Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 04:14 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and, most importantly, have lots of fun.
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If you prefer the short version, here it is; these are the 7 best surf camps in Bocas del Toro:
1. La Coralina Island House – For more details, please click here.
2. Mono Loco Surf School – For more details, please click here.
3. Selina Surf Camp Bocas del Toro – For more details, please click here.
4. Bocas Surf School & Guest House – For more details, please click here.
5. La Buga Dive & Surf – For more details, please click here.
6. Red Frog Bungalows – For more details, please click here.
7. The Firefly Surf Camp Bocas Del Toro – For more details, please click here.
And now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the longer version. To help you choose the right surf camp, we covered in depth everything you need to know about surf camps in Bocas del Toro before making your decision. Let’s dive in!
About Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is one of the most unique destinations for a wintertime surf trip. It is a remote archipelago located on the North Western Caribbean coast of Panama, and produces incredible surf conditions between December and March. In Bocas del Toro, you will find a great variety of surf spots. Within a short boat ride, you can surf beach breaks, point breaks, reefs, and all different waves for any skill level. Therefore, whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will always find the right wave for yourself when surfing in Bocas del Toro. In General, Bocas del Toro is a typical Caribbean beach town with a chill vibe, friendly people, and spectacular waves. For that reason, you will find here some of the best surf camps in Panama.
Why Should You Book a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro?
Going on a surf vacation on a Caribbean beach is one of the most fun things a surfer can do. There is something about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you are passionate about. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you don’t have local knowledge about the destination. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting. These are exactly the problems a surf camp should solve.
By booking a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, you basically take the hassle and the stress out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp takes care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, all you need to do is to enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in Bocas del Toro are a great place to meet new friends from all over the world.
A List of the 7 Best Surf Camps in Bocas del Toro
1. La Coralina Island House
Situated in one of Bocas del Toro’s finest white sand beaches. La Coralina Island House offers an idyllic island escape for its guests. To a soundtrack of whispering coconut palms and the sigh of the blue Caribbean Sea, the house provides terrific views, seclusion, and the balance of indoor/outdoor living with beautiful private villas and rooms, magical gardens, quality restaurants and bars, and a holistic wellness spa. It offers full-service luxury surf vacations to make your trip planning easier, everything from surfing trips for beginners to world-class surf experiences.
These are the main highlights of La Coralina Island House:
Surf lessons.
Yoga sessions.
High-quality accommodation.
Airport transfers.
Breakfast is provided.
Opportunity to relax and explore the surroundings.
For more details about La Coralina Island House, please click here.
2. Mono Loco Surf School
Mono Loco Surf School aims to share the love and passion for surfing with its guests. Regardless of your current skill level, the BSA/ISA-qualified surf team is ready to get you in the water and help you become a better surfer. They teach you how to surf or improve your style in a fun and supportive way. Besides classes, the camp offers quality board rental, surf shuttle service, surf guiding, and exciting surf packages to choose from.
Mono Loco’s surf coaches are international BSA and ISA-qualified surf instructors and certified lifeguards. They will make you feel completely safe in all conditions and encourage you step by step to become a better surfer.
For all beginners, the coaching will start with a theory class at the Mono Loco Surf School HQ in Bocas town. You’ll learn all the basics about surfing, the break, surf etiquette, and safety, so you don’t have to worry about anything but catching waves when you’re in the water. After your theory class, you head to the water for a live practice. Based on your surfing experience, Mono Loco Surf School picks the right surf spot for you. All classes are given in small groups to provide you with as much personal attention and advice as needed.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
3. Selina Surf Camp Bocas del Toro
Situated only 500 meters from the airport, Selina Bocas del Toro’s waterfront property has one of the best locations in town. It is a great place to experience everything Bocas del Toro has to offer. From surfing and diving and other nature activities to crazy night parties, this is the place to enjoy all worlds. The camp provides surf lessons for all skill levels and a surf shop, a restaurant, a bar, and a co-working space.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
4. Bocas Surf School & Guest House
Bocas Surf School & Guest House is situated only steps from the center of Bocas. The surf school offers different accommodation options and a few surf packages depending on your desires. You can choose between a single surf lesson, a 3-day surf camp, or a complete package of 7 days, which includes the following:
Private room in a guest house on the water for 6 nights.
Breakfasts in the restaurant on site.
Progressive surf lessons.
Surf theories to improve your technique.
All-day surfboard rental during your stay.
Transportation (roundtrip) during lessons.
Yoga sessions in a group setting.
1 Rest day to enjoy the island however you please.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
5. La Buga Dive & Surf
La Buga Dive & Surf offers a great combination of surfing and diving. It provides various services, including first-class dive trips, surf lessons and surf trips for all levels, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board rentals, and more.
