twocents

When I was in the city I was always looking for good day trips. I prefer secluded beaches, or at least ones that were a little quieter, but they seem harder and harder to find.

Contadora Island was one place that my family and I went to all the time when I was growing up and I still go now, but I am looking for some new spots. Any suggestions?

panama.woman80

If you are looking for a secluded beach try Isla Iguana, sooo beutiful or
also (oh my god) the most breath-taking place ever Isla Granito de Oro near Coiba Island, belongs to the Marine park that is protected from the men's hand. I totally fell in love with this place, its not a short trip by boat but i assure you that you will never ever forget this place (isla granito de oro).
Also try Isla mamey near Isla grande, some scuba divers go this island.

soltero

The OP said day trips, and that really narrows the choices. I really like the beach at San Carlos and El Palmar -- an hour's drive -- and there's an excellent restaurant there: Bay View Resort.

panama.woman80

Well, Isla Mamey could be a Day trip, is not that far at all, I really dont like San Carlos and El palmar because they are not as pretty and they are usually too crowed.
Las guias, passed San Carlos, right before Decameron its a nice quiet beach, not so crowed. Santa clara is nice too but you would have to stay away from the resorts in that area if you are looking for quiet places.

twocents

Hi Panama.Woman!

You made Isla Granita de Oro sound so incredible that I am adding it to my weekend list. I love untouched places like that

Thanks for the other recommendations too, there are lots of places around the city, but it is hard to find some that are not overrun by tourists and shops.

panama.woman80

Oh you are welcome. You can go either by plane or boat, you will probably arrive to Coiba, you dont want to stay there that long lol well you might want to go check out the observator or view point on the top of the island, from there you can see Isla Granito de Oro and some really beutiful sights.
I have been to every province from Darien to Chiriqui. Have you been to San Blas already? San blas is pretty and if you go far away from the Kunas, I didnt like the idea of bathrooms all over the coast lol, but if you go to Isla Perro, or other deserted islands its so beutiful.
Also, you would consider Isla Iguana it is very very pretty. I love crystal waters, nothing like being in the water all the way to your neck and still be able to see your toes

panama.woman80

check out this site i just found on isla granito de oro:
http://www.coibanationalpark.com/granito_de_oro.html

here is a picture of Isla iguana, picture from IPAT:
http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile.php?id=1978981

and here is isla mamey:
http://www.costaricapages.com/panama...isla_mame4.jpg