Pedasi is known for having some of the best and most beautiful beaches in all of Panama. People visit them to swim, to catch some rays, to go fishing, and of course, to surf. While Playa Venao is largely seen as the best Pedasi beach, and we would agree, there are several others worth checking out.
While all the beaches are beautiful, the best beach for you often depends on what you want to do and the things you want to see. This article is going to take a closer look at 4 of the best beaches in Pedasi, and what makes them such a wonderful place to visit with family, friends, or even on your own.
What Makes a Good Pedasi Beach?
But before taking a look at the best beaches in Pedais, we felt it’s a good idea to go through what makes a beach “good”. While everyone has their own unique thoughts about this, there are a few universal markers of a great beach. This section is going to go over a few of them.
The sand
Of course, the sand on a beach plays a major factor on how good it is. Beachgoers generally want a beach with soft sand that squishes between your toes and is comfortable to walk in, as opposed to beaches with rough sand that’s full of rocks. It’s better to lay on, to walk in, and to play in.
Many people also like sand that has some shells in it close to the water so they can search for some beautiful ones to collect.
The water
A great beach has clear water that you can easily see through without difficulty. This is generally more inviting than a beach with murky water that’s often perceived to be less clean or pristine.
The temperature of the water should give you a refreshing escape from the hot sun, without being too frigid to enjoy. While some marine life nearby is fine, a beach full of potentially dangerous wildlife could certainly turn some people off.
Swimming and/or surfing conditions
In addition to the water itself, the conditions for swimming and surfing also come into play. The water should be deep enough to swim in, but not deep enough that it’s dangerous. The best beaches have some shallow parts for children to play in that slowly transition into deeper waters, without a harsh drop off.
Great beaches also have smooth sand in the water to walk on, as opposed to sharp jagged rocks that could injure your feet. In terms of surf conditions, you want a beach with consistent waves.
While some surfers love a beach with a lot of wind for huge waves, these types of conditions often keep beginner and intermediate surfers away.
Not overcrowded
While having some people around is fine of course, many people don’t want to spend time on a beach that is lined with hundreds of people. This makes it hard to find a spot to lay and makes it a nightmare to surf or swim.
Being one of the only ones on a beach is incredibly peaceful and gives you free reign to do what you want without having to worry so much about others.
The good news is that while some Pedasi beaches are more popular than others, many are still hidden gems that don’t see nearly as many people as other beaches around the world do.
Facilities
Having some facilities or amenities around can make a beach a much more convenient place to be. Some examples that many great beaches have include things like bathrooms, showers, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
Things to do
While some people are okay with bringing their own things to do at the beach or just relaxing there, others like having a beach that offers things to do. This could be beach rentals, games, restaurants, or a bar to grab a drink.
Beautiful surroundings
Last but not least, the best beaches are surrounded by stunning scenery. Being surrounded by things like mountains, cliffs, palm trees, rock formations, caves, or other attractive features contribute to the overall atmosphere of the beach, and help it feel like a relaxing and tranquil place to be.
Now that you know a little more about what generally makes a beach good, let’s get to the list of the top 4 beaches in Pedasi.
Our Favorite: Playa Venao
Pros
- Amazing surfing
- Stunning surroundings
- Incredibly large beach with plenty of space
Cons
- Quite far from Pedasi compared to other options
- Busy, especially on the weekends
As we briefly mentioned earlier in the introduction, our pick for the best beach in Pedasi is Playa Venao. A big reason for this ranking is that it offers the best surfing in the area.
It provides consistent waves that are fun to surf, without being too challenging or rough for new or experienced surfers. The conditions are ideal and different parts of the beach offer a different surfing experience. In addition to the solid surfing for all experience levels, Playa Venao is also stunning.
It’s situated in the middle of some hills and offers amazing views of the ocean, as well as the hills and trees. The beach also has around 5 KM of sand to explore and set up your chair or towel to enjoy the ocean view.
While the trip from Pedasi to Playa Venao is a little longer at around 35 minutes and it can be quite busy at times, it’s still a must-visit for anyone who finds themselves in this part of Panama. It also provides several additional activities to participate in, like surf lessons and horseback riding.
Less Crowded: Playa Destiladeros
Pros
- Quiet and secluded
- Natural beauty and amazing views
- Lots of sea life to view
Cons
- No facilities like bathrooms or restaurants
- Some parts are rocky
If you’re looking for a secluded beach that’s a little more under the radar, Playa Destiladeros may be right for you. It’s quite secluded and is perfect for relaxing with friends and family. While this peace and quiet on its own is wonderful, the beach also provides amazing views of the ocean, trees, and more.
Fans of sea life also love Playa Destiladeros as its home to fish, crabs and shellfish, as well as lobsters and octopus a little deeper in the water.
While the sand is generally lovely, there are some rocky sections that you’ll need to watch out for. It’s not quite as popular for surfing as Playa Venao, but it offers some solid waves in the right conditions.
However, there are no bathrooms or restaurants there, so plan ahead and keep that in mind if you plan to spend a lot of time at this beach.
Best For Fishing: Playa El Arenal
Pros
- Great fishing
- Very close to town
- Places to get food and drink nearby
Cons
- Busy compared to other beaches in the area
- Lots of boats parked on the beach, which hurts the atmosphere for some people
While some people head to the beach to relax, swim, surf, or play in the sand, others go there to catch some fish. If that’s your goal, Playa El Arenal is the place for you. It’s the launch point for most fishing boats in the area, and it’s also good for whale-watching, scuba diving, and more.
While this is convenient for fishermen, some people may not like seeing all the boats parked on the beach. Also, because it’s the hub for fishing in the area, it’s often among the busiest beaches around Pedasi.
The beach is very close to town, at only a few minutes drive away. You can even walk there in about 20 or 30 minutes. It also has beach bars close by if you want to grab a drink or bite to eat, and the beach itself is wonderful for swimming and walks thanks to soft sand.
Best For Travel With Kids: Isla Iguana
Pros
- Soft sand and clear water
- Tons of wildlife
- Great snorkeling and scuba opportunities
Cons
- Not as convenient to get to as other nearby beaches
- No services
If you’re looking for a fun beach in Pedasi to travel to with your kids, consider Isla Iguana. It’s located just off the coast of Panama, and you can hire a boat on Playa El Arenal to take you out there and back.
It’s amazing for kids thanks to the clear water and soft white sand on the beach, as well as relatively warm water. The beach is also home to tons of wildlife including turtles, fish, and of course, iguanas. It’s popular for scuba diving, and when the tide is high you can even go snorkeling.
While this isn’t the most convenient place to go, it has a very remote island feel which many people adore. Keep in mind that there are no services at this beach, so plan ahead.