At La Buga Surf School, you can enjoy surf coaching for all skill levels and surf tours for advanced surfers. The surf instructors in the camp focus on safe surf lessons with visual orientation by teaching you how to get up on a surfboard and ocean safety.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
6. Red Frog Bungalows
Amazingly surrounded by pristine natural beauty and world-class waves, Red Frog Bungalows Resort caters to all those with a sense of adventure in their hearts. Founded in 2008, this surf camp guided the best surfers on the planet through the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago and hosted some of the biggest names in the history of surfing, such as Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Filipe Toledo, and many others.
Red Frog Bungalows Resort is an excellent choice for experienced surfers who wish to explore the different surf spots in the Bocas del Toro area. The daily surf excursion departures depend on the tide, wind, swell direction, swell size, your ability, and, of course, your specific wants and needs. These surf services are not open to the public and are provided only for the resort’s guests. There are a maximum of 10 surfers in the resort at one time, and the surf trips last about 4 hours.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
7. The Firefly Surf Camp Bocas Del Toro
Situated in the heart of Bocas, this camp is in the center of everything. Bocas has waves for all skill levels, from the beginner who has never surfed before and all the way to the charger who wants to take on the local big-wave spot, Silverbacks. The camp also offers a few board rentals just in case you left yours at home. If you’re a seasoned surfer, The crew can advise you on what breaks are firing and how to get to them. Most waves are less than 5 minutes away, with the furthest being no more than 25 minutes away. Everything is pretty close to this location, and of course, some waves are within walking distance as well.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
How Much Should a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro Cost?
When choosing a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, the cost should definitely be a factor in your decision. Luckily, there are a variety of surf camps and different packages to suit any budget. In fact, most of the surf camps in Bocas del Toro offer great value for money. What determines the cost of a surf camp are parameters such as the quality of the accommodation, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and additional services. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Bocas del Toro will cost you less than booking all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in Bocas del Toro should cost between $500 on the low end and $1500 on the higher end.
Are Surf Camps in Bocas del Toro Suitable for All Skill Levels?
One of the things that make Bocas del Toro such a fantastic surf destination is that it offers several different surf spots. Some of them are challenging and require high skills, but others are suitable for beginners. For instance, in “Playa Bluff” and “Punta Carenero” the waves can get steep and hollow, but spots like “Black Rock” and “Long Beach” offer soft and mellow waves. Therefore, surfers of all levels can come to a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, and there are plenty of waves to suit all of them. Moreover, all the surf camps in Bocas del Toro know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them improve.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro?
Although Bocas del Toro is an incredible surf destination, it has one major con you should know about. Unfortunately, the surf season here is pretty short and lasts only from December to March. During these months, the north swells hit the Caribbean Coastline, and that’s when Bocas del Toro comes to life. In the rest of the year, other than a few occasional swells, it is pretty flat. Therefore, wintertime is the best time to come for a surf camp in Bocas del Toro.
Which Location in Bocas del Toro is the Best for a Surf Camp?
There are three major islands you can stay on in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. The first is Isla Colon, where you can surf in spots like “Playa Bluff” and “Paunch Reef”. The second island is Isla Bastimentos, where you can surf at “Red Frog” and “Wizard”. The third one is Isla Carenero, which has “Punta Carenero” and “Old Man’s”. No location is better; just make sure the surf camp provides easy access to the waves.
Important Things to Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro?
Before choosing a surf camp in Bocas del Toro, don’t forget to go over the following checklist:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio? In general, the smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the package? Will you have to bring your own surfboard or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboard for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the surf package, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive one, which meals are included?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the level of coaching suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers?
8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is the most important thing.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the surf sessions? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the package cost cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro?
Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Bocas del Toro, booking it is pretty easy. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone; everything is available online. The main question is what kind of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two best options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, then the best website to book the surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most details about surf instructors, weekly schedules, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a nice place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your surf camp on www.booking.com.
Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, and therefore, we recommend using one of them to book your surf camp in Bocas del Toro.
Conclusion
To sum up, Bocas del Toro is absolutely a surf paradise. If you come here between December and March, you will enjoy consistent swells and world-class waves. With such conditions, it is no wonder that some of the best surf camps in Panama chose this location as their home base. Regardless of which surf camp you choose, you can expect to have a memorable experience. If you’re a beginner, you will be riding beautiful green waves in no time. And if you are already an advanced surfer, you will be amazed by the quality of the waves this area has to offer. Above all, remember to keep yourself safe and have lots of fun, as that’s what surfing is all about.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Panama, and also the one about surf resorts in Panama.
