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Home / Beaches / Playa La Guaira

Playa La Guaira

Пляж Ла-Гуайра
Panama · Beach · Portobelo
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet Caribbean holidays. Suitable for swimming and walks. Not suitable for lovers of noisy entertainment and secluded wild beaches.

Best month

January

Water
—
Length
300 m
A quiet beach near Portobelo with views of Drake Island. It features calm water and scenic views, popular for swimming and fishing.
Surface
sand
Waves
—
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A quiet beach near Portobelo with views of Drake Island. It features calm water and scenic views, popular for swimming and fishing.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Crystal-clear water
  • White sand
  • Palm trees for shade
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Chance to visit Isla Grande
  • Quiet atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited infrastructure
  • No lifeguards
  • Parking can be limited
  • Litter in some areas
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet Caribbean holidays. Suitable for swimming and walks. Not suitable for lovers of noisy entertainment and secluded wild beaches.
Features
What makes this beach unique
La Guaira is the departure point for visiting Isla Grande, as well as for exploring the "Tunnel of Love" — mangrove channels that serve as a natural reserve for many marine species. It is one of the most scenic spots on Panama-s Caribbean coast.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
April May
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Dangerous creatures
Sharks (bull, tiger — rare)
Jellyfish
Mosquitoes
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
2 pcs
Best restaurants

Local Restaurants

Local

Several local restaurants with Caribbean cuisine and fresh seafood

Nearby cuisines

Local

Caribbean cuisine with seafood and coconut

Must try: Fresh fish, seafood, coconut rice
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Headwear
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is the dry season from December to May. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Littering is prohibited. Swimming in unequipped areas is not recommended. Respect the local community.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Isla Grande

Scenic island with beaches and snorkelling, accessible by boat

Tunnel of Love

Mangrove channels with rich marine life

Portobelo

Historic town with UNESCO forts 10 km from the beach

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa La Guaira: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa La Guaira: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa La Guaira: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 300 metres.
Playa La Guaira: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa La Guaira: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa La Guaira: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Sharks (bull, tiger — rare), Jellyfish, Mosquitoes. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa La Guaira: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa La Guaira: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa La Guaira: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Local Restaurants. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa La Guaira: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Headwear.
Playa La Guaira: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is the dry season from December to May. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Playa La Guaira: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering is prohibited. Swimming in unequipped areas is not recommended. Respect the local community.
Playa La Guaira: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa La Guaira: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet Caribbean holidays. Suitable for swimming and walks. Not suitable for lovers of noisy entertainment and secluded wild beaches.
Playa La Guaira: what makes this beach unique?
La Guaira is the departure point for visiting Isla Grande, as well as for exploring the "Tunnel of Love" — mangrove channels that serve as a natural reserve for many marine species. It is one of the most scenic spots on Panama-s Caribbean coast.
Playa La Guaira: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Crystal-clear water, White sand, Palm trees for shade, Seafood restaurants, Chance to visit Isla Grande, Quiet atmosphere. Cons: Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, Parking can be limited, Litter in some areas.
Playa La Guaira: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Isla Grande, Tunnel of Love, Portobelo. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa La Guaira: how do I get to the city of Portobelo?
The beach is located near the city of Portobelo. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Portobelo.

City

Portobelo

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Panama
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 9.533300, -79.683300

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