Coastal Living In The World’s #1 Retirement Haven In The Americas
Explore Panama’s
7 Most Breathtaking Beaches
Explore Panama’s
7 Most Breathtaking Beaches
7 Most Breathtaking Beaches
Dear Live And Invest Overseas Reader,
I was in my Mt. Vernon office in Baltimore one morning when my scout, Bob Fordi, gave me a call…
I’d just sent him to Panama a week earlier…
“You need to see this place yourself,” Bob told me on the phone that morning.
“Panama has everything Costa Rica has,” he continued, comparing Panama to the then gold-standard overseas retirement haven that borders it to the north.
I was in my Mt. Vernon office in Baltimore one morning when my scout, Bob Fordi, gave me a call…
I’d just sent him to Panama a week earlier…
“You need to see this place yourself,” Bob told me on the phone that morning.
“Panama has everything Costa Rica has,” he continued, comparing Panama to the then gold-standard overseas retirement haven that borders it to the north.
“Panama has beaches, rain forest, highlands, wildlife, bird life, surfing, fishing… everything that draws the crowds to Costa Rica…”
Soon after, I made my first trip to Panama. I was as impressed as Bob had been…
After more research and several more scouting trips, by me and others of my team, I made one of the most important forecasts of my career:
Panama, I told readers, is the world’s next top overseas retirement and investment haven.
That was more than 20 years ago and as it turns out, I was right. I’ve been a die-hard fan since then, choosing to call Panama my home and investing into its property markets. It’s also where my husband Lief and I embarked on the adventure of our lives… but more on that in a moment.
Today I can honestly tell you that I'm more bullish on the opportunities and upsides on offer here—for both fun and profit—than ever before…
There’s a reason Panama has long been in the conversation as the best place in the world for a number of agendas...
The best retirement haven... the best tax haven... the best property market... the best place to start a business... the best place to get away from it all…
This little country offers something for everyone.
But, truth be told, out of all the things that make this small country stand out, what’s really captured my attention lately is the stunning work Mother Nature did on Panama’s coastlines…
Soon after, I made my first trip to Panama. I was as impressed as Bob had been…
After more research and several more scouting trips, by me and others of my team, I made one of the most important forecasts of my career:
Panama, I told readers, is the world’s next top overseas retirement and investment haven.
That was more than 20 years ago and as it turns out, I was right. I’ve been a die-hard fan since then, choosing to call Panama my home and investing into its property markets. It’s also where my husband Lief and I embarked on the adventure of our lives… but more on that in a moment.
Today I can honestly tell you that I'm more bullish on the opportunities and upsides on offer here—for both fun and profit—than ever before…
There’s a reason Panama has long been in the conversation as the best place in the world for a number of agendas...
The best retirement haven... the best tax haven... the best property market... the best place to start a business... the best place to get away from it all…
This little country offers something for everyone.
But, truth be told, out of all the things that make this small country stand out, what’s really captured my attention lately is the stunning work Mother Nature did on Panama’s coastlines…
Discover Two Oceans In One Paradise…
Discover Two Oceans In One Paradise…
Panama Is The World’s Best Beach Escape
Panama Is The World’s Best Beach Escape
The name Panama is said to mean “place of many fish.”
Of course, where’s there’s plenty of fish there’s plenty of water…
And Panama hit the jackpot when it comes to bodies of water—this little country boasts not one but two long ocean coasts…
On one side, you have the dramatic Pacific Ocean. You’ll find sandy beaches and spectacular shows of nature as the waves batter the coast and throw spray (and sometimes surfers) up into the air. This side of the country’s coasts are well developed and connected to the modern capital city by a highway.
On the other side, you’ll find the relaxed, calming, and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is the paradise coast… palm trees, powder white sand beaches, and plenty of Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet drifting through the air. This Caribbean coast is much less developed and a bit harder to access, but that just proves it even more as an escape from the world…
You’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches here in Panama.
Despite having so many world-class beaches, it’s actually one of Panama’s lesser-known perks… the cost of living, retiree benefits, ease of residency, or investment potential usually takes center stage…
But, from the first moment I placed my feet in the sand and laid eyes on that cotton-candy sunset over the crashing waves in Veraguas, it was hook, line, and sinker for me.
Of course, where’s there’s plenty of fish there’s plenty of water…
And Panama hit the jackpot when it comes to bodies of water—this little country boasts not one but two long ocean coasts…
On one side, you have the dramatic Pacific Ocean. You’ll find sandy beaches and spectacular shows of nature as the waves batter the coast and throw spray (and sometimes surfers) up into the air. This side of the country’s coasts are well developed and connected to the modern capital city by a highway.
On the other side, you’ll find the relaxed, calming, and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. This is the paradise coast… palm trees, powder white sand beaches, and plenty of Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet drifting through the air. This Caribbean coast is much less developed and a bit harder to access, but that just proves it even more as an escape from the world…
You’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches here in Panama.
Despite having so many world-class beaches, it’s actually one of Panama’s lesser-known perks… the cost of living, retiree benefits, ease of residency, or investment potential usually takes center stage…
But, from the first moment I placed my feet in the sand and laid eyes on that cotton-candy sunset over the crashing waves in Veraguas, it was hook, line, and sinker for me.
