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The Best Day Trips & Beach Getaways for LGBTQ+ Travelers (2025)
When the City Sleeps, We Escape
The party doesn’t stop in Panama City — it just changes scenery.
When Friday night fades and the city begins to slow, queer travelers here know what’s next: a sunrise catamaran, a hidden jungle pool, or a sleepy surf town that welcomes every kind of soul.
In 2025, Panama offers a handful of queer-friendly weekend escapes where you can connect, unplug, and still feel seen. Whether you’re traveling solo, coupled up, or with your chosen family, these are our favorite day trips and mini-retreats from the city — authentically local, breathtakingly beautiful, and curated with the LGBTQ+ traveler in mind.
1. Taboga Island Catamaran (OUT in Panama)
Queer, carefree, and sun-soaked.
This isn’t a tour — it’s a vibe.
Join our signature OUT in Panama gay catamaran day trip for a Sunday of music, mingling, and tequila on the high seas. You’ll sail from the city to nearby Taboga Island with a boat full of new gay friends, an open bar, a curated playlist, and rainbow energy from start to finish.
This tour is coming soon. Follow @outinpanama for activity drops.
2. El Valle de Antón Nature Retreat
For nature lovers, healing couples & wellness seekers.
Trade glass towers for green canopies in El Valle, a jungle town tucked into a volcanic crater. Here, misty trails lead to waterfalls and warm thermal springs — ideal for recharging your spirit. Our small-group tour is inclusive, slow-paced, and hosted by guides who understand what safe space really means.
Hike, soak, explore, breathe. Join the El Valle nature escape. This tour is coming soon, bookmark this page for updates.
3. Beach Resort Weekend
Privacy. Luxury. Zero side-eye.
If your vibe is more cocktail-in-hand-than-hiking-boots, head to the Pacific coast for a 2–3 hour drive into beachside bliss. Resorts in Playa Blanca and Buenaventura are not only LGBTQ+ welcoming — they offer the kind of romance, calm, and elegance you want when you’re off the grid but still craving AC.
Our picks:
- The Buenaventura – Elegant, tropical, spa-ready
- Villa Marina Lodge – Small, quiet, gay-friendly
Stay tuned for our weekend package deals!
4. Santa Catalina Surf & Sea Vibes
A low-key haven for queer travelers, creatives, and surfers.
Santa Catalina isn’t loud — it’s magnetic. It attracts adventurers and dreamers who like to wake up with the tide, take a morning yoga class, and spend the afternoon exploring coral reefs in Coiba National Park. With growing LGBTQ+ visibility and expat presence, you’ll find Santa Catalina deeply chill — and deeply welcoming.
Plan for at least 2 nights. Ask us for gay-friendly host recommendations!
5. Isla Grande (Colón) – Afro-Caribbean Flavor & Ocean Calm
For sun, rhythm, and something different.
A totally different energy awaits on Panama’s Caribbean coast. Isla Grande is rich in culture and warmth, with colorful guesthouses, palm-fringed beaches, and fresh seafood. While not “gay-marketed,” its authenticity, vibe, and hospitality make it a favorite for LGBTQ+ travelers who like it off the beaten path.
Bring your floaties. Or don’t. Access from Panama City via Portobelo (~2.5 hours by car + boat). Contact us for day trip and weekend packages!
How to Plan Your Queer Escape
- Contact us to get the best deals on weekend packages and day trips.
- Rent a car or take Uber for flexibility. Many day trips include roundtrip transport.
- Pack for comfort, not conformity — these are your spaces.
- Check @outinpanama for upcoming group trips or weekend pop-up events.
- Safety first: Always book through verified queer-friendly hosts or trusted platforms like Book Panama Tours.
You Deserve Escapes That See You.
We don’t just recommend escapes — we curate them for queer joy. Every destination we feature has been chosen because it’s beautiful, accessible, and safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. We walk these trails. We throw these parties. We host you like family.
Book your next OUT in Panama escape: Like our Facebook Page and Join our LGBTQ+ travelers group
More planning to do?
Don’t miss our full LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Panama — from safety tips to where to stay and play.
