Rio Mar & the coast · Panama
Surfing Playa Serena
A point break in Rio Mar & the coast, Panama, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypePoint Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Playa Serena is a right point at Coronado. It starts hollow at the takeoff and then turns into a long, easy wall that suits longboards.
It's best at low tide and depends on how the sand sits, so it doesn't work often. Coronado is a weekend escape from Panama City, so expect people when it's on, but the long wall spreads them out.
8.53, -79.98 · S-SW swell, low tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Serena
Playa Serena is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, low tide. 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 Playa Serena
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Malibú | Rio Mar & the coast | Beach Break | Intermediate | 2 km |
| San Carlos Point (Jeffreys) | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate | 15 km |
| Costa Esmeralda | Rio Mar & the coast | Reef Break | Intermediate | 16 km |
| Punta Teta | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate | 17 km |
| Rocky Point (Punta Barco) | Rio Mar & the coast | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 19 km |
| Rinconsito (Little Rincon) | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 20 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Rio Mar & the coast
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Rio Mar & the coast 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 →
Playa Serena: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Serena?
Playa Serena works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: S-SW swell, low tide.
Is Playa Serena good for beginners?
No. Playa Serena is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Playa Serena?
Playa Serena is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Serena?
Playa Serena is in Rio Mar & the coast, in the West Panamá Province region of Panama (8.53, -79.98). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Malibú, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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