Playa Panama curves along Culebra Bay in Guanacaste, offering 2 kilometers of protected beach just 15 minutes from Liberia Airport. The grey sand shore provides calm swimming conditions year-round, while the surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater overlooking the bay.
The beach area maintains a quieter atmosphere than nearby coastal towns, with natural shade trees lining much of the shore. Views stretch across the bay to the Four Seasons Peninsula, where boats occasionally cross between Marina Papagayo and various resorts.
Clear waters and protected location make this beach particularly good for swimming and paddling. The bay position means calmer conditions than open coast beaches, while the mountain backdrop provides shelter from strong winds. Several walking paths connect to hidden coves along the coastline.
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El Mangroove
If you’re staying in Playa Panama, chances are you’ll be down by the resort El Mangroove. This section of the small town is very popular with tourists and families. El Mangroove has a nice sitting area with a pool, that overlooks the ocean. If you’re visiting Panama, there’s lots of on street parking on this end of the beach as well. Be sure to bring a couple thousand Colon for the parking attendant to watch over your car. The beach area has white sand and calm waves. One of the best things about Panama is the large, flat and tree covered sitting areas. High tide doesn’t touch these areas, so they’re great to store your gear. You could set up a table and have a barbeque/picnic without having to move your stuff around at high tide.
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Hacienda Blu
Towards the south/west end of the beach, you’ll find another parking area. This section of the beach has calm water, and a great area for setting up your beach gear.
There’s also an ocean front bar/restaurant called Hacienda Blue. This restaurant is a great location to finish off a long day of swimming in Panama Bay.
If you’d like to head out on the water, check out renting a stand up paddle board. Costa Rica SUP will provide you with the opportunity to head out into Panama Bay. You’ll see the crystal clear water and scenery along the coast. You might even see some massive yachts scrolling by in the ocean.
On this end of the beach you’ll also find an Eco-Camping location, and a beach camping area. There’s an estuary, which is a small river leading into the ocean. Estuaries are great to check out as you can often see really cool animals and birds.
Visit Playa Panama
If’ you’re spending your vacation around the Liberia Airport, you’ll want to check out Panama for at least a day. It’s a short drive from Coco or Communidad, and has some of the calmest waters around.
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Playa Panama FAQ: Protected Bay Guide
Q: Where is Playa Panama located?
A: In Culebra Bay, 15 minutes from Liberia Airport. Between Papagayo Peninsula and Playas del Coco. Protected beach cove. Views across bay to Four Seasons.
Q: What’s the beach like?
A: 2 km curved grey sand beach. Calm protected waters. Good for swimming year-round. Natural shade trees line shore. Beach width varies with tide.
Q: What facilities exist?
A: Basic beach services. Andaz Papagayo overlooks bay. Public parking area. Some local restaurants nearby. Cell service available. Bring water and supplies.
Q: What makes this beach special?
A: Protected bay location. Calmer waters than open coast. Less crowded than nearby beaches. Mountain backdrop views. Good base for bay exploration.
Q: What’s nearby?
A: Close to Marina Papagayo, Four Seasons Peninsula, Playa Buena, Occidental Resort. Hidden beaches along coastline. Airport access convenient.
Q: How’s the access?
A: Well-paved road from highway. Public parking near beach. Local bus service limited. Most visitors drive or taxi. Easy directions from airport.
Q: When to visit?
A: Morning hours usually calmest. Best swimming conditions year-round. Dry season most predictable weather. Weekdays quieter than weekends.
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