Only one region of Panama has a sunset like this…
My husband Lief and I were so enamored that we decided to found Los Islotes—a private community for our family, friends, and like-minded folks who appreciate what this overlooked region of Panama has to offer...
Now, we’ve always taken a warts-and-all approach when it comes to talking about overseas havens… and Panama is no exception. In fact, because we live, invest, and run businesses here, we tend to be harder on Panama than other places…
But that also means we can give you the up-close and personal feel of what goes on in Panama because we quite literally have our boots on the ground.
And it’s not just our own experience that comes into play here… what better way to get to know Panama than the locals themselves?
It’s one of the big benefits we enjoy by having our Live and Invest Overseas headquarters here in Panama… we have Panamanian staff of all ages who have spent their entire lives traveling across the country and experiencing all the many beaches.
So I recently sat down with six of our local staff and asked them to show me the best beaches in the country—this is insider-intel you can’t find anywhere else...
Now, we’ve always taken a warts-and-all approach when it comes to talking about overseas havens… and Panama is no exception. In fact, because we live, invest, and run businesses here, we tend to be harder on Panama than other places…
But that also means we can give you the up-close and personal feel of what goes on in Panama because we quite literally have our boots on the ground.
And it’s not just our own experience that comes into play here… what better way to get to know Panama than the locals themselves?
It’s one of the big benefits we enjoy by having our Live and Invest Overseas headquarters here in Panama… we have Panamanian staff of all ages who have spent their entire lives traveling across the country and experiencing all the many beaches.
So I recently sat down with six of our local staff and asked them to show me the best beaches in the country—this is insider-intel you can’t find anywhere else...
Where Are The Best Beaches In Panama?
Here Are Our Insiders’ Picks For
The 7 Best Beaches In All Panama…
Where Are The Best Beaches In Panama?
Here Are Our Insiders’ Picks For
The 7 Best Beaches In All Panama…
Here Are Our Insiders’ Picks For
The 7 Best Beaches In All Panama…
#1 Best Beach In Panama:
Bocas Del Toro: Laidback, Affordable Caribbean Living...
#1 Best Beach In Panama:
Bocas Del Toro: Laidback, Affordable Caribbean Living...
Bocas Del Toro: Laidback, Affordable Caribbean Living...
Take your pick from Bocas’ many Caribbean beaches…
all boasting soft sand and clear inviting waters…
all boasting soft sand and clear inviting waters…
If you’re in search of that classic Caribbean feel… that eternal vacation… escape-from-the-world kind of place, look no further than Bocas del Toro.
The atmosphere in Bocas stands out in Panama. English is widely spoken due to the expats, Afro-Caribbean presence, and high volume of visitors that range from the spring break crowd to corporate fishing charters.
Besides Boquete, Bocas del Toro is often regarded as Panama’s top tourist destination—and it doesn’t take long to learn why. This is both one of the most pristine areas on Panama’s Caribbean coast and the most developed. Tourists and expats alike first took note of this region’s rain forests, turquoise water, and white-sand beaches decades ago.
Beach and water activities are front and center here… surfing, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, volleyball, and sunbathing are top options for when the sun is up. Come nightfall, Bocas buzzes with activity as restaurants, bars, and the even streets themselves fill up with people from around the world, often with live music filling the air.
Our Customer Support Specialist, Wilbert Blackman, claims Bocas del Toro, and specifically Red Frog Beach, as the most beautiful beach in all of Panama…
The atmosphere in Bocas stands out in Panama. English is widely spoken due to the expats, Afro-Caribbean presence, and high volume of visitors that range from the spring break crowd to corporate fishing charters.
Besides Boquete, Bocas del Toro is often regarded as Panama’s top tourist destination—and it doesn’t take long to learn why. This is both one of the most pristine areas on Panama’s Caribbean coast and the most developed. Tourists and expats alike first took note of this region’s rain forests, turquoise water, and white-sand beaches decades ago.
Beach and water activities are front and center here… surfing, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, volleyball, and sunbathing are top options for when the sun is up. Come nightfall, Bocas buzzes with activity as restaurants, bars, and the even streets themselves fill up with people from around the world, often with live music filling the air.
Our Customer Support Specialist, Wilbert Blackman, claims Bocas del Toro, and specifically Red Frog Beach, as the most beautiful beach in all of Panama…
“It’s possibly the most relaxing place on the planet…
“The beach is stunning, and if you like surfing, it has killer waves. Despite occasionally being rough for swimming, the waves break far enough out to allow for safe soaking closer to shore.
“The beach is stunning, and if you like surfing, it has killer waves. Despite occasionally being rough for swimming, the waves break far enough out to allow for safe soaking closer to shore.
“You’ll see a lot of expats on the beach, mostly Americans; English is spoken everywhere, and everyone seemed happy to hear it.
“The young locals will come by and sell coconut bread, empanadas, and coconut oil really cheap. Oh, and you can also feed the capuchin monkeys on the way to the beach, but I wouldn’t approach them too closely…
“I’d say that one of the best part of this area is that you have an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops in nearby Bocas town. The food is seriously delicious...
“If you want to try out Bocas, you won’t find much by way of hotels. It’s mostly hostels and AirBnbs. If you want something a little more luxurious, I suggest you give Red Frog Beach a try. Either way, this is becoming a popular place—I strongly advise making your reservations well in advance!”
