Panama City breaks · Panama
Surfing Nuevo Loco
A reef break in Panama City breaks, Panama, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Nuevo Loco is a right next to a big rock in Panama City. It needs enough south swell to get into the Gulf of Panama, so it doesn't break often.
There's some localism, and the neighbourhood isn't safe, so go with someone local and keep an eye on your things. Only worth it if you're in the city on a good swell.
8.98, -79.5 · Swell S · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Nuevo Loco
Nuevo Loco is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: Swell S. This is how the year looks across West Panamá Province:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to June | Good | S-SW swell building; the narrow window means it's smaller than Santa Catalina |
| July to September | Prime | Peak S-SW season, best NZ lows send the optimum ~210° swell; onshore afternoons |
| October to November | Good | Onshore south winds increasingly dominate late in the season |
| December to March | Quiet | Dry season, offshore northerlies, but swells are unreliable and often flat |
Waves near Nuevo Loco
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Zurda | Panama City breaks | Reef Break | Advanced | under 1 km |
| Mojon Beach | Panama City breaks | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 2 km |
| Panamá La Vieja | Panama City breaks | Beach Break | Beginner | 3 km |
| Las Bóvedas (Casco Viejo) | Panama City breaks | Point Break | Intermediate | 5 km |
| Playa Serena | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 73 km |
| Playa Malibú | Rio Mar & the coast | Beach Break | Intermediate | 73 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Panama City breaks
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Panama City breaks surf guide →
A week here costs from about $844 with flights from Europe, or around $1,762 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Nuevo Loco: common questions
When is the best time to surf Nuevo Loco?
Nuevo Loco works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: Swell S.
Is Nuevo Loco good for beginners?
No. Nuevo Loco is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Mojon Beach in Panama City breaks, about 2 km away.
How crowded is Nuevo Loco?
Nuevo Loco is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Nuevo Loco?
Nuevo Loco is in Panama City breaks, in the West Panamá Province region of Panama (8.98, -79.5). The nearest wave we cover is La Zurda, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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