Panama is one of Central America’s top surfing destinations boasting year-round tropical waters, a laid-back pace of life, and every type of wave you could ever imagine. While Central America is known mostly for its playful beaches, there’s much more to the country than that, from a-frame reefs and right-hand points to beginner-friendly bays and hollow beach break–Panama has it all. In this post, we dive into everything you need to know for surfing in Panama; from where to stay, where to surf, and how to get around…
Overview
- Waves for all abilities
- Consistency
- Tropical
- Crowds
- Localism
Table of Contents
Best Time of Year to Surf in Panama
Panama has two distinct surfing seasons, wet and dry. Typically, the best waves happen on the Pacific coast during the wet season. (April to October). This is when the largest swells hit the coast from deep in the South Pacific and light up the best Pacific breaks.
However, what many don’t know is that Panama has some of its best surfing on the Caribbean coast. You’ll need to head here between January and March for the bets swells, which aren’t frequent, but this is where Bocas Del Toro is, where if you time it right, you can luck into one of the best beach breaks in Latin America, or if you bring your a-game, a harrowing slab called Silverbacks.
Best Surf Spots in Panama
Across Panama’s 1500-mile-strong coastline, there are several different surf spots, and the best place to go will depend on your ability and the waves you like to surf.
Veraguas
Veraguas is an area on the Pacific side of Panama. The area is littered with epic surf setups. Most notably around the town of Santa Catalina, with a fun right-point break called La Punta, and a beginner-friendly beach break just down the road. (One of the best beginner surf spots in Panama).
There’s also another wave named Morrillo, a super consistent break that sucks any swell in, meaning in season or even out of it, you can always find something to surf.
Bocas Del Toro
The jewel in the crown of surfing in Panama, and one of my favorite surf breaks in the world. Bocas, comprises a group of islands, just off the coast of Panama. The islands are beautiful, boasting some amazing and intriguing surf spots. From the thumping beach break at Bluff Beach to the death-defying slab, Silverbacks, there’s some serious power here!
But if that doesn’t tickle you, there’s a handful of fun left reefs and other more mellow beach breaks in the area. The town is also vibrant and alive with backpacker/party vibes. Read the full breakdown of surfing in Bocas Del Toro.
Riviera Pacifica
One of the closest surfing areas to Panama City itself. White sand and a long stretch of beach are just a short drive from the craziness of Panama City. Check out El Palmar and Chame.
Pedasi
Pedasi is another wave-rich area on Panama’s Pacific coast. Check out Playa Venao, a wicked little surf town with consistent beach breaks and a popular destination for backpackers and traveling surfers. Here you ‘’’ll find any number of hostels, restaurants, and bars.
Enjoying this post? You might like my complete guide to surfing in South America or other Latin America surf destinations such as everything you need to know about surfing in Costa Rica, the ultimate guide to surfing in Florianopolis or the complete guide to surfing in southern Chile.
Getting to Panama
You can find flights to Panama City from most places in North America. Copa Airlines is the main carrier and Panama City is a major connecting point in Latin America, so you can always find affordable flights. Check out Kayak for some of the cheapest fares.
Getting Around
By Bus
You’ve got a few options for getting around in Panama. If you’re on a budget, check out BusBud as buses are common throughout the country, Just be ready for some long sweaty journeys as things almost always take longer than anticipated. However, they are cheap and do the job if you’re on a budget surf trip!
By Car
You can also hire a car if you feel comfortable driving in the country. You can pick cars up fairly cheaply from Panama City Airport and then head off to chase waves. Just watch the traffic, the wildlife, and poor roads at times. You can also fly around Panama, for example, if you’re chasing a swell from the city to Bocas, the quickest and easiest way by far is to hop on a domestic flight.
By Plane
You can also travel domestically through Panama via plane. For example, if you fly into Panama City, the best and fastest way to reach Bocas del Toro is by grabbing a cheap domestic flight to the islands.
Where to Stay?
For one of the cheapest surf hostels in all of Panama, check out Spanish by the Sea. A Spanish school and backpacker hostel right in the middle of town. From here, you can walk to all the shops, restaurants and bars in town. The only catch? You’ll need to take a taxi to Bluff, or the boat over to Carenero. Prices for dorm rooms start at $10 per night.
For $13 per night, close to all the surfing action at Playa Venao, you’ll be hard-pushed to find anywhere cheaper and better located than La Choza. With shared and private rooms on offer, free wifi, a garden, terrace, and kitchen, you’ve got all the trappings of a budget-friendly surf hostel.
In the main surf towns, you’ll find a scattering of affordable surf hostels. If you’re in Bocas Del Toro check out Skully’s House. You’ll be able to walk to Paunch one of the best surf breaks in the area. Dorm rooms and privates available, kitchen, bar, and restaurant on site. Good Wi-Fi and ocean views! Dorms from $25 per night.
Selina is a wicked chain of hostels found throughout Latin America. Selina Playa Venao has dorms and privates, great wifi, an epic location, and everything you need as a surf traveler or digital nomad. Selina always has young travelers/surfers passing through and is my favorite hostel chain in the Americas.
Panama Information
- Currency: USD
- Language: Spanish
- Time Zone: GMT -5
- Visa: 3 Month On Arrival
- Vaccine: N/A
Tips for Surfing in Panama
The Heat
As you’d expect, the heat in Panama is intense, which means you need to be surfing with full layers of Zinc, rash guards, and a surf hat, any time other than dawn.
Crowds
The crowds in the country’s main surf towns are thick, I mean who can blame everyone right? Flocking to a country with many spoils of waves and tropical climes. As always, respect the locals.
Distances
Although not a huge country, much of Panama is covered in dense mountainous jungles, which means getting around takes longer than you think. Especially by road. For instance, Bocas Del Toro (you can fly), takes a long drive, or a series of buses, taxis, and boat rides just to get there. Throw in a slower pace of life, makes things even slower!
Final Words
It’s no doubt that Panama is established as a go-to world-renowned surf destination. With waves and surf setups for all abilities, you really can’t go wrong. For more information on surfing in Panama, throw me a comment below.
