Panama Surfing

Surf in Panama is as hot as the country itself. From Bocas del Toro, famous for its watersports, to Panama Bay, only an hour's drive from the bustling Panama City, you are sure to find exactly what kind of surf you are looking for in Panama! Panama has 6 major surf areas to choose from: Bocas del Toro, Catalina, Venoa, Cambutal, Isla Grande, and Panama Bay. Bocas del Toro, in the Caribbean, is one of the best surf spots in Panama with plenty of spots with hollow waves.

One of the best waves in Bocas is called Dumpers (outside) which is a left hollow reef break only about 10 minutes from Isla Colon and Dumpers (Inside) which is a long left. Best time in Bocas is December through April.

Want something more popular? Catalina is by far the most known wave world wide as well as the most visited here in Panama. With just a 6 hour drive from Panama City, you are sure to find consistent waves from day to day and may be lucky enough to even catch a pro event since it is one of the locations that the Panama Surfing Association chooses for a few of their contests. The best thing about Catalina is that with these beautiful waves you are still able to go get some grub or maybe even get some ding repair in the area.

The other Areas- What to expect

Playa Venao -- In beautiful, scenic Los Santos Province. Often breaks in the 8-10 range, making it a popular location for international surf contests. Lots of services in town.

Cambutal -- After Tonosi. Wide variety of waves ranging from 4-11 ft. Also try nearby Corto Ciruito or Dinosaurio. Not very much in the area; far from any large communities.

Isla Grande -- Popular holiday spot with Panamanians. A coral bottom produces a pretty decent wave...this is very "tropical" Caribbean-like spot.

Panama Bay -- In this there are a few different beaches, Playa Malibu that is a fun beach break with left and right waves when the sand bar is in position, it can break from 1 to 7 foot faces with perfect barrels in booth directions. There is also Playa Teta in this area, it's one of the few lefts and it has two breaks, the front and the point -the last one with the best left wave of the area in its good days. Also in the area you can find beaches to fill all your surfing needs like Rio Mar, Costa Esmeralda and El Palmar. The Panama Bay area has all the facilities for the traveler like Supermarkets, paved streets, Banks, ATMs, Surf Camps, Hotels etc.

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