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Home / Beaches / Playa Sherman

Playa Sherman

Пляж Шерман
Panama · Beach · Colon
moderate
Best month: January

Best for

Suitable for locals and travellers seeking a free beach with a historical past. Not recommended for families with small children due to the possible presence of reptiles.

Best month

January

Water
+28.0°C
Length
300 m
A beach in the Cristóbal area, located near the former naval base. It features calm water and easy access, popular for swimming and walks.
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
A beach in the Cristóbal area, located near the former naval base. It features calm water and easy access, popular for swimming and walks.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Free entry
  • Sandy beach
  • Historic site (former US base)
  • Tropical forest
  • Uncrowded
  • Scenic views

Cons

  • Possible presence of reptiles
  • Limited infrastructure
  • No lifeguards
  • Litter issues
  • Requires transport from Colón
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Suitable for locals and travellers seeking a free beach with a historical past. Not recommended for families with small children due to the possible presence of reptiles.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Playa Sherman is located on the grounds of the former US military base Fort Sherman, which was used to defend the Panama Canal. Today it is a public beach with free access, surrounded by tropical forest.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
moderate
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January February March April
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
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Caution is recommended. In 2025, closure was considered due to reptiles. In 2026, a drowning incident occurred.
Dangerous creatures
reptiles (crocodiles)
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

Restaurante The Dock

Seafood

Restaurant at Shelter Bay Marina with ceviche and corvina tacos. Prices from $30 per person.

Nearby cuisines

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Caribbean Sea.

Must try: Ceviche, corvina tacos, shrimp
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
sleepy
Crowd Level
uncrowded
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
plenty
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 Insect repellent
Best Time to Swim
Best time is from December to April. Fewer people and calmer water in the morning. Watch for reptile warnings.
Local Rules
Littering and open fires are prohibited. Swimming at your own risk — no lifeguards. Watch for reptile warnings.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Fort San Lorenzo

Historic Spanish fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shelter Bay Marina

Marina for yachts with a restaurant and shops.

Colón

Nearby city with a historic centre.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Sherman: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Sherman: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Playa Sherman: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Sherman: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 300 metres.
Playa Sherman: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January, February, March, April. 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 Sherman: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Sherman: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: reptiles (crocodiles). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Sherman: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Sherman: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Sherman: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurante The Dock. Cuisines available: Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Sherman: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Insect repellent.
Playa Sherman: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is from December to April. Fewer people and calmer water in the morning. Watch for reptile warnings.
Playa Sherman: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Littering and open fires are prohibited. Swimming at your own risk — no lifeguards. Watch for reptile warnings.
Playa Sherman: who is this beach best for?
Suitable for locals and travellers seeking a free beach with a historical past. Not recommended for families with small children due to the possible presence of reptiles.
Playa Sherman: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Sherman is located on the grounds of the former US military base Fort Sherman, which was used to defend the Panama Canal. Today it is a public beach with free access, surrounded by tropical forest.
Playa Sherman: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Free entry, Sandy beach, Historic site (former US base), Tropical forest, Uncrowded, Scenic views. Cons: Possible presence of reptiles, Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, Litter issues, Requires transport from Colón.
Playa Sherman: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Fort San Lorenzo, Shelter Bay Marina, Colón. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Sherman: how do I get to the city of Colon?
The beach is located near the city of Colon. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Colon.

City

Colon

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

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Panama
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 9.366700, -79.950000

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