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Home / Beaches / Playa Larga

Playa Larga

Пляж Ларга
Panama · Beach · Contadora
crystal
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet relaxation. Suitable for swimming in crystal clear water, sunbathing and walking along the long beach. Not suitable for lovers of secluded wild beaches.

Best month

January

Water
+26.0°C
Length
3 200 m
Playa Larga is one of the widest and most peaceful beaches on Contadora Island. It features crystal-clear water and white sand, popular for swimming, relaxation and sunset watching.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
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
Playa Larga is one of the widest and most peaceful beaches on Contadora Island. It features crystal-clear water and white sand, popular for swimming, relaxation and sunset watching.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • One of the widest and most peaceful beaches on Contadora Island
  • Crystal clear water
  • White sand
  • Scenic shipwreck on the beach
  • Ideal for swimming and sunbathing
  • Beach with easy access from the airport/ferry dock
  • Amenities: umbrellas, toilets, showers
  • Meals and drinks included in some tours

Cons

  • Beach can be crowded in high season
  • Water can be cool due to currents
  • Limited infrastructure on the island
  • No lifeguards outside season
  • Beach is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet relaxation. Suitable for swimming in crystal clear water, sunbathing and walking along the long beach. Not suitable for lovers of secluded wild beaches.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is the longest on Contadora Island and is known for its shipwreck lying right on the shore. Contadora Island was once the place of exile for the Shah of Iran.
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
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
3 200 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal
Underwater Visibility
15.0 m
Average Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
2.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is calm, it is recommended not to leave valuables unattended.
Dangerous creatures
sharks
stingrays
jellyfish
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
No
Parking
No
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Beach Restaurants

Panamanian, Seafood

Several restaurants and cafes on the beach, offering Panamanian cuisine and seafood.

Nearby cuisines

Panamanian

Panamanian dishes and fresh seafood.

Must try: Ceviche, seafood, coconut rice
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash First aid kit Hat Camera
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. The best time for swimming is from December to April, during the dry season.
Local Rules
Do not leave litter. Swimming without lifeguards is at your own risk. Do not touch the shipwreck.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Shipwreck

Scenic shipwreck on the beach, a popular spot for photos.

Playa Cacique

Neighbouring popular beach on Contadora Island.

Playa Las Suecas

Nudist beach on Contadora Island, 500 metres from Playa Larga.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Larga: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Larga: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Playa Larga: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Larga: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 3 200 metres.
Playa Larga: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Larga: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Larga: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, stingrays, jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Larga: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Larga: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor.
Playa Larga: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beach Restaurants. Cuisines available: Panamanian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Larga: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit, Hat, Camera.
Playa Larga: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. The best time for swimming is from December to April, during the dry season.
Playa Larga: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Swimming without lifeguards is at your own risk. Do not touch the shipwreck.
Playa Larga: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and lovers of quiet relaxation. Suitable for swimming in crystal clear water, sunbathing and walking along the long beach. Not suitable for lovers of secluded wild beaches.
Playa Larga: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is the longest on Contadora Island and is known for its shipwreck lying right on the shore. Contadora Island was once the place of exile for the Shah of Iran.
Playa Larga: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of the widest and most peaceful beaches on Contadora Island, Crystal clear water, White sand, Scenic shipwreck on the beach, Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, Beach with easy access from the airport/ferry dock, Amenities: umbrellas, toilets, showers, Meals and drinks included in some tours. Cons: Beach can be crowded in high season, Water can be cool due to currents, Limited infrastructure on the island, No lifeguards outside season, Beach is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Playa Larga: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Shipwreck, Playa Cacique, Playa Las Suecas. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Larga: how do I get to the city of Contadora?
The beach is located near the city of Contadora. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Contadora.

City

Contadora

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

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Panama
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 8.633300, -79.033300

Other beaches in Contadora