“The young locals will come by and sell coconut bread, empanadas, and coconut oil really cheap. Oh, and you can also feed the capuchin monkeys on the way to the beach, but I wouldn’t approach them too closely…
“I’d say that one of the best part of this area is that you have an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops in nearby Bocas town. The food is seriously delicious...
“If you want to try out Bocas, you won’t find much by way of hotels. It’s mostly hostels and AirBnbs. If you want something a little more luxurious, I suggest you give Red Frog Beach a try. Either way, this is becoming a popular place—I strongly advise making your reservations well in advance!”
The islands and beaches in Bocas del Toro see a lot of action, which is why it’s recommended to plan your beach trip here ahead of time. If you’re traveling from the city, we recommend getting there by airplane rather than by bus.
#2 Best Beach In Panama:
San Blas Islands: Postcard Perfect Beach Getaway...
#2 Best Beach In Panama:
San Blas Islands: Postcard Perfect Beach Getaway...
San Blas Islands: Postcard Perfect Beach Getaway...
Can you picture yourself soaking up the sun in San Blas?
Looking at this long stretch of islands, you’d be forgiven to think you were in the famously sandy archipelago of Thailand… postcard-perfect beaches, brilliant blue water, playful dolphins, and swaying palm trees…
San Blas is truly a piece of heaven on earth.
Located in the indigenous territory of Guna Yala, San Blas is home to 365 islands and islets, of which 49 are inhabited. The Guna people make sure visitors respect the islands and keep them clean. To be clear, these are not beaches where you can live, but once you know about them, they quickly become a bucket list item…
As our Panama Letter editor, Monica Linares, puts it:
San Blas is truly a piece of heaven on earth.
Located in the indigenous territory of Guna Yala, San Blas is home to 365 islands and islets, of which 49 are inhabited. The Guna people make sure visitors respect the islands and keep them clean. To be clear, these are not beaches where you can live, but once you know about them, they quickly become a bucket list item…
As our Panama Letter editor, Monica Linares, puts it:
“The San Blas islands are a picture-perfect paradise. The islands have turquoise, clear waters and soft, white sands. Modern development is non-existent and that’s the appeal. You will not be able to find hotels or many modern conveniences, but you’ll be more in tune with nature. Snorkeling through coral reefs and starfish sightings are just a couple things you can enjoy while being here.
“The only real downside I found from visiting San Blas is the dreadful car ride to get to the boat ports. It’s hilly—full of turns and ups and downs. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. That aside, this is a place that’s a must-visit at least once in your life.”
Monica isn’t the only one that thinks highly of the San Blas Islands. In 2019, Netflix brought a giant production team here for season three of their smash hit, Money Heist. The breathtaking views of the islands captured audiences worldwide.
Because San Blas isn’t developed and is run by the indigenous Guna people, this is one of earth’s best places to take a step back in time and admire the finest Mother Nature has to offer.
Because San Blas isn’t developed and is run by the indigenous Guna people, this is one of earth’s best places to take a step back in time and admire the finest Mother Nature has to offer.
Beach Access For Everyone…
Beach Access For Everyone…
Panama is taking small but firm steps towards making beaches accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues…
An agreement was signed earlier this year between the Secretaría Nacional de Discapacidad and the government to make certain beaches more accessible for locals and tourists with disabilities. This was kicked into high-gear thanks to a business owner’s initiative to make his restaurant in Veracruz accessible to everyone by building ramps and providing beach access.
His example led to a convention in which business owners will be able to file for tax waivers for construction work done to make businesses by the beach more accessible. It’s a welcome trend that is poised to spread to all of Panama’s developed coastline in the future.
An agreement was signed earlier this year between the Secretaría Nacional de Discapacidad and the government to make certain beaches more accessible for locals and tourists with disabilities. This was kicked into high-gear thanks to a business owner’s initiative to make his restaurant in Veracruz accessible to everyone by building ramps and providing beach access.
His example led to a convention in which business owners will be able to file for tax waivers for construction work done to make businesses by the beach more accessible. It’s a welcome trend that is poised to spread to all of Panama’s developed coastline in the future.
#3 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Grande: Caribbean Escape Close To The Capital...
#3 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Grande: Caribbean Escape Close To The Capital...
Isla Grande: Caribbean Escape Close To The Capital...
Panama is partly a beach lover’s paradise because you don’t have to go very far to dip your toes in the ocean. Bocas del Toro and San Blas are dreamy destinations, but getting there from the capital city requires planning. That’s why the next Caribbean beach on our list stands out…
The colors of paradise on Isla Grande…
One of our resident writers, Geraldine Gonzalez, provides the perfect example…
“When I get overwhelmed with life in the city, I just pack my beach bag, hop in my car, and drive straight north. Just 2 hours away from the city, you’ll find Isla Grande, located in a small town called La Guaira. The nearby city of Colón is best avoided, but the nearby beaches have got everything you could possibly want for a sandy getaway…
“Isla Grande, in particular, is the perfect beach escape. You could make it a day trip or a weekend trip from the city, and hotels and restaurants span every type of budget. Isla Grande is the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying fresh seafood with patacones while looking out at the ocean.
