Am looking for a good swimming beach less than 4 hours from Panama City. Only have 5 days. Am fluent in Spanish, so does not have to cater to gringos. As long as there is a hotel to stay in and the water is clean. It can be on either coast. In an interesting town would be a plus. This is an unexpected short trip for me. I am 24 years old and already an experienced world traveler, but I know little about Panama.
1
a601mom
You might look at Isla Taboga, 45 minutes by ferry from PC. Or Las Perlas Archipelago, Portobello, Bocas del Toro or San Blas Islands.
2
mott2
I would also recommend Santa Clara. Places to stay around there and if not Penonome isn't to far from there. It can be reached easily by bus or car. One place I stayed which was just up the beach and off the PanAm highway was XS Memories.
3
andrewgw
The Pacific Coast beaches from Punta Chame to Farallon can be very rough at times - other days like a pond... There's a "Surf Camp" in Palmar that has decent rooms - cold water only but a/c. Decent beach in front that was very swimmable a few weeks ago when we spent the weekend there - just down the road is Santa Clara - a couple of options there.
Neither place has any nightlife to speak of. Decent Mexican restaurant in San Carlos (near Palmar) run by American guy and his girlfriend. Some other restaurants etc in the Coronado area along with a large supermarket.
Another option would be Contadora in the Pearl Islands - access is by boat now as airport is under repair through next month sometime. Great beaches and a few options for accommodation plus restaurants, bars etc.
Hope this helps,
Andrew
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