Shell Hunting in Panama: Where to Find the Best Beachcombing Spots

Shell collecting in Panama is seriously top-tier. Everything you see in the photo below came from just one beach walk my husband and I took in Santa Catalina back in 2010. The diversity, the colors, the sheer surprise of what washes up here—it’s part treasure hunt, part meditation.

But like so much in Panama, your shelling experience will depend a lot on where you go.

🐚 What to Know Before You Start

• Panama’s beaches vary widely—from coral-rich islands to wild Pacific coastlines to calm Caribbean shores.

• Shell quality and availability differ a lot based on geography, tide, and season.

• As always, never take live shells or disrupt coral ecosystems—admire, photograph, or collect only from the tide line.

  
  

Panama is a shell lovers dream

📍 Region-by-Region Shelling Guide

Santa Catalina & the Azuero Peninsula (Pacific Coast)

This is where I’ve had the best luck. Around Santa Catalina, the beaches are remote, wild, and often littered with shells after a good tide. Playa Venao, Cambutal, and other areas on the Azuero Peninsula also offer excellent opportunities.

The shells here tend to be larger, weathered, and often beautifully textured by sand and time.

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

San Blas is a coral archipelago, and when you’re snorkeling among the reefs, it’s tempting to spot shells underwater. But remember: don’t remove anything from live coral environments. If you’re lucky, a few polished fragments might wash ashore on your island overnight.

If you’re staying overnight, early morning walks can yield a few finds—but it’s more about the beauty of the moment than a big haul.

Bocas del Toro (Caribbean Coast)

While Bocas is known for its laid-back vibe and calm swimming spots, it’s not a prime shell-collecting location. The Caribbean waters tend to be gentler, and most beaches don’t accumulate many shells—though you might find tiny cowries or polished coral fragments here and there.

🧺 Pro Tip: Where to Get a Beachcombing Basket or Tote

If you forgot a bag or basket, pop into Novey (a local hardware + everything store), which often carries unexpected treasures—from beach chairs to placemats to plastic baskets that make great shell carriers. You’ll also find good options at smaller local stores in most coastal towns.

🏝 Final Thoughts

If you’re a beachcomber at heart, Panama has some incredible hidden gems—especially along the Pacific coast. Just be mindful of where you collect, respect marine ecosystems, and enjoy the slow rhythm of walking the shore with your eyes on the sand and the horizon just out of view.