“You get to Isla Grande by boat, which is always fun. Better yet, you can speak with these boat guides to have you dropped off directly on one of the many beaches on the island…
“My personal favorite beaches here are Puerto Frances, Playa Blanca, and Isla Mamey. Though you do have to bring your own food with you, these are all unspoiled beaches with albeit no infrastructure. But that’s exactly why they’re my favorite. I’m also a sucker for real white-sand beaches—and the best by far are on the Caribbean coast.”
“You get to Isla Grande by boat, which is always fun. Better yet, you can speak with these boat guides to have you dropped off directly on one of the many beaches on the island…
“My personal favorite beaches here are Puerto Frances, Playa Blanca, and Isla Mamey. Though you do have to bring your own food with you, these are all unspoiled beaches with albeit no infrastructure. But that’s exactly why they’re my favorite. I’m also a sucker for real white-sand beaches—and the best by far are on the Caribbean coast.”
Playa Blanca in Colón is a hidden gem on the Caribbean Coast…
Pristine beaches, mouthwatering food, and friendly people... Isla Grande, and all the beaches on it and nearby for that matter, are a testament to just how underrated Panama’s beaches truly are. These are places mostly unknown to tourists, which means they’re authentic, pristine, and cheap.
#4 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Contadora: Panama City’s Secret Island…
#4 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Contadora: Panama City’s Secret Island…
Isla Contadora: Panama City’s Secret Island…
Isla Contadora boasts 5 Caribbean-like beaches despite being
in the Gulf of Panama--once you get a taste, there’s no going back…
This part of the Pearl Islands chain became famous back in the 1970’s, and the Contadora Resort And Casino was the main attraction…
Peacocks, deer, 350 rooms, and celebrity guests—Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Sofia Loren, Julio Iglesias, and the Kennedys, to name a few—all came to this small island surrounded by brilliant blue waters… It also became the talk of the town when the deposed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, spent time on the island… older residents remember how it was like bumping into him and his many bodyguards on the island.
But this was all decades ago…
Despite being just a 90-minute ferry ride from Panama City, today Contadora has been forgotten by most of the world.
You’ll still find some folks living in their grand villas or cozy condos. And production crews stay here for extended periods while filming reality TV shows or documentaries on one of the 200+ islands that make up the archipelago...
But locals, expats, and tourists have moved on to trendier beaches along the Pacific mainland. These days, only production crews and locals tend to know about this Carribean-like island.
Our Events Manager, Isabella Carrillo, loves the feeling of exclusivity she gets when she visits Contadora…
Peacocks, deer, 350 rooms, and celebrity guests—Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Sofia Loren, Julio Iglesias, and the Kennedys, to name a few—all came to this small island surrounded by brilliant blue waters… It also became the talk of the town when the deposed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, spent time on the island… older residents remember how it was like bumping into him and his many bodyguards on the island.
But this was all decades ago…
Despite being just a 90-minute ferry ride from Panama City, today Contadora has been forgotten by most of the world.
You’ll still find some folks living in their grand villas or cozy condos. And production crews stay here for extended periods while filming reality TV shows or documentaries on one of the 200+ islands that make up the archipelago...
But locals, expats, and tourists have moved on to trendier beaches along the Pacific mainland. These days, only production crews and locals tend to know about this Carribean-like island.
Our Events Manager, Isabella Carrillo, loves the feeling of exclusivity she gets when she visits Contadora…
“I love Isla Contadora because it’s not too far from the city, but it doesn’t get crowded with people…
“Many of the beaches are usually entirely secluded somehow.
“Many of the beaches are usually entirely secluded somehow.
“There are 5 beaches to choose from, including a nudist one (Playa de las Suecas). If you come in by ferry, the first beach you’ll see is the one where you get off the boat—Playa Galeón. This beach is nice but my favorite is Playa Cacique. The sunsets here are to die for, plus the hotel Mar y Oro is located right there so you can make use of their bathrooms, restaurant, and whatever else you may need.
“Besides the amazing beaches, I like wandering around and seeing the contrast of the luxury houses and the remnants of what life was like years ago… including hotel ruins and a shipwreck right on the beach… it’s all surrounded by palm trees and sandy beaches…
“When I’m here, it’s hard to leave… it’s like a little secret tropical spot to get away and free your mind…”
“When I’m here, it’s hard to leave… it’s like a little secret tropical spot to get away and free your mind…”
Isla Contadora is a unique island paradise in Panama… its beaches have a Caribbean feel despite being in the Pacific, and it’s a place where you can explore modern ruins and generally escape from the world. If you’re looking for magnificent beaches without tourists, you’ve come to the perfect place…
#4 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Taboga: Golden Beaches 30 Minutes From The City...
#4 Best Beach In Panama:
Isla Taboga: Golden Beaches 30 Minutes From The City...
Isla Taboga: Golden Beaches 30 Minutes From The City...
Taboga provides a quick beach escape via ferry from the city…
far enough to enjoy nature, close enough for modern conveniences...
far enough to enjoy nature, close enough for modern conveniences...
Just 30 minutes by ferry from Panama City, Isla Taboga is the easily your best beach option near the city…
Taboga boasts tall palm trees and golden sandy crescents like most beaches on our list, but it also hides a picturesque little town with a tight expat community, along with all the amenities you need to live a happy island lifestyle.
