Beaches · Panama City · Panama
The best beaches in and near Panama City
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: LWY from Pasadena, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Isla Taboga beaches (About 30–45 minutes by ferry from Amador). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 3
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 28°C (82°F)
The beaches
About 30–45 minutes by ferry from Amador · An easy beach day from the city
1.Isla Taboga beaches
Calm Pacific beaches near the village, with views back to the city skyline.
About 100 km northeast · Caribbean water and history
2.Portobelo beaches
Caribbean beaches reached by boat from the old fortified town, with clear water for snorkelling.
About 150 km by road and boat · Remote island beaches
3.Guna Yala islands
Small palm-covered Caribbean islands with white sand and turquoise water, managed by the Guna people.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| February | 25°C (77°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| March | 25°C (77°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| April | 26°C (79°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — The Metro has two lines: Line 1 runs from the Albrook bus terminal through the centre and El Cangrejo to the north, while Line 2 runs east towards the airport area.
- Bus — MetroBus air-conditioned buses cover the city on fixed routes, and the Albrook Gran Terminal next to the Albrook Mall handles long-distance buses across the country.
- Ferry — Ferries to Isla Taboga leave from the Amador Causeway, taking about 30–45 minutes.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in December–April. None of them is peak season, so beaches stay manageable.
Beach safety
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas such as Avenida Central; in Casco Viejo, stay on the restored streets after dark, as some neighbouring areas are best avoided. The heat and sun are intense, so drink plenty of water. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Panama City have beaches?
Yes: Isla Taboga beaches, Portobelo beaches and Guna Yala islands.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Panama City?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Panama City?
Isla Taboga beaches: Calm Pacific beaches near the village, with views back to the city skyline.