beach is vast. Kiters learning to fly have the unusual benefit of being able to stand up in the water and compose themselves while working with their kite. From December through April, when Panama is dry, the winds are sided onshore and quite constant. Several kite schools, including Machete Kite and Kitesurf Panama, are positioned on opposite sides of the beach and provide lessons.
