Bastimentos & the outer isles · Panama
Surfing First Beach (Wizard Beach)
A beach break in Bastimentos & the outer isles, Panama, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
First Beach, sometimes referred to as Wizard Beach, is a basic beachbreak with patches of reef on Bastimentos, whose main attribute is to pick up more swell than any other spot. Accessed via boat to the south side of the island, then a good 20-minute walk across fields (more when the trail gets muddy), it's definitely not the best surf around, but it will be the only option if it's flat everywhere else, and the beauty of the beach makes up for the poor quality of the surf.
The wild, jungle-backed sand of Wizard Beach is one of the most beautiful in the whole archipelago, so even an average session comes with a beautiful setting and usually nobody else around.
Try it on a north-east swell when the reefs are too small, and treat the walk as part of the adventure. First Beach is the fallback and the scenery-lover's choice in Bocas, forgiving, beginner-friendly peaks on a beautiful beach, worth the boat-and-hike when everywhere else has gone quiet.
9.32, -82.15 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf First Beach (Wizard Beach)
First Beach (Wizard Beach) is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE-E. This is how the year looks across Bocas del Toro:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Prime | Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire the reefs and Silverbacks |
| April to May | Quiet | Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific side is better now |
| June to August | Good | A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet |
| September to November | Quiet | Mostly flat and wet, off-season on the Caribbean |
Waves near First Beach (Wizard Beach)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverbacks | Bastimentos & the outer isles | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 8 km |
| Careñeros | Isla Colón | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 km |
| Bluff | Isla Colón | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 12 km |
| Dumpers | Isla Colón | Reef Break | Advanced | 12 km |
| Paunch | Isla Colón | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 12 km |
| P-Land | Morro Negrito | Reef Break | Advanced | 156 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Bastimentos & the outer isles
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Bastimentos & the outer isles surf guide →
A week here costs from about $725 with flights from Europe, or around $1,503 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
First Beach (Wizard Beach): common questions
When is the best time to surf First Beach (Wizard Beach)?
First Beach (Wizard Beach) works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is First Beach (Wizard Beach) good for beginners?
Yes. First Beach (Wizard Beach) suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is First Beach (Wizard Beach)?
First Beach (Wizard Beach) is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is First Beach (Wizard Beach)?
First Beach (Wizard Beach) is in Bastimentos & the outer isles, in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama (9.32, -82.15). The nearest wave we cover is Silverbacks, about 8 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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