Last updated on January 14th, 2024 at 03:09 pm
If you are looking for a complete guide to surfing in Bocas del Toro, you came to the right place. This article will give you all the information you need to plan your next surf trip. You will find general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf spots in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
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About Surfing in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is a remote archipelago located on Panama‘s North Western Caribbean coast. It produces spectacular surf and a great young vibe. Since the town is only 1-hour away from the Costa Rican border, many surfers come to surf Bocas del Toro straight after visiting Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica.
There is a huge variety of surf spots in Bocas del Toro. In fact, within a short boat ride, you can surf beach breaks, points, and reef breaks. Therefore, regardless of your skill level and personal style, you will always find the right wave for yourself when surfing in Bocas del Toro.
Outside the water, Bocas del Toro is a typical Caribbean beach town with a chill vibe and cool, friendly people. For that reason, it is always full of young travelers who come to enjoy the surf, the parties, and the laid-back lifestyle.
Surf Spots in Bocas del Toro
When surfing in Bocas del Toro, you will probably have a hard time choosing which spot to surf. In fact, the variety of surf spots in Bocas del Toro is so overwhelming that you might get a slight headache trying to decide. But anyway, these are good problems.
So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in Bocas del Toro:
Surf Spots around Isla Colon:
Playa Bluff:
This is a heavy beach break located in Isla Colon and is suitable for advanced surfers only. Bluff is probably the most famous surf spot in Bocas del Toro. It is a massive barrel breaking on the sand, very close to shore. If you are sharp enough to make the steep drop, you will enjoy a big tube over your head. Watch your board; they tend to break here pretty often.
Dumpers:
This left-hand point break is a “locals only” spot, so paddle out only if you have the confidence and skills to handle it. The waves here break on a very shallow reef with a beautiful tube shape. Therefore, many professional surfers come here to shoot some videos.
Paunch Reef:
This reef break opens up to both the left and right sides. Unlike the previous spots, Paunch is a more forgiving break unless there is a huge swell. Although it can get crowded, you can still find your own waves.
Tiger Tails:
You will find this lovely reef break right in front of Paki Point restaurant. The waves here break to both sides, providing a beautiful wall for maneuvers. Watch out for rocks that pop out in the water during low tide.
Surf Spots around Isla Carenero:
Punta Carenero:
Without a doubt, this is my favorite surf spot in Bocas del Toro. You will find it at the very tip of Isla Carenero after a short boat ride. This left-hand point break has several sections over a rocky bottom. On a good day, you can find yourself having incredibly long rides with great barrels.
Old Man’s:
This spot is the mellow continuation of Punta Carenero. You will love this spot if you are a beginner, a longboarder, or if the swell is just too big on the other spots.
Black Rock:
This reef break is a perfect beginner spot. It breaks over a deep reef to both the right and the left sides and will not punish you for mistakes.
Surf Spots around Isla Bastimentos:
Silverbacks:
This slab gained the nickname “The Beast” and performs only on big swells. It breaks far in the deep water and produces giant barrels. If you are not a local, a professional surfer, or absolutely crazy, you have nothing to look for here; go to the other spots.
Red Frog:
When walking on this beach, you will find, surprisingly… red frogs. Yes, they are toxic, but no worries, they will not touch you. The surf here is OK, nothing more.
Wizard:
This spot is also known as Playa Primera. It is one of the few beach breaks in the area, offering easy waves to ride, suitable for all skill levels. The beauty of this beach is spectacular. Look around you in the rainforest and the clear water; it’s pure magic!
Long Beach:
Also known as Playa Larga, this is another beginner-friendly beach break. On good days, you will get some long rides. In addition, it is always a bit bigger than the other beaches, so you can surf here on small swells too.
Surf Seasons in Bocas del Toro
Like in all the Caribbean Coast, the best time to surf Bocas del Toro is from December to March. The biggest and most consistent swells usually hit during December and January. February and March typically produce a little smaller size, but still, very good waves with fewer crowds in the water.
During the rest of the year, the surf in Bocas del Toro is, unfortunately, flat or small if you are lucky. Therefore, if you want to get the best of this town, come during the high season.
Can Beginners Surf in Bocas del Toro?
There are many surf spots in Bocas del Toro to satisfy surfers of all skill levels. For instance, beginners can learn and practice in spots like Long Beach, Black Rock, and Old Man’s. Intermediates can find more challenging waves in spots like Punta Carenero and Tiger Tails. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer who can handle steep drops and powerful barrels, you can surf at Playa Bluff, Silverbacks, and Dumpers.
Surf Camps in Bocas del Toro
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, you can explore Bocas del Toro’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended surf camps in town.
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.
For all the details about the different surf camps in Bocas del Toro, check out Booksurfcamps.com.
Surf Hotels in Bocas del Toro
When taking a surf trip to Bocas del Toro, you can choose to stay in 3 major islands- Colon, Carenero, or Bastimentos.
The most touristy island to stay on is definitely Isla Colon. This is where you will find the shops, the parties, and some good restaurants.
If you are after a quieter vibe, you better stay at Carenero or Bastimentos.
In reality, it doesn’t really matter, as you can always take a water taxi to anywhere you want. Just ensure you have easy access to the best breaks.
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Selina Bocas del Toro– Selina Bocas del Toro is located in Bocas Town on Isla Colon, the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. You can enjoy sea views from the restaurant, bar, or lounge area.
2. Playa Bluff Hotel– Offering an outdoor pool, Playa Bluff Hotel is located right in front of the break in Playa Bluff. Free WiFi access is available in this beachfront lodge.
3. Los Balcones Over the Sea– Located a short walk from Punta Carenero, Los Balcones Over the Sea provides a tour desk, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi, and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers room service and luggage storage space. The hotel features family rooms.
4. Palmar Beach Lodge– Palmar Beach Lodge is located on the famous Red Frog Beach, within walking distance of the Bastimentos National Marine Park. The property features an on-site bar, restaurant, and lounge. WiFi is available for all guests. Daily yoga classes are offered in the on-site studio.
For more surf hotels in Bocas del Toro, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Bocas del Toro- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Balboa (tied to the US dollar).
Electricity– 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US.
Population– About 8,000.
Calling code– +507.
Time zone– GMT -5.
Pros– great variety of surf breaks, warm water, crazy nightlife.
Cons– short season, unpredictable swells, hard to get there.
Nightlife in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro can be proud of its crazy nightlife scene, which will definitely make it hard for your morning surf session. Those are the coolest places to hang out here at night:
Summer Beach Club- Nightclub
Tequila Republic- Bar
Barco Hundido- Night club
Selina Bar
Bookstore Bar
La Iguana Surf Bar
Bocas Brewery
El Toro Loco
Other Fun Activities in Bocas del Toro
Of course, you are here to surf Bocas del Toro, and that will be your main focus during your trip. However, if you feel like doing something else, check out these options:
Rent a bike or bicycle and get to know the area.
Scuba diving / free diving / Snorkeling- Check out the PADI diving center, or rent the equipment and go on your own.
Visit the Sea turtles nesting booth location
Book a Dolphins watch boat.
Book a Fishing boat.
Go Sailing.
Take Spanish lessons.
Horseback riding tour.
Chocolate Farm Tour.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
Surfing in Bocas del Toro can definitely be the best surf trip of your life. Although the surf season is short, if you come between December and March, you will find epic waves and a great surfing atmosphere.
Finally, when you are done surfing in Bocas del Toro, you can head north to Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, or to the Pacific side of Panama to Santa Catalina and Playa Venao.
