Pacific Coast of Veraguas

The province of Veraguas in central Panamá is an exciting destination full of epic adventures. Its Pacific coast is a true jewel where lovers of the sea and wildlife coexist to enjoy the beauties of the region.

Here you will enjoy natural beaches, mangroves and nesting refuges for turtles and birds. Get ready to experience incredible moments underwater, surf the best waves, stand up paddle boarding, sport fishing and exploring its great marine diversity. You can even watch dolphins, sharks, and whales in their natural habitat.

The Pacific Coast of Veraguas has been developing little by little, creating an environment where nature and a modest tourist offer converge. Visit Santa Catalina, a coastal town known among surfers as “The Point” for its incredible waves. Here a welcoming community of surf schools, small hotels and yoga retreats has also developed. There you will have restaurant, bar and tour options to experience the area to the fullest.

A man preparing nesting spots for sea turtles on the sandy beach.

Community Tourism

Explore the area with its community tourism organizations that ensure the protection and preservation of natural species. This way, you can experience in a sensitive way the nesting and birth of 4 of the 7 species of sea turtles that exist in the world. You can experience this between the months of July and January on the beaches of Mata Oscura and Malena.

You can also explore the area with the help of biologists on the protected trails of the Cerro Hoya National Park. They will take you through the forest to spectacular waterfalls where you can cool off. Your walks will be accompanied by all kinds of birds, butterflies, mammals, and reptiles.

Discover the Gulf of Montijo, an immense and complex wetland, declared a Ramsar site for its estuaries, beaches, several species of mangroves, swamps, marine areas, secondary forests, and vital nesting areas for types of seabirds and migratory birds. You can tour the wetland by kayak or take an alligator tour. Feeling bold enough?

woman on paddle board on the crystal blue waters of Cocos Island in Veraguas

Sea Activities

In addition to surfing, other activities that have made the Pacific Coast of Veraguas famous is sport fishing. Embark to Cébaco Island, also in the Gulf of Montijo, to enjoy fishing all year round. Depending on when you go you will find Wahoos, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, pelagic fish and more.

For a unique experience, sail to the island of Coiba National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Discover the fascinating history of this former prison island, along with the prisoner who fell in love with his jail. Witness the migratory route of whale sharks in the months of January to April. Or, at any time of the year, take the opportunity to swim on white sand beaches, dive with a thousand colorful fish, and enjoy its crystal-clear waters and reefs. You will see with your own eyes that Coiba is one of the best diving spots in the region.

Getting There

Reach the Pacific Coast of Veraguas in 4 hours by driving from Panama City. Take the Panamericana Highway to Santiago de Veraguas, 3.5 hours away. To get to the beaches, take the turn-off to the left and continue driving 1.5 hours to Playa Morrillo, 1 hour and 40 minutes to Mariato, and 2.5 hours to Santa Catalina. Or go to the Gran Terminal de Transporte de Albrook, where you will have several route options to the province of Veraguas.