{"id":404171,"date":"2019-12-28T02:10:15","date_gmt":"2019-12-28T07:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nomadsurfers.com\/?page_id=404171\/"},"modified":"2020-09-28T08:55:10","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T12:55:10","slug":"surfing-in-panama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nomadsurfers.com\/it\/surfing-in-panama\/","title":{"rendered":"Surfing in Panama"},"content":{"rendered":"

Panama is the country that links Central and South America together. It has borders with Costa Rica to the West and Colombia to the Southeast. The country has a coast on the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, and thanks to the narrow geography it was possible to build one of the biggest human engineering constructions of all times: the Panama Canal. This channel links the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean creating a fast and essential shipping route for any kind of vessel.<\/span><\/p>\n

With an amazing mix of beach, point and reef breaks, Panama is still a very uncrowded destination mostly because it\u2019s overshadowed by the famous neighbor country Costa Rica. The country has waves all year round and has many offshore islands to be explored. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a gnarly surfer, you will find some amazing surf spots in Panama.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Why surf in Panama?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama has some of the best surf spots in Central America. There is a big variety of reef, point and beach breaks that will suit your surfing skills perfectly. The country has many offshore islands with amazing tropical scenery and world-class waves that will blow your mind. Surfing in Panama still remains a \u201csecret\u201d, especially on the Pacific Oceanside. This means that it\u2019s not hard to find empty breaks that you can surf alone or with your buddies only. The waves are consistent and the water is warm all year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Climate in Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama has a wet tropical climate with warm water (27-30 degrees celsius) and temperatures all year round. The humidity is very high, especially during the wet season that goes from May to December. During this time there are intense downpours, especially during the afternoons, but the temperatures remain warm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The dry season is shorter than the wet and happens from January to April. This is when the winds come from the North and the water temperature can drop to 24-25 degrees celsius.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Best time to go<\/b><\/h3>\n

Surfing in the Pacific side in Panama<\/span><\/h4>\n

The best swell season for the Pacific Side is from April to October (wet season). That\u2019s when the strong 3-12 ft South or Southwest swells are more consistent and produce the best waves. The winds are predominantly offshore in the morning and onshore during the day. Glass offs in the evenings are very common.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Surfing in the Caribbean in Panama<\/span><\/h4>\n

The surf season at the Caribbean side has two major seasons. The main one is from December to April (dry season). That\u2019s when the big hurricane season happens to send massive swells (4-12 ft) to the coastal islands of the Bocas del Toro. The second season is shorter and it\u2019s from July to August. The average size of the waves is not as high as in the main season but the weather is more tropical and the winds coming from the mountains are favorable for many breaks, especially in Bocas del Toro.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Main Surfing areas in Panama<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Pacific Ocean Coast<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Santa Catalina:<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

La Punta<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This world-class break can handle any swell. During the high season (March to October) it\u2019s not unusual to see this break with triple overhead waves. There are waves breaking for both sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Punta Roca<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This heavy barrel surf spot is a long point break about 30 minutes’ walk from the northeast of Santa Catalina. The best tides are medium or low.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Punta Brava<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This break can get twice as big as Santa Catalina. It\u2019s a hollow left-hander wave that breaks on a rocky bottom. It\u2019s located 30 minutes walking from the southeast of Santa Catalina.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cebaco Island<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

The island has a beach break and a point break. The waves break for both sides and usually have similar size to Santa Catalina.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Playa Venao<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Located at the Azuero Peninsula on the southeast coast. This long brown sand beach has consistent waves good for intermediates and beginners. There are waves breaking for both sides all over the beach. It can get crowded on the weekends but it\u2019s pretty quiet during the week.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Playa Cambutal<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Located in the northern part of the Azuero Peninsula. Because of the remote location, this beach remains mostly uncrowded. There are beach and point breaks scattered along the beach. Other breaks worth a check in the area are 411, a long right-hander that breaks on top of a rocky bottom, and the amazing point break of Punta Negra.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Playa El Palmar<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This spot is mostly surfed by locals and it\u2019s suitable for all kinds of surfers. <\/span>The set up is at a small beach on the west of San Carlos. There are three surf breaks: Frente Palmar, Punta Palmar, and Hawaiisito. These breaks offer a nice variety of waves. Best tides are medium to high and the swells come from west, southwest, and south.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Playa Malibu<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

One of the most consistent surf spots of the Pacific side. This break has long right-handers breaking on a sandbar made by a river mouth (Chame River). Watch out for debris in the water, especially after heavy rains.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morro Negrito<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morro Neg<\/b>rito:<\/b> These islands ar<\/span>e located in the southwest of the country, in a mangrove area. The access is very hard and only by boat. There are a few breaks in this area:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sandbar:<\/b> This break has long leg-burning waves mostly to the left. The sandbar is formed by a river mouth. It\u2019s one of the best waves in the area. Extremely consistent with waves from 1-6 ft.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