Known locally as La Isla de Flores due to it many fruit trees and jasmine, orchid, and hibiscus flowers, the island is always alive with color. You have two main beach options on the island: La Restinga and Playa Honda.
Our Marketing Manager, Abby Perez, has been a longtime fan of Taboga because of the peace the island brings her and because it has the bonus option of hiking up the mountains that rise from the center of the island:
Taboga boasts tall palm trees and golden sandy crescents like most beaches on our list, but it also hides a picturesque little town with a tight expat community, along with all the amenities you need to live a happy island lifestyle.
Known locally as La Isla de Flores due to it many fruit trees and jasmine, orchid, and hibiscus flowers, the island is always alive with color. You have two main beach options on the island: La Restinga and Playa Honda.
Our Marketing Manager, Abby Perez, has been a longtime fan of Taboga because of the peace the island brings her and because it has the bonus option of hiking up the mountains that rise from the center of the island:
“The community in Taboga is fascinating to me. It’s where island living meets the modern world. You can choose to enjoy it however you like, even if that means in the lap of luxury for a weekend at the Villa Caprichosa hotel.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of being outdoors, and Taboga has always felt like a home away from home to me. I’m always drawn by its calm waters and luscious greenery…
“I’ve always been a huge fan of being outdoors, and Taboga has always felt like a home away from home to me. I’m always drawn by its calm waters and luscious greenery…
“If you visit as frequently as I do, you could only wish for the ferry prices to be a little lower. Still, $20 roundtrip isn’t so bad. (Another company charges $14, but those tickets sell out quickly, so plan well ahead.)
“There are so many beach activities to do on Taboga. If you happen to be visiting in the right season, humpback whales make their debut here every year. Of course, there’s always snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. But what I love the most about Taboga is that when I get too hot or have had enough beach for the day, I can hike up Cerro de la Cruz and just enjoy the breeze and the views once I reach the top.”
“There are so many beach activities to do on Taboga. If you happen to be visiting in the right season, humpback whales make their debut here every year. Of course, there’s always snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. But what I love the most about Taboga is that when I get too hot or have had enough beach for the day, I can hike up Cerro de la Cruz and just enjoy the breeze and the views once I reach the top.”
A bonus of a day trip to Taboga is that the ferry is located on the Amador causeway, where you’ll find buzzing restaurants and other nightlife. Taboga is at the top of many local Panamanians’ best beaches list for this very reason… no long drives (or traffic!) back to the city and plenty to do once you get off the boat.
Tranque-Free Beach Days Are On The Horizon…
Tranque-Free Beach Days Are On The Horizon…
The much-anticipated Corredor De Las Playas has been officially inaugurated and is well on its way to being 100% completed by May 2025.
This ambitious project started out in 2018 and has been designed to expand the Panamerican Highway to 6 lanes in the areas of Chorrera and San Carlos with the goal of easing traffic towards the interior of the country.
The expansion will reduce travel time to and from beach areas like Coronado, attracting more tourists and boosting the local economy along the way.
The project also includes pedestrian bridges, interchanges, and roundabouts to ensure safety, cut down travel time, and reduce traffic jams.
This ambitious project started out in 2018 and has been designed to expand the Panamerican Highway to 6 lanes in the areas of Chorrera and San Carlos with the goal of easing traffic towards the interior of the country.
The expansion will reduce travel time to and from beach areas like Coronado, attracting more tourists and boosting the local economy along the way.
The project also includes pedestrian bridges, interchanges, and roundabouts to ensure safety, cut down travel time, and reduce traffic jams.
#5 Best Beach In Panama:
Santa Catalina: Panama’s #1 Surfing Destination...
#5 Best Beach In Panama:
Santa Catalina: Panama’s #1 Surfing Destination...
Santa Catalina: Panama’s #1 Surfing Destination...
Panama’s beaches aren’t just for relaxing… there are also world-class waves for surfers to enjoy…
Santa Catalina is the #1 surfing spot in the country. Unlike the previous beaches mentioned above, Santa Catalina isn’t near the city at all—it’s 6 hours away. But scores of surfers and beach seekers alike flock here… it’s worth the trip.
In fact, Santa Catalina frequently draws international surfing competitions including the World Surfing Games which attracted 150 participants from 24 different countries.
That is to say, the breaks here are not for the faint hearted. But even if you’re no pro, you still have options in the area…
Santa Catalina is the #1 surfing spot in the country. Unlike the previous beaches mentioned above, Santa Catalina isn’t near the city at all—it’s 6 hours away. But scores of surfers and beach seekers alike flock here… it’s worth the trip.
In fact, Santa Catalina frequently draws international surfing competitions including the World Surfing Games which attracted 150 participants from 24 different countries.
That is to say, the breaks here are not for the faint hearted. But even if you’re no pro, you still have options in the area…
Santa Catalina is a surfer’s dream come true in Panama…
Our videographer, Kevin Todd, tell us that, while he has several surfing options along the coast, his favorite by far is Santa Catalina…
“I’m not a professional, but I like heading down to Santa Catalina to watch and learn. Playa Estero is nearby and has a sandier bottom, making it the ideal place to learn how to surf. The long beach break and gentle waves are perfect for me. You can rent a board or take a surf lesson right on the beach, too…
“One thing I do have to mention about Santa Catalina is that you won’t find any all-inclusive resorts here. There’s a fancier hotel in the area, but I usually like to stay directly on the beach… the only hotel that provides that is the Oasis Surf Camp.
