Where to go
A weekend getaway from Panama City to the Pacific beaches
The easiest weekend getaway from Panama City is the Riviera Pacífica: drive about 1.5 hours west on the Pan-American Highway, traffic permitting, and you're in beach towns like Coronado and San Carlos, with islands, surf and mountain air within reach. Here's a simple Friday-to-Sunday plan with a private boat day from Vista Mar Marina with Strong Tower Adventures at its center, plus tips on timing the drive.
Friday: beat the traffic
The drive out over the Bridge of the Americas or the Centennial Bridge and through Arraiján and La Chorrera is where weekends are won or lost, so leave outside peak hours if you can and check for roadworks before you go. Buses from the Albrook terminal stop on the highway, with a taxi for the last stretch. Base yourself in Coronado for the most restaurants and shops, or in San Carlos to be close to Vista Mar Marina.
If you arrive in time, the Sunset Cruise is the best possible first evening: about three hours on the water, departing around the seasonal sunset.
Saturday: a day on the water
Half a day, then the beach
Farallón Island is our shortest island trip: about 5 hours dock-to-dock for swimming and snorkeling around a natural sea arch, $500 on Iron Covenant or $700 on Oasis. Fishing is not offered on this trip.
Best fitFarallón IslandFrom $500
All in on a full island day
Otoque Island, about 23 nautical miles from the marina, is a full day of about 8 hours with snorkeling, swimming and a village of colorful houses. From $750; Fun fishing ($100) and a paddleboard ($25) can be added.
Best fitOtoque IslandFrom $750
Short and fun for the kids
Vista Mar Tubing stays close to the marina: $195/hour with one two-person tube or $225/hour with two tubes, with a 2-hour minimum. On island days, an hour of towed tubing can be added ($175 with one tube) when conditions allow.
Best fitVista Mar Tubing AdventureFrom $195/hour
Want lunch aboard? Add the Strong Tower BBQ / picnic for $25 per person on island days. Pack with our what-to-bring checklist.
Sunday: mountains or one more swim
- Go up to El Valle de Antón, a town in the crater of an extinct volcano about 45 minutes from the highway at Las Uvas, for its Sunday craft market, a short hike or the hot springs.
- Or hike the trail above La Laguna de San Carlos, or simply take a last morning swim at a beach with lifeguards.
- Head back early, especially at the end of a long weekend or Semana Santa, when return traffic into the city is at its heaviest.
Weekend ideas by group
- Couples: the Sunset Cruise on Friday or Saturday evening, with your own wine and a charcuterie platter.
- Families: a half-day at Farallón and an afternoon at a calm beach; La Ensenada in San Carlos is known for a gentler sea.
- Friends: a full day at Otoque, with Fun fishing ($100) or a paddleboard ($25) added.
- Bigger groups: Oasis carries up to 10 guests and Iron Covenant up to 6 adults (8 with children); both boats can run together for up to 18 guests.
- Teams and companies: a day trip or retreat on the water, with invoices and payment by bank transfer available for companies. See our corporate events page.
Can you do it as a day trip?
Yes, if you start early. A half-day at Farallón Island is about 5 hours dock-to-dock, so with roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way it fits into a long day from the city. Strong Tower Adventures does not provide hotel or airport transfers: you make your own way to Vista Mar Marina, and final departure details are confirmed with your reservation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the closest beach getaway from Panama City?
- The Riviera Pacífica beaches west of the city, from Punta Chame (about an hour away) to Coronado and San Carlos (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours), depending on traffic.
- When should we leave Panama City for the weekend?
- Outside peak hours if you can. Traffic over the bridges and through Arraiján and La Chorrera can be slow at peak times, and the return at the end of long weekends such as Semana Santa can be very heavy.
- Can a company book a weekend outing?
- Yes. Strong Tower Adventures plans team outings and custom packages for companies, which can be invoiced and pay by bank transfer. Oasis carries up to 10 guests and Iron Covenant up to 6 adults (8 with children); both boats can run together for up to 18 guests.
- Do you pick up from Panama City?
- No. Hotel and city transfers are not offered at the moment; guests drive or arrange their own transport to Vista Mar Marina, and final departure details are confirmed with your reservation.