Playa Barqueta

Playa Barqueta is a popular beach escape located south of David. La Barqueta gets its name from the Spanish word, ‘Barquin’, which refers to someone who travels around by boat. Unlike most beaches in Panama, the sands of Playa Barqueta are dark grey and add to the beauty and uniqueness of this beach. During the weekends and holidays, you will find the beach crowded as natives from David and around come here for a quick getaway. However, during the week, you can have the entire place to yourself with just a few locals around.

To reach the beach, you have to pass through the vast agricultural landscapes and farmlands of David, which is an experience itself. Most of these lands have been owned by the same families since the nineteenth century. You will be amazed at how people still live in the old and simple ways even in the twenty-first century.

Playa Barqueta is becoming a favorite spot for ex-pats who prefer a slower pace of life. A beachside community has developed here by people seeking a relaxed and retired time. The cost of living is extremely cheap compared to other coastal areas in the Americas, and as such, draws a lot of attention. The beachside villas and condos are charming and offer all basic amenities at a very affordable rate.

The slope of this beach is quite steep and it is inadvisable for anyone who is not familiar with deep waters to venture too close.

The area also possesses rich tropical biodiversity, wildlife and sea life. The crystal clear waters and smooth waves will guarantee a great surfing experience.

The Beach

Playa Barqueta has a vast shore; you can just keep walking for miles and you will rarely encounter another person. There are small pools of water on the shore and you can walk through them if you feel too hot. As it is a black sand beach, you will find it hotter than the usual beaches, so it is best to pack accordingly. (Don’t forget sunscreen!) You can collect sand dollars and also spot snails on the beach.

Surfing

Playa Barqueta is not a commercial beach, and as such, you will not find adventure sports here. However, if you are a surfer, then you are in luck! This place is one of the best surfing spots along this coast. Make sure to inquire about the tide before you surf in.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Playa Barqueta

A nature reserve, Refugio de Vida Silvestre Playa Barqueta, covers over 14 km, more than five thousand hectares of Playa Barqueta on the eastern side. From September to December, four species of turtles come here to lay their eggs. The northern part of the reserve is bound by mangrove forests and wetlands. You can find mammals like the tapucara, squirrel, weasels, and raccoons, and different species of birds like egrets, ducks, and herons.

Puerto Armuelles

From Playa Barqueta, you can view this welcoming beach town, Puerto Armuelles. A short boat ride will take you to the town where you will notice the growing community of ex-pats. The town was initially agricultural land for banana plantations, which has turned into a retirement hub after the plantations were uprooted due to a workers’ strike by the locals. It is considered the true beach town in all of Panama, as it lies directly on the beach. Throughout the town, you can see Chiquita’s style of architecture.

Nowadays, Puerto Armuelles has become a fishing town, with its long beaches and piers. The seafood here is top-notch – fresh and delicious. Adding to this, you can also enjoy fresh tropical fruits.

Charco Azul

Charco Azul means blue ditch or puddle. It is a port near Puerto Armuelles specifically for supertankers. Just a few meters from the shore, you will find that the water is more than 200 meters deep. It is an extremely steep shore and you can watch deep-water fish swimming near the dock of the port.

Las Olas Beach Resort

The resort lies on the western side of the beach and is the most popular stay here. It has forty-eight well-furnished rooms and offers all the basic amenities, along with an ocean-view swimming pool. There is also a restaurant and bar facility. The rooms here offer splendid views of the ocean and an amazing stay. If you are a fitness freak, you don’t have to worry about missing your workout as the resort has a gym. There is also a spa and convention center.

The restaurant here is the biggest in this area and most people who visit the beach head here to eat. The seafood especially is a must-try! Everything you get here is extremely fresh. It comes directly from the farm to your plate! Tropical fruits, meat, and seafood – everything is local.

Among all the beach resorts, this resort has the longest beach and every room has a panoramic view of the waters.

Isla San Pedro

It is a private island currently for sale and is a small ride from Playa Barqueta. The island is a tropical paradise, home to indigenous species of flora and fauna. You can spot colorful tropical birds amidst the lush greenery and different species of monkeys as well. The island is also visited by different species of turtles during the year. The White turtle is one such visitor.

The waves here are not as rough or risky as Playa Barqueta and will give you a gentle surf experience. The island has freshwater streams flowing through it and is also bound by mangrove forests on one side. It is also an ideal location for fishing; tuna, Swordfish, Wahoo, and blue and black Marlin are found here in plenty.

Stay

The only stay you’ll find here is the Las Olas Resort. It is one of the most affordable beach resorts in the world and you wouldn’t want to miss the experience. Apart from this, you would have to head into the village to look for homestays.

Food

The resort’s restaurant is the biggest in this area and offers an excellent tropical menu with bar facilities. You will also find cheap restaurants on the beachside that offer typical Panamanian cuisine.

Getting there

You will have to board a bus from David; there are two morning buses. Otherwise, you have to board a bus for Guarumal from David and then reach Playa Barqueta by taxi.