El Cerro Accommodation & Surf Camp - Chiriqui, Pacific. Panama
INTRODUCTION
In the Gulf of Chiriqui, on the Pacific Coast and near the Costa Rica border, Morro Negrito is formed by two islands: The Big island and the Small island. There are no car nor road on the islands, home to only 80 inhabitants. The Surfcamp is located on Big Island, where you will find a sandy beach and smaller fun breaks, while Small island is a prime surf destination with at least ten well established breaks.
There are no more than twenty surfers at a time, so the dozen breaks on the islands are never crowded. Accommodation is formed by bamboo huts and in the evening, surfers gather in the open-air dining area for meals and to watch the day’s surf videos. Diving, world class fishing, exploring the island on horseback or just relaxing in a hammock are other favourite occupation at Morro Negrito, which has a variety of wild life including monkeys, deer and many types of birds.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is formed by bamboo huts on the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific. Water is supplied by a fresh water spring with a 50 foot waterfall on a hilltop that has been piped down for drinking and showering. Electricity is supplied by solar energy and a generator. In the evening, surfers gather in the open-air dining area for meals and to watch the day’s surf videos.
Facilities:
- Bungalows sleeping two
- Common shower facilities
- Main house with dining area
- Tterrace and lounge with TV/Video.
- World class fishing, diving, hiking and horseback riding.
THE ACTIVITIES
Surf School & Surfaris
Daily surf lessons for beginners and boat trips to surf spots for more experienced surfers. The head coach is Jeff Healion, who worked previously at Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Daily guided tours by boat (surfaris) for experienced surfers.
Surf Spots
The Big island has a sandy beach and small fun breaks. The Small island is a thirty minute boat ride away. This is the island with the largest waves. On the north side there are lefts and on the south side there are right breaking waves. The most famous spots are “Nestles”, a right and left-hand cloud break that can handle 20-foot plus swells, and “P-Land”, a barrelling left that breaks over a huge submerged table top reef.
Tropical climate, no wetsuits necessary! Two seasons: Dry season from December through April, with warm winds blowing offshore. Waves are smaller but the wind offshore. Wet season from April to November. More consistent swell, more showers and wind onshore.
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Location
In the Gulf of Chiriqui, on the Pacific Coast and near the Costa Rica border, Morro Negrito is formed by two islands: The Big island and the Small island. There are no car nor road on the islands, home to only 80 inhabitants.
Climate
Tropical, with two seasons: Dry season from December through April and wet season from April to November.
Getting Here
Panama City Airport (PTY) Major US and European airlines. Warning: Continental Airlines and other companies will not check in surfboards ! Transfers Panama Airport > El Cerro > Panama Airport organized by the surfcamp
You will need to pay the taxi from the airport to the bus station ($30 for 1 or 2 surfers and $5 for each additional surfer). Bus fare from Panama City to Chiriqui is about $12. When the bus stops, we pick up customer with our vehicle and drive them to our private port where our boat meets them and takes them to the private island.
PRICES & PACKAGES
SURFCAMPS & SURFARIS
$107 per day per person
Group of 4 or more people has 25% discount per person.
Including:
- 7 Night accommodation at El Cerro Surf Camp
- Full board (3 meals)
- Daily boat trips to surf spots or fishing
- Daily surf lessons (not included) for beginners
SURFBOARD RENT
$125 per week
Warning: Continental Airlines does no accept surfboards !
Arrival on Saturday at Panama City. Any other another day will involve an extra cost of 85 USD/person
Considering the hassle of transfers to El Cerro, we recommend a 2 week stay to make the most of your trip
