Where is the best surfing in Panama?
Surf's up in Central America! It's time to head to Panama for a beach holiday. Home of the Panama Canal, the nation also hosts epic waves for riders of all experience levels; so, keep reading, and book your wet and wild adventure today...
Surf getaway destinations
So, you've finally arrived in Panama and are ready to ride some waves! Panama is loaded with good surf spots, both for beginners and more advanced riders. Bocas del Toro has a solid showing, as do beaches along the Pacific coast, including Playa Santa Catalina, Playa Venado, and Playa Cambutal. Some spots have beach breaks, while others have rocky point breaks.
For full details, you'll want to read our ""Panama Surfing Guide." Here you'll find everything you need to pick the best beaches for your needs. You'll also find insider tips regarding what to look out for in the water, and what to bring if you'll be visiting some of Panama's more remote surf haunts.
Prepping for your surf getaway
Your Panama surf holiday begins with a bit of planning. Panama entry requirements can vary, so you want to be sure that you're getting the most up to date information before your trip. Bookmarking our Panama entry requirements page will be a big help. Essentially, you'll need a valid passport, and proof of US$500 and onward travel. With the legalities out of the way, it's time to focus on the fun part of trip-planning...
You can get to Panama by bus or boat, but flying is typically the most convenient and comfortable method of transportation. The best time to visit Panama (especially for surfing) is during the dry season, when the contrast of warm sunshine and cool ocean waves will be at its most pleasurable. This occurs during the months of mid-December to mid-April. The exception? If you're heading to Bocas del Toro, the driest months are September to October and February to March, so you have two seasonal opportunities to book your getaway.
What to bring to Panama depends on when you visit and which activities you plan on doing besides surfing, but a good rule of thumb is to pack light, moisture-wicking clothing to combat the warm humidity.
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Best Beaches in Panama
Panama’s coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with over a thousand islands just offshore. This means that the best beaches in Panama are also incredibly diverse. Some of Panama's beaches have soft white sand and border calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, such as Playa Blanca; other beaches have grey, brown, or black sand, and are served by routine swells that lure international surfers, like Playa Cambutal. Panama’s islands — including those in Bocas del Toro, the Gulf of Chiriquí, and Guna Yala — have some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Don't forget that beaches in Panama have a lot to offer — especially if you're willing to go further offshore. Sport fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and more are exciting alternatives to the popular pastime of surfing. Whether you prefer listening to ocean waves from the comfort of your luxury resort or enjoying a few moments of your own private paradise on an uncrowded island, Panama's beaches will offer you both the fun and relaxation you need this vacation.
What should I bring to Panama?
Panama’s climate is hot and humid (especially in the lowlands), so it’s best to bring comfortable, light clothes. Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing works best, but thin cotton or athletic gear will work too. Panama’s mountainous regions can, however, get downright chilly. If you plan on visiting these areas (including Boquete), bring a warm sweater, jacket, or fleece. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket. Aside from the rainy season on the Pacific (generally mid-April to mid-December), Panama’s Caribbean coast can see rain throughout much of the year.
Panama Surf Spots
Did you know that Panama — home of the Panama Canal — is also a surfing paradise? Surfing in Panama is awesome, because the country's coastlines usher in waves of every size and shape. Beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks — Panama surfing offers something for everyone, beginner and expert alike. Don't let the promise of waves to deter you, because Panama's beaches are lovely in their own right. So, even if surfing isn't your forte, you're sure to have a great time! Beginning surfers will enjoy Playa El Palmar, whilst San Carlos offers an all-in-one experience — being home to lodging, a surf school, and rental equipment. Some of Panama’s surfing spots are long established, like Playa Venao; while others have only recently been discovered and are beginning to gain traction with local and international surfers, such as Santa Catalina. Bottom line, these are some of the best surf spots in Panama, and for even more insight, check out our Panama Surfing Guide.
Getting to Panama
Most people get to Panama by air, which makes sense, as flying is the simplest and most comfortable way to travel here. There are non-stop flights from North and South America, and some direct routes from Europe and the U.K. It’s also possible to drive (or bus) into Panama or get here by boat, although these options can involve much more time and potential discomfort.
When is the best time to go to Panama?
Anytime is a great time to travel to Panama. The country has a wealth of places to visit and all kinds of activities – including hiking, rafting, snorkeling, surfing and more – for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. That said, many people do prefer to come during the dry season, which runs roughly from mid-December through mid-April. During this time, areas along the Pacific are usually dry and warm. The Caribbean coast (which includes the Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala archipelagos) has less predictable weather patterns and tends to be wetter than the Pacific side. The driest months in Bocas are from September–October and February–March. The rainy season typically sees sunshine in the morning and rain during the afternoon.
Tours and Activities in Panama
Panama is a colorful country that offers itself to active and inquisitive travelers. There is no shortage of things to do and the country’s lack of uniformity makes each destination unique and exciting. Travelers can engage with Panama’s natural side by hiking in its forests or snorkeling around its reefs. Visiting historic sites, including crumbling seaside forts and archaic churches, helps travelers appreciate Panama’s cultural elements. Adventurous types can opt for zip-lining, horseback riding or ATV tours. There is truly something for everyone.
Panama Surfing Guide
Flanked by over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of coastline, Panama is prime for surfing. Although often overshadowed by Costa Rica, Panama has an abundance of super-surfable waves. There are breaks for every type of surfer and options for both feeble-footed beginners and gnarly old pros. Whether you’re looking for something to warm-up on or something to go big on, you’ll find the right wave in Panama.
Panama Entry Requirements
Panamanian entry requirements can be difficult to pin down. Government officials may say something different from the government website, and some rules seem to be in constant flux. That said, the website for Panama’s immigration and naturalization office usually has the most up-to-date information. Before you travel to Panama, check it for visa and other entry requirements.
Bocas del Toro
With an archipelago that boasts impeccable beaches, turquoise waters, and a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, it’s easy to see why this region has become a must-see for visitors to Panama. Located along the Caribbean coast in the northwestern part of the country, Bocas del Toro is known for its beautiful islands and laidback vibe, a combination that tends to attract younger backpacker types. Still, the services and amenities offered here are extensive, which makes it possible for travelers of all ages to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty that this region is famous for.
Playa Cambutal
Playa Cambutal is a laid-back beach town on the southern Azuero Peninsula. It’s most popular with surfers and deep-sea anglers, but its attractive coastline will appeal to most everyone.
Playa Venao
Playa Venao is a locally famous surf spot 34 km southwest of Pedasí. Playa Venao has hands-down the Azuero Peninsula’s best surfing, with waves breaking in both directions that are perfect for every skill level. The grey-sand beach here is pleasant, extending in a huge arc and surrounded by a curvy hillside. At present, this area is relatively undeveloped, but it is beginning to see a boom of projects as the word gets out about its laid-back vibe and awesome surf.
Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is shaping up to be one of Panama’s hottest destinations. Located along the Pacific Ocean in the Veraguas province, it has some of the most consistent surf in the country and is the jumping-off point for trips to Parque Nacional Coiba, a massive national park with amazing scuba diving and hiking trails. Santa Catalina's somewhat remote location has kept Santa Catalina devoid of large tourist crowds, but the word is out, and people are starting to show up.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats. The canal extends 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to Colón on the Caribbean Sea. It’s built at one of the lowest and narrowest points in Panama, and runs right through the Continental Divide. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal annually, carrying some 300 million tons of cargo. As such, the Panama Canal is one of the largest generators of income for Panama—in 2011, the canal generated $800 million, some two percent of the country’s GDP.