“Despite it being full of surfers, you won’t find much of a party scene here, which is one of the many things I like about being here—it’s just people enjoying the waves…”
“Despite it being full of surfers, you won’t find much of a party scene here, which is one of the many things I like about being here—it’s just people enjoying the waves…”
The surf can be calm on the Pacific, even near Santa Catalina beach…
If you’re an adventure-seeker and enjoy watersports of this kind, Santa Catalina is worth your time…
But we can also point you to plenty of other surf beaches, such as Punta Chame and Playa Caracol. With the right guidance and Panama intel, I am confident that we can help you find your favorite beach sooner rather than later…
But we can also point you to plenty of other surf beaches, such as Punta Chame and Playa Caracol. With the right guidance and Panama intel, I am confident that we can help you find your favorite beach sooner rather than later…
#6 Best Beach In Panama:
Los Islotes: Life At Ease In The Sunset Coast...
#6 Best Beach In Panama:
Los Islotes: Life At Ease In The Sunset Coast...
Los Islotes: Life At Ease In The Sunset Coast...
My husband and I have tromped a lot of beaches…
From Nicaragua to Belize, from Uruguay to Ecuador, from the shores of Curaçao and St. Croix to the coasts of France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Down Under, and on and on, we’ve seen most every type of beach this planet has to offer…
But my favorite by far is located in Los Islotes, on the western coast of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama.
Los Islotes is home to two beaches separated by a dramatic cliff of land then there are 3 little islands offshore from which the project takes its name.
The first beach, called Playa del Sol, is ideal for swimming, with warm, calm waters… At low tide, you can even walk to the 3 islands… I like to disconnect and go for a walk there whenever I get the chance. The second beach known as Surfer’s Beach has perfect waves for venturing out for a surf.
Los Islotes is one of the few places in Panama from which you can watch the sun set over the ocean. If that wasn’t magical enough, our beach is also a turtle nesting site.
From Nicaragua to Belize, from Uruguay to Ecuador, from the shores of Curaçao and St. Croix to the coasts of France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Down Under, and on and on, we’ve seen most every type of beach this planet has to offer…
But my favorite by far is located in Los Islotes, on the western coast of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama.
Los Islotes is home to two beaches separated by a dramatic cliff of land then there are 3 little islands offshore from which the project takes its name.
The first beach, called Playa del Sol, is ideal for swimming, with warm, calm waters… At low tide, you can even walk to the 3 islands… I like to disconnect and go for a walk there whenever I get the chance. The second beach known as Surfer’s Beach has perfect waves for venturing out for a surf.
Los Islotes is one of the few places in Panama from which you can watch the sun set over the ocean. If that wasn’t magical enough, our beach is also a turtle nesting site.
Because of Panama’s alignment, only the west coast of the Veraguas peninsula boasts sunsets over the water…
It truly is a special place, and one of the best parts is our private beach access.
Every year I get to watch baby turtles make their journey to sea…
I’m beyond grateful I get to call Los Islotes my home. Having my favorite beaches in the world in my very own backyard is exactly what I pictured my life overseas to be like. Now, I want to help you realize yours…
The Real Deal In Real Time—
Direct From The (Sandy) Ground In Panama
The Real Deal In Real Time—
Direct From The (Sandy) Ground In Panama
Direct From The (Sandy) Ground In Panama
Get to know every corner of the real Panama—and
learn both the upsides and downside of every place …
learn both the upsides and downside of every place …
To help you pursue your own dreams in this country, I'd like to share my own experiences—and those of my most trusted friends and advisors—with you...
With the help of the network I've developed over more than 15 years living and doing business in this country, I'd like to tell you the truth about Panama... without any sugar-coating.
And if it’s the beaches you seek, the ones I’ve mentioned here are just a small sample of your countless options in Panama. The beaches to avoid tourists… the beaches where you can buy a home affordably… the beaches that are poised to gain attention or to linger in neglect—we have the insider intel to point you where you want to go…
It’s all revealed in my Panama Letter, a monthly e-zine from the Panama-based staff of Live And Invest Overseas. The insights, photos, videos, and data you’ll find within will get up to speed and keep you current with opportunities in Panama...
Opportunities that would be incredibly difficult and costly to uncover, judge, and act on without the right support.
My Panama Letter doesn't deal in theory or rhetoric. It isn't produced by researchers or editors sitting in some far-off office who may have visited Panama once or twice. Panama Letter is packed with information from expats living in this country and from my personal team of in-country advisors and professionals, including the attorneys, real estate agents, offshore experts, and tax consultants I trust and use personally.
With the help of the network I've developed over more than 15 years living and doing business in this country, I'd like to tell you the truth about Panama... without any sugar-coating.
And if it’s the beaches you seek, the ones I’ve mentioned here are just a small sample of your countless options in Panama. The beaches to avoid tourists… the beaches where you can buy a home affordably… the beaches that are poised to gain attention or to linger in neglect—we have the insider intel to point you where you want to go…
It’s all revealed in my Panama Letter, a monthly e-zine from the Panama-based staff of Live And Invest Overseas. The insights, photos, videos, and data you’ll find within will get up to speed and keep you current with opportunities in Panama...
