Surf guide
Surfing in Panama
Uncrowded coasts, world-class points, two oceans
- Surf spots28
- Areas6
- Best seasonApr-Oct
- Flights from$550
- Daily budget from$30/day
Why Panama
An uncrowded version of its neighbour Costa Rica, with the added bonus of offshore islands to explore. Panama's torturously twisted 2,500km coastline hides world-class pointbreaks on the Pacific and quality coral reefs on the Caribbean, from the barrels of Bocas del Toro to the reeling right of Santa Catalina. Slightly less exposed to North Pacific swell but blessed with a good window for W and S swells, calm winds and a wealth of virgin coast.
Surf zones & spots
Bocas del Toro
Caribbean island reefs, Silverbacks and the barrels of Isla Colón · Best: Dec-Mar
- Isla Colón — Bluff, Paunch and the town-side reefs and points
- Bastimentos & the outer isles — Silverbacks' big-wave right and wild Wizard Beach
Southwest Panama
Santa Catalina's world-class right and the Morro Negrito reefs · Best: Apr-Oct
- Morro Negrito — Boat-access island reefs, P-Land, Nestles and the surf camp
- Santa Catalina — The world-class right point and the heavy Punta Brava left
West Panamá Province
Fun points and city waves near the capital · Best: Apr-Oct
- Rio Mar & the coast — The string of points and beachbreaks from San Carlos to Coronado
- Panama City breaks — The surreal urban waves beneath Casco Viejo
When to go
Get one emerging surf spot a week
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