Rio Mar & the coast · Panama
Surfing Punta Teta
A point break in Rio Mar & the coast, Panama, for intermediate surfers.
- TypePoint Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Punta Teta, on the West Panamá coast, has rights off the point that run into beach breaks shaped by the Teta River. Further along there's an A-frame peak and some fast lefts over rock and sand.
With the point, the river banks and the peak, there's usually something working on a south-west swell. It's a favourite with local surfers from Panama City.
8.38, -80.02 · Swell S-SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Punta Teta
Punta Teta is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW. 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 Punta Teta
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Esmeralda | Rio Mar & the coast | Reef Break | Intermediate | 4 km |
| Rinconsito (Little Rincon) | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 km |
| Rocky Point (Punta Barco) | Rio Mar & the coast | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 8 km |
| San Carlos Point (Jeffreys) | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate | 13 km |
| Rio Mar | Rio Mar & the coast | Point Break | Intermediate | 14 km |
| Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii) | Rio Mar & the coast | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 14 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 →
Punta Teta: common questions
When is the best time to surf Punta Teta?
Punta Teta works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW.
Is Punta Teta good for beginners?
No. Punta Teta is a wave for intermediate surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Hawaiisito (Little Hawaii) in Rio Mar & the coast, about 14 km away.
How crowded is Punta Teta?
Punta Teta is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Punta Teta?
Punta Teta is in Rio Mar & the coast, in the West Panamá Province region of Panama (8.38, -80.02). The nearest wave we cover is Costa Esmeralda, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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