Opportunities that would be incredibly difficult and costly to uncover, judge, and act on without the right support.
My Panama Letter doesn't deal in theory or rhetoric. It isn't produced by researchers or editors sitting in some far-off office who may have visited Panama once or twice. Panama Letter is packed with information from expats living in this country and from my personal team of in-country advisors and professionals, including the attorneys, real estate agents, offshore experts, and tax consultants I trust and use personally.
You can be assured that everything you read in Panama Letter is current, accurate, and real…
More important, it's delivered by people with real judgment... judgment born of real-world experience.
Every month in Panama Letter, our editorial team will show you a new area within this powerhouse of a country…
More important, it's delivered by people with real judgment... judgment born of real-world experience.
Every month in Panama Letter, our editorial team will show you a new area within this powerhouse of a country…
They'll tell you about a particular neighborhood, a certain beach, a little-known town—what it has going for it... what it lacks… how much living there would cost... who would—and wouldn't—be happy there... and what you need to know to settle in quickly and easily...
It's our mission to introduce you to the lesser-known places and to reveal critical insights on the more popular ones.
Panama Letter is the must-have resource for anyone considering a new life or investment in this little country…
It's our mission to introduce you to the lesser-known places and to reveal critical insights on the more popular ones.
Panama Letter is the must-have resource for anyone considering a new life or investment in this little country…
Practical And Actionable Information
Every Month To Your Email Inbox
Practical And Actionable Information
Every Month To Your Email Inbox
Every Month To Your Email Inbox
The pages of Panama Letter are packed with practical information, everything you need to launch your new life or your new business… all the know-how, experience, and judgment you could possibly require to realize all your Panama dreams and objectives.
Every destination report in Panama Letter includes:
Every destination report in Panama Letter includes:
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Complete details of the cost of living (including tips of where to shop for the most affordable items)…
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A sample monthly budget for living in a particular locale (including the cost of gas, electricity, high-speed internet, having part-time household help, owning and maintaining a car)…
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Coverage of the neighborhoods and best places to live (and where to avoid)…
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Your best medical care options…
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An overview of the current real estate market, both for sales and rentals, including current listings (and how much you should really expect to spend in each case)…
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The best places to eat, drink, and be entertained…
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Opportunities for settling in, making friends, and becoming part of the community…
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What you need to know if you want to relocate to Panama with children… or pets…
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Full contact details for everyone you should know in every location featured, from architects and attorneys to bankers and dry cleaners… from shippers and painters to handymen and auto mechanics…
Plus, you’ll get all the need-to-know information that’s relevant no matter where in the country you choose to settle. Things like…
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Your best options for local and international health insurance…
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How to bring your dog or cat…
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What you’ll need to open a bank account…
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How to get the best deal on the rental that’s right for you…
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Top international schooling options…
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An insider’s guide to local customs and etiquette (to help prevent you from making social blunders)…
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Your options for staying in the country, so you can figure what visa is right for you…
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New business opportunities in real time…
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How to buy a car (and when not to)…
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How to get a Panama driver’s license…
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How to shop for insurance in Panama beyond health insurance (including coverage for your car and your home)…
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Tips for fast-tracking your residency process…
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How to figure your property taxes (they’re negligible)… and how to know if the property you’re buying is tax-exempt…
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How to choose the right cell phone plan for you…
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Every issue of Panama Letter also features a fun language lesson… and a recipe for a different Panamanian specialty, from ropa vieja to sancocho (which the Panamanians swear by as a sure-fire cure for a hangover)…
Our goal is to arm you with everything you need to settle in and settle down for the adventure of your life here in one of the best places in the world to retire overseas.
Try Panama Letter And Receive The
“Best Of Panama’s Beaches Bundle”—FREE
Try Panama Letter And Receive The
“Best Of Panama’s Beaches Bundle”—FREE
“Best Of Panama’s Beaches Bundle”—FREE
Plus: Get Started Today For Only $1.99!
Plus: Get Started Today For Only $1.99!
If you’re curious about any of the beaches I mentioned earlier, you’ll love what I have in store for you…
A series of haven reports that each cover the beaches above in complete detail, including insights on cost of living, health care facilities, internet speed, and everything else you’d need to know to consider a place as your home…
It’s all completely free when you try out my Panama Letter for 30 days for only $1.99.
