If you were to travel along the Pacific Coast just a short drive from Panama City, you would find miles and miles of pristine beach.  Some people will visit the beaches on the weekend as the perfect getaway while other people travel from faraway countries to experience a tranquil place to relax or enjoy outdoor activities.  All of these beaches are accessible from the Panamericana Highway, making them quick and easy to reach.  In addition, swimming and surfing are both popular activities, as well as safe activities.

Coronado

The community of Coronado is very affluent and a popular destination.  In fact, many of the wealthier families of Panama City build or buy a second home in Coronado.  In addition to the beautiful beaches, this area also provides a seaside golf course, a massive equestrian center, and even the famous Coronado Hotel.

David

The town of David offers a few hotels but the coastline with black and white sandy beaches is the prime attraction.  You can visit Playa Barqueat where the sand is black and amazing.  This area also borders up to a wildlife refuge, specifically designed for nesting birds.  Along the Gulf of Chiriqui is also home to a 14.7 thousand hectare national marine park, designed to help protect the islands, beaches, and coral reefs from wildlife.

Pearl Islands

Of all the beaches in Panama, the Pearl Islands are it.  Absolutely, stunning, these islands have even been used for the show “Survivor”.  The waters are crystal-clear, coupled with colorful coral reefs, coconut palms, and rainforests.  Some of the favorite activities include fishing, sailing, diving, or lying in the sun for rest and relaxation.  You can reach the Pearl Islands on a 15-minute plane ride or by a two-hour ferry.  Regardless, you will find more than 90 islands and 130 islets making up the Archipelago de las Perlas, which was named in 1513 after the famous explorer Balboa.  However, just a few of the islands are inhabited.

The aqua colored waters offer oysters with magnificent pearls inside.  In fact, pearls have long been harvested in this area, providing kings and queens with beautiful pieces of adornment.  One of the best-known pearls is a 400-year-old, 31-carat pearl called La Peregrina, which is owned by Elizabeth Taylor.  Although most people go to the Pearl Islands for simple relaxation, you might be lucky enough to find a special pearl too.

Contadora

Of all the islands associated with the Pearl Islands, Contadora is the largest and most visited.  In all, 13 amazing beaches make up this area on three sides of the island.  In addition, you will find five coral fields that offer prime snorkeling and scuba diving.  This area also includes all types of interesting marine life to include turtles, stingray, reef sharks, and tropical fish.

You will not find too many hotels in this area but the Contadora Resort is one of luxury.  There, you can take a number of different tours, rent a four-wheeler for island exploration, enjoy a nine-hold golf course, play tennis, or visit the many homes of the rich and famous.  You can even drive by a home that was once owned by the Shah of Iran.  Other opportunities include jet skiing or boating.

Bocas del Toro

In 1502, Christopher Columbus found refuge on Bocas del Toro.  Considered a Caribbean paradise, the name translates to “mount of the bull”.  The very existence on Bocas del Toro is a peaceful paradise.  Since little gold was found on Bocas del Toro, the Spanish did not colonize it.  This particular island was used primarily for fixing boats and as some legends suggest, burying treasure.  Then in the 17^th century, French Huguenots settled on Bocas del Toro.  Then when the banana industry flourished, former slaves from Colombia and other Caribbean islands lived there.

In all, there are six large islands, a well as many smaller ones.  Of these islands, Isla Colon is the one visited most often, as it is a developed island, featuring an airport with daily flights and some hotels.  In fact, of all the islands for Bocas del Toro, this is the only one with roads for traffic.  The other islands are accessible only by water.  Therefore, when it comes to water sports or shopping, Bocas del Toro is a wonderful place.

Taboga Islands

This small group of islands is about an hour boat ride from Panama City and known as the “Island of Flowers’.  Keep in mind that because the Taboga Islands are a popular destination, when traveling on the weekend, you want to make a ferry reservation.  The island life here is much slower than what you would see on other islands, offering beautiful flowers, quiet, sandy beaches, and many water sports.