Isla Colón · Panama
Surfing Careñeros
A point break in Isla Colón, Panama, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypePoint Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Careñeros is a left point at the northern tip of Isla Careñero, a few minutes by boat from Bocas town. It peels down the east side of the island for up to 200 metres. Usually it's a soft wave, but on a bigger north-east swell it has some long hollow sections.
Most people take a water taxi. You can also paddle across from Bocas and walk around the island, which saves money and keeps the crowd down. Improvers and longboarders like it on smaller days.
9.34, -82.23 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Careñeros
Careñeros 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 Careñeros
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverbacks | Bastimentos & the outer isles | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Paunch | Isla Colón | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 4 km |
| Dumpers | Isla Colón | Reef Break | Advanced | 5 km |
| Bluff | Isla Colón | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 7 km |
| First Beach (Wizard Beach) | Bastimentos & the outer isles | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 km |
| P-Land | Morro Negrito | Reef Break | Advanced | 162 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Isla Colón
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Isla Colón 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 →
Careñeros: common questions
When is the best time to surf Careñeros?
Careñeros works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Careñeros good for beginners?
Yes. Careñeros suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Careñeros?
Careñeros is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Careñeros?
Careñeros is in Isla Colón, in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama (9.34, -82.23). The nearest wave we cover is Silverbacks, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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