- Report #1: Bocas Del Toro—Laidback, Affordable Caribbean Living. This is classic white-sand beach living at a fraction of the cost. With its large expat community, Bocas is the kind of place where Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet albums are played on repeat (a $14.95 value)…
- Report #2: San Blas Islands—Postcard Perfect Beach Getaway. Pristine and stunning, San Blas represents nature's best work on Caribbean islands. An off-grid adventure on one of these countless sand-fringed islands should be on your bucket list. We'll tell you what you need to do for your trip, as well as the places nearby where you can live full-time... (a $14.95 value)
- Report #3: Isla Grande—Caribbean Escape Close To The Capital. Found directly north of Panama City, Isla Grande is a peaceful Caribbean island with a large variety of accommodations and inviting, crystal water (a $14.95 value)…
- Report #4: Isla Contadora—Panama City’s Secret Island. A once trendy beach escape for the likes of John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor, this island has been forgotten by the world. But it’s only a 90 minute ferry from Panama City, and it hides 5 of our favorite beaches in the country (a $14.95 value)…
- Report #5: Isla Taboga—Golden Beaches 30 Minutes From The City. Also known as La Isla de Las Flores (the Island of Flowers), it’s not only the sights that’ll draw you in but the sounds and aromas, too. This is also a place that’s steeped in extraordinary history that includes the pirate Henry Morgan, WWII U.S. army, and the famous painter Paul Gauguin. In this guide, we’ll step off the ferry with you onto an easy-to-access island filled with color, community, and culture (a $14.95 value)…
- Report #6: Santa Catalina—Panama’s #1 Surfing Destination. Let us introduce you to Santa Catalina in the Veraguas province. What first brought outsiders here some 40 years ago is the same thing that draws them today: the surf, the tranquility, and the pristine work of Mother Nature (a $14.95 value)…
- Report #7: Los Islotes—Life At Ease In The Sunset Coast. My husband and I are proud to call Los Islotes home. It’s where nature, privacy, and luxury all come together in the most beautiful place in the world (a $14.95 value)…
You’ll find each and every one of the reports above in our bookstore right now—altogether, they’d cost you $104.65…
However, I am standing by to send you the entire bundle FREE when you give Panama Letter a try today for only $1.99.
My Panama Letter is your real-life, real-time, real-deal guide to the real Panama.
Try everything out for a full 30 days…
However, I am standing by to send you the entire bundle FREE when you give Panama Letter a try today for only $1.99.
My Panama Letter is your real-life, real-time, real-deal guide to the real Panama.
Try everything out for a full 30 days…
Then, during the 30-day test-drive, if you are not happy with the service, simply let us know, and you will not be charged anything beyond your initial $1.99 investment.
The free resources are yours to keep.
The free resources are yours to keep.
Sincerely,
P.S. The most important thing I’ve learned, in all my experiences traveling, living, and doing business all over the world, including here in Panama, is that you can’t do it alone. At least, not if you want to avoid making costly mistakes…
In Panama, you really can live better, retire well, start over, reinvent yourself, and take control of your financial future.
But I wouldn’t suggest trying to accomplish those things all on your own. Speaking from three-and-a-half decades of living and investing overseas experience, I can tell you that this is all far, far easier and your chances of success much, much greater if you have a little help along the way…
Panama Letter is exactly that.
In Panama, you really can live better, retire well, start over, reinvent yourself, and take control of your financial future.
But I wouldn’t suggest trying to accomplish those things all on your own. Speaking from three-and-a-half decades of living and investing overseas experience, I can tell you that this is all far, far easier and your chances of success much, much greater if you have a little help along the way…
Panama Letter is exactly that.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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No marketing spin, no rose-colored glasses...
Panama Letter is the real deal in real time on the real Panama.
It’s a monthly e-magazine that give you everything you need to know to filter, sift, and vet the best current opportunities on offer in the country. To get the most from what Panama has to offer, and to determine which opportunities might be right for you, you need to know the full story.
You need to understand all the facts, straight, complete, and current…
And that’s what you’ll get from a team of expats, professionals, and locals reporting direct from Panama.
Today’s special $1.99 offer gets you 30 days of Panama Letter service, along with the “Best Of Panama’s Beaches Bundle.” Altogether, you can expect to get:
Instant Access: 7 Special Panama Reports—each detailing a beach escape
Instant Access: The most recent issue of Panama Letter
The next issue of Panama Letter—sent on the 1st of the month
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Buying anything on the internet can be stressful… so we’re happy to give you some relief today when you order, fully protected by our ironclad no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
If you’re ever unsatisfied in any way with any Live And Invest Overseas purchase, you can contact us (by email here or by phone at 1-888-627-8834 or +1-443-599-1221).
Further, following your month-long trial subscription to Panama Letter, you’ll automatically be upgraded to a full subscriber and charged a discounted annual rate of $69. You can cancel at any time before or after.
In addition, following the trial, if you decide Panama Letter does not reveal the kind of insights and opportunities you’re looking for, you can likewise cancel for a refund (either in full or pro-rated, depending on the timing).
Bottom line, any unwanted charges will always be refunded.
Your Best Of Panama’s Beaches Bundle is yours to keep, no matter what.
As thousands of Panama Letter subscribers and more than 750,000 past customers can tell you, Live And Invest Overseas offers you judgement and expertise you can’t find anywhere else.
We offer real-world, no-nonsense advice for people looking to live, invest, retire, and do business overseas. We pledge to:
Identify and then showcase for our readers the best options and opportunities in the world today…
Consider every destination and market in the context of firsthand experience only…
Speak directly and pull no punches. We tell you everything you need to know… warts and all…
Guarantee your satisfaction. Every product and service we provide is backed by our money-back, no-hassle guarantee…
Kathleen Peddicord and other Live And Invest Overseas experts have been featured in:
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Copyright © 2008-2025 Live and Invest Overseas™, Founding Publisher Kathleen Peddicord
or by phone, toll-free from the United States, at 1-888-627-8834.
Copyright © 2008-2025 Live and Invest Overseas™, Founding Publisher Kathleen Peddicord