Last Updated on March 6, 2023
If you’ve taken the time to travel in Central America, or even considered settling down and possibly living in Costa Rica or another of the beautiful locations on this strip of land, then you must have already started exploring the beaches in the region. This can take months of traveling. Want the detail on the best beaches to see across Central America? Here are some to try!
The five best beaches to visit in Central America
San Blas Archipelago, Panama
There are 378 islands in this gorgeous arc, lying off the north coast of Panama. But only 49 are inhabited. Just imagine the endless strips of untouched sand and sea that you’ll find here. The Kuna, the indigenous population here, are friendly people who still enjoy a traditional lifestyle and if you visit the smaller islands in the Archipelago, there`s a chance there may be a member of the Kuna tribe waiting on shore to collect $1 from you, in exchange for all day use of the beach. So if you are ready to travel to your slice of paradise, definitely do it here! Tropical fish, shallow water, local population…you couldn’t ask for anything more.
Tabyana Beach, Roatan, Honduras
For a more affordable price, you can experience some of the best that Honduras has to offer. Roatan Island varies quite a bit depending on which end you go to – the southern end is mostly rocky volcanic shore, whereas West Bay is gorgeous. Tabyana Beach isn’t totally out of the tourist way, but the sand is still beautifully clean and the sea just as amazing! Cruise ships can even dock nearby for a day, so don`t be surprised if it is slightly more crowded on these days. Otherwise, it’ll be like most of your Central American traveling – long secluded stretches of sand and sea! Taxis are also a great way to visit multiple secluded beaches here. But make sure the taxi stays with you all day – remote means remote, and you’ll be stranded if the driver decides to leave! Haggle for the best price, too, before you set off. Then, enjoy!
Hacienda Baru, Costa Rica
This private Natural Reserve will offer you something unique during your months of Central American travelling. Not just a typical seaside, this Reserve has four different types of forests, amazing wildlife, and guides who will lead you through it all for a great price. Take the bus from San Jose or a plane to Quepos Airport, after which a 20 minute taxi ride will lead you to the entrance of Hacienda Baru. Walk, clamber in the canopy, or enjoy a horseback ride – visits into the Reserve are daily, and will open your eyes to the stunning natural world of Costa Rica!
Whale’s Tail Beach, Ballena Marine National Park, Uvita, Costa Rica
If you have spent a few travelling months in the Central American region, chances are you will have discovered this unique National Park, with its beach shaped very much like a whale’s tail. It is slightly less-known than some of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist attractions, so enjoy it before it truly is discovered by the tourist hordes. With some of the most extensive reefs in the Pacific, and frequent whale sightings, this travel destination in Costa Rica is one you won’t forget.
Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Just a 10 minute boat trip from the town of Bocas del Toro, this secluded island has beaches which are just wilderness waiting to be enjoyed. You can venture into the main city of the Old Bank, a West Indian historic town, or head further south to the mangroves of the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos. Either way, if you’re traveling for months in Panama, this is somewhere that you won`t want to miss.