P-Land:<\/b> This is a heavy left-hander located at Isla Silva de Fuera. The wave has a similar shape as G-Land and also has a few sections. Needs bigger swells to start working (6-10 ft).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Leftovers<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Also located at Isla Silva de Fuera, this wave wraps around the corner just after P-Land. With epic conditions and a lot of luck, you may be able to connect both waves and have a really long ride. This wave is super fun. Recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers. The break is pretty consistent (average wave height 3-4 ft) and it is better to surf on mid to high tide. Gets really shallow on the inside when it\u2019s low tide.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nestles:\u00a0<\/b>This short peak has a steep take off that takes it straight into the barrel. This wave can hold some massive 20 ft plus swells. Experts only!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sebastian’s Right:<\/b> Located on Isla Silva de Fuera, this right-hander breaks along the rocks on the south side of the island.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

The Point<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Located at the Morro Negrito Island. It\u2019s a heavy left-hander that breaks on top of a rocky bottom near the shore. Needs a bigger 6-8ft swell to come alive.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s: <\/b>Super fun and rippable left-hander in front of the Morro Negrito Surf Camp. This wave is better on higher tides and with a solid 4-6 ft swell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Caribbean Coast<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Bocas Del Toro<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carenero<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Located at the north side of the Island, this is a left-hander that breaks on top of a reef. Recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers. The backdrop scenery is amazing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bluffs<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

This surf spot is a very strong shore break. The waves are powerful so be careful with yourself and your equipment. Located at the end of Colon Island.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSilverbacks<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

This surf spot is probably the most famous of Bocas Del Toro. It\u2019s a heavy right-hander located at Bastimento Island. It\u2019s often compared to Hawaiian waves like Backdoor and Sunset Beach. Former world champion, Sunny Garcia, described it as one of the heaviest waves that he ever surfed!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surfing in Panama: what is your traveling style?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Luxury \/ Nice \/ Upscale Surfing in Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you want to lay low and relax in an amazing tropical destination you have to visit Bocas Del Toro. At Bastimento Island you will find the best option for a sophisticated accommodation that will allow you to have the best and most relaxing vacation of your life. The island is surrounded by nature and the scenery is breathtaking. You will find yourself at stunning beaches and witness monkeys swinging in the treetops. Trails through the rainforest will lead you to hidden waterfalls with turquoise lagoons. The flora and fauna are abundant and untouched. Add to that the hospitality of the Panamanian people and the surf breaks of the area are amazing. You can expect nothing but good times here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prices per night are from 220-530 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Budget Surfing in Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama is a relatively cheap country compared to the neighbor country Costa Rica for example. There are many hostels on the most famous touristic destinations that will suit your budget perfectly (15-20 USD per night). The food is tasty and also cheap. If you don\u2019t want to go to fancy restaurants every day you can easily survive with 12-20 USD per day. Since you won\u2019t need to rent a car to surf in most towns like Santa Catalina or Bocas Del Toro, you can save a lot of money going around the country by bus. After all, all you really need to enjoy your vacations are perfect waves and the Caribbean island lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Kids and Teen Surf Camps<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama has waves for everyone. If you want to learn how to surf there are many surf schools scattered all over the country. They will provide you with the right equipment and the best surf instructors to make the most of your time. Surf lessons usually take 3 hours (1h theory at the beach and 2h practice at the ocean) and cost 50-80 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Groups<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are traveling with a group you should definitely consider going to Panama. Surfing in the country is still way less crowded than the most famous neighbor Costa Rica. You will be able to find empty line ups that you will share with your friends only. All you have to do is to look for a lonely beach or an offshore island. You will have many options for uncrowded, warm water, perfect waves. There are many accommodations that will provide comfortable rooms for everyone and all you need to have an amazing time with your best mates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Panama Travelling Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Packing and equipment: what should I pack for a surf holiday in Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama has warm weather all year round so don\u2019t worry about heavy jackets or pants when you pack your bag. You will need lots of shirts and a few boardshorts\/bikinis. The water is also warm so leave your wetsuit at home. Try to pack light if you are going to travel around a lot, especially if you are already carrying a big board bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

Panama adopts the same electrical plug standards as the US. So if you are not from North America you will need an adaptor to charge your electronic devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can get a sim card at the airports. A sim card is always a good idea since it makes it easier to move around, and also to make your friends and family jealous with all the amazing pictures you will be posting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Basic Info for Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

Panama is a Spanish speaking country. Tourism is one of the biggest activities in the country so many locals speak fluent English. The local currency is Balboa, along with the US Dollar.. 1 PAB is equal to 1 USD, so no need to exchange your dollars, although you might get some change in the local currency.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Before Going to Panama<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Visa \/ Documents<\/span><\/h4>\n