Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 04:06 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Panama you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip to Panama, such as travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Panama.
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About Surfing in Panama
Any surfer must surf in Panama at least once in his lifetime. Amazingly, this destination has great waves and warm water all year long, and yet, somehow, it remains authentic and undeveloped.
The Republic of Panama is the “bridge” between Central America and South America. It is a Latine country with a population of over 4 Million people, facing both the Pacific and the Atlantic. For that reason, when surfing in Panama, you can ride many different wave types on any given day. For instance, it has beach breaks, point breaks, reefs, lefts, rights, and pretty much everything a surfer wants.
Panama, unlike its neighbor Costa Rica, is not very touristic. Therefore, on most of your surf sessions you will be almost alone in the water. Being so uncrowded is probably the most significant advantage of surfing in Panama, especially if you compare it to Costa Rica.
The Best Surf Spots in Panama
The surf spots in Panama are spread between two areas- the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast:
Surf Spots in Panama’s Pacific Coast:
The Pacific side of Panama offers fantastic surf conditions between April and November. Along this coastline, there are countless surf beaches with various breaks to suit any surfer.
Playa Venao:
Break Type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Los Santos province is well-exposed to the open Ocean, so it picks up almost any swell. In this region, you can find many secret spots with world-class waves without anyone riding them. The best spot in this province is definitely Playa Venao. Here, you will find incredible barrels when the swell is big and smaller waves on the sides of the bay.
Santa Catalina:
Break Type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Situated in the Veraguas province, this is the most famous surf spot in Panama, Santa Catalina. It is a world-class surf beach with high-performance waves and also a beginner’s break.
Panama City:
Break Type- Shore break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description– The country’s capital, Panama City, has several surfing beaches, but mainly locals surf there. Due to high levels of water pollution and the low quality of the waves, it is better for you to head west to where the real surf is.
Chiriqui:
Break Type- All.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- In this area, there are great waves, fishing, and nature. However, it is so remote and inaccessible that no one knows much about it. If you are adventurous enough to explore this area, you will find waves no one else has ever ridden.
Surf Spots in Panama’s Caribbean Coast:
Panama’s Caribbean also offers incredible waves, but only between December and March. Most of the surf spots in this area are located around the town of Bocas Del Toro. The main island here is Colon, and next to it, you will find Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos. The distance between those Islands is only a 2-minute boat ride, and they all offer great surf. The most famous breaks in the area are these ones:
Playa Bluff:
Break Type- ShoreBreak.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- The waves here break with massive power very close to shore with a perfect barrel shape. With a steep and fast drop, only good surfers are found in the lineup.
Carenero:
Break Type- Point Break.
Skill level- Intermediate to Advanced.
Description- A left-hand break that produces long rides with hollow sections over a rocky bottom. Further down in the lineup, there is a mellower break called Old Man’s.
Paunch:
Break Type- Reef Break
Skill level- Intermediate
Description- Although there are rocks at the bottom, the waves break softly and are pretty easy to ride.
Dumpers:
Break Type- Point Break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Tube ride over a shallow reef, a favorite among local surfers.
Wizard:
Break Type- Beach Break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description Also known as Playa Primera. This is one of the few beach breaks in the area with mellow and fun waves.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Panama.
Surf Seasons in Panama
Panama’s surf season lasts all year long. Since it faces both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, you can always find good surf conditions somewhere. However, to score the best waves, it is crucial to know which location to go to according to the time of year.
The surf spots in the Pacific side of Panama receive year-round swells but produce the best waves in the wet season, between April and November. In contrast, on the Caribbean side, the surf season is much shorter and lasts only from December to March.
Surf Camps in Panama
If you are a beginner or new to surfing, the best way to explore Panama’s surf scene is at a surf camp. So, in detail, these are the most recommended surf camps in Panama. :
Surf Camps in Santa Catalina:
1. Rancho Estero Surf Camp Santa Catalina– For more details, please click here.
2. Waluaa Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat– For more details, please click here.
3. Vista Coiba – For more details, please click here.
4. Oasis Surf Camp Santa Catalina– For more details, please click here.
5. Hotel Santa Catalina– For more details, please click here.
Surf Camps in Playa Venao:
1. Beach Break Surf Camp– For more information about surf camps in Playa Venao, please click here.
2. Safari Surf School– For more information about surf camps in Playa Venao, please click here.
Surf Camps in Bocas Del Toro:
1. La Coralina Island House– For more details, please click here.
2. Selina Surf Camp Bocas del Toro– For more details, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Panama
If a coaching program is not what you want, and you only need a place to stay next to the surf, simply stay at a surf hotel. Although there are many surf beaches in Panama, it is better to stay in one of the more surf-oriented towns and, of course, as close as possible to the waves.
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Selina, Playa Venao- For more details, please click here.
2. Finca Vela Lodge, Bocas del Toro- For more details, please click here.
3. Rancho Estero, Santa Catalina- For more details, please click here.
4. Vista Coiba Villas, Santa Catalina- For more details, please click here.
For more surf hotels in Panama check out our post about surf resorts in Panama, or look for the best deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Panama
As mentioned, there are plenty of surf beaches in Panama and a vast variety of surf spots. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Panama and find waves that suit their skill level. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Wizard in Bocas del Toro and the beginner break at Santa Catalina. Advanced surfers, though, will find more challenging waves at beaches like Playa Bluff or the main reef of Santa Catalina.
Which Location in Panama is Best for a Surf Trip
If you want to maximize your surf trip to Panama, you should focus on one area. That way, you can spend more time surfing and less traveling. So, the following locations are the most recommended to stay at:
1. Santa Catalina– This is a perfect location for a surf vacation, with waves for all skill levels.
2. Playa Venao– An excellent beach break with a minimal crowd.
3. Bocas del Toro– That is your best bet between December and March. The town also offers a fantastic nightlife scene.
Surf Shops in Panama
If you need to get some new surf gear, there are several surf shops in Panama that will get you covered with everything you need:
1. In Santa Catalina– Santa Catalina Surf Shop and Surf&Shak store.
2. In Playa Venao– Shokogi Surf Shop.
3. In Bocas del Toro– Bocas Stoked Monkeys and Bocas del Toro Surf Shop.
How to Get to Panama
When flying to your surf trip to Panama you will probably land at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. The City of David also has a small Airport, but most flights will not land there.
The other way to get to Panama is on land from Costa Rica. On the Caribbean side, you can cross the border from the Puerto Viejo area and head towards Bocas Del Toro. Likewise, you can travel south of Pavones, and head towards Santa Catalina.
Travael Information
Language- Spanish.
Currency- Balboa (tied to the US dollar).
Electricity- 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US.
Population- about 4.5 million.
Calling code- +507.
Time zone- GMT -5.
Pros- huge variety of surf breaks, warm water, empty of crowds.
Cons- most good spots are remote and hard to reach.
Nightlife in Panama
Most of Panama is very quiet and chill and, therefore, offers nothing to do after the sun goes down. However, Panama City and Bocas Del Toro are the exceptions to that. While Panama City is not a good surfing area, you can enjoy both worlds in Bocas Del Toro. Therefore, if you want to surf Panama during the day and party at night, you should definitely go to Bocas.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Panama is a high-quality surf destination, and it hasn’t been fully discovered yet. Therefore, now is the time to enjoy it while it is still authentic and not crowded. We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide and you are ready to ride those beautiful waves in the best surf spots in Panama. Have fun!
