The Best Places to Surf in Panama

In the Azuero Peninsula, about five hours from Panama City, Playa Venao offers the perfect mix of surf, adventure and fun. One of the most famous beach breaks in Panama, it hosts some of the biggest competitions in the country and is also known for great beach parties. Playa Venao is also home to some excellent hostels and hotels.

Cambutal is a famous beach known for high waves, as well as being one of the chosen spots where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. A natural wonder, it is located one hour from Playa Venao with plenty of hotels and lodges for surfers and ecotourists.

Morro Negrito is a small beach town on an unspoiled island off the Pacific Coast, surrounded by mangroves and harboring rich wildlife. With several islands in the vicinity, it is a unique location with both point breaks and beach breaks.

Santa Catalina is a beach town in the Veraguas Province on the Pacific side of Panama. Located across the water from Coiba National Park, it has one of the longest beach breaks in Central America. It also has clear waters and an abundance of exotic marine life, as well as spectacular views. Affordable accommodation options are available along the coast.

Not far from Santa Catalina is Playa Morrillo, another great place to surf in Panama. Home to many international competitions, it offers surfing points both left and right and warm waters all year round.

Isla Colón – the main island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – is home to Bluff Beach, a golden stretch of sand surrounded by exotic green vegetation. With powerful waves reaching up to 15ft (4.5m), there’s plenty to challenge you here.

Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos is another great place to surf in Panama, though surfers and swimmers alike should beware of rip currents – powerful narrow currents that move quickly underwater. It’s hard to notice them, and they can suck in even the most experienced swimmers, so watch out for the red flag when you visit Bastimentos.

Isla Grande is a beautiful Caribbean island two and a half hours from Panama City, in the area of Colón. Reachable by a lancha (wooden motorboat) from the small harbor of La Guaira, near Portobelo, the island is surrounded by clear waters and lush green vegetation. There are a number of point breaks around the island, most of them suitable for advanced surfers.