Panama offers many great surfing spots, that will appeal to the surfer enthusiasts and the novice surfers alike. Having two Oceans to choose from, the Atlantic and Pacific, allows locals and visitors to take advantage of currently weather and wave conditions, not to mention that some of the most popular surf spots are within an hour or two from Panama City. The areas lsited below are the most frequently visited. Once there, you will not only be able to enjoy the waves, but the natural beauty that surrounds them.
For more information regarding surf in Panama, we recommend that you contact the Panama Surf Organization at (507)260-2413/6012, or via e-mail at apsradical@hotmail.com. They are based out of Radical Surf shop in the Tumba Muerto area of Panama City.

AZUERO PENINSULA

Playa Venao: One of the most famous surf spots in Panama, as this particular spot has held numerous international surf competitions. It's located in the Los Santos Province, and enjoys very impressive scenery. Waves of 8-10 ft. are not uncommon. There are several establishments that provide all the services necessary to enjoy a good weekend stay.
Guanico: Situated in the town of Cambutal, Los Santos Province. Much like Playa Venao, there is a beach break with various peaks, many of which can generate waves of 6-8 feet. There are several establishments that provide all the services necessary to enjoy a good weekend stay.
Cambutal: Also located in the Province of Los Santos , but after Tonosi. A rocky bottom produces a wide variety of waves, oscillating between 4-11 ft. Other areas nearby exist that produce good waves including which include Corto Ciruito or Dinosaurio. There is very little near this beach, as they are far from any large communities.
Playa Mariato: Situated in the province of Veraguas, en route to the historical town of Atalaya. There are numerous surf spots here, some producing waves easily up to 5-7 ft.in height. There are several establishments that provide all the services necessary to enjoy a good weekend stay.
Santa Catalina: Without a doubt this is the jewel of Panama's beaches, enjoying some of the best waves of Central and South America. About one hour from the town of Sona, located in the Province of Veraguas. Breaking on a rocky bottom, it has earned the reputation for producing tremendous, perfect tubes that may reach 20 ft. Surfers worldwide have visited this beach. There are several establishments that provide all the services necessary to enjoy a good weekend stay.

BOCAS DEL TORO

Dumper: On Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, one of Panama's most popular tourist destination. On the road towards Bluff Beach, this spot unfortunately named for the "dump" located up the road from it. The wave breaks perfectly to the right, allowing surfers to enjoy incredible tubes. One must take a taxi or ride a bike from the town of Bocas.
Bluff: Also be found on Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, up the road from Dumper. With a sandy bottom, right and left breaks are the norm, some of which can be quite strong. It is a strong shore break, as there is not much depth here. It is a perfect place to practice bodyboard. Camping on the beach is permitted.
Paunch: Like Dumper and Bluff, Panch is situated on Isla Colon but is closer to town than Dumper or Bluff. It can be accessed by vehicle. With a coral base, there is one peak, which can break to the right or left while creating a considerable tube. Popular with surfers, camping is permitted.

CENTRAL PANAMA - PACIFIC SIDE

Las Bóvedas: Situated in Casco Viejo, Panama City, this spot has some of the best waves in the capital area. It's a peak that breaks on a rocky bottom, which produces good waves. To arrive you must drive to the Plaza de Francia in Casco Viejo. The water is not known for its clarity nor cleanliness.
Boca La Caja: Another city surf spot, and home to the best bodyboarders in Panama and Central America. The waves vary, however, but one particular wave type has helped it earn it's title of "El Nuevo Loco". This wave tends to break over a large rock and produces an impressive tube. To arrive you have to drive to the town of Boca La Caja. The water is not known for its clarity nor cleanliness.
Chepillo: This beach is located on the island with the same name, and is near Panama City. The waves break left over a rock face. Generally speaking one can expect good waves and swells here. You have to take a launch from the city or drive to the port of Chepo, from which point you have to take a small launch to the island. There are no facilities available for those interested in staying on the island.
Malibu: Located in Gorgona, and it has some of the best waves on the western portion of the Panama Province. The sandbar that exists here creates impressive tubes that break to the right. Very fast waves with force, thus it is not recommended for those venturing out for the first time. To arrive you have to drive on the sand, which requires a 4x4 vehicle. There are no facilities available here.
Serena: Situated in Coronado Beach, this spot is known for its right breaks and spectacular tubes. When there are good swells one can expect to see 4-6 ft. waves. The waves tend to break to the right after hitting a rock wall.
Teta: This spot is preferred by many Panamanians for it's excellent waves. The point breaks over a rocky bottom, and produces both right and left breaks; this varies depending on the wind and water current. With adequate conditions, Teta can produce great waves. It's located in Punta Barco, after Coronado.
El Palmar: One of the most respected surf spots situated in the western portion of the Panama Province. The waves here can reach 7-8 feet, and can have considerable force, however, the face will accommodate both beginners and those with more experience. It is located at the beach with the same name.
Rio Mar: This is a popular beach spot not only for surfers, and as the same as with Malibu, there are usually constant waves. The point breaks over a rocky bottom, which produces a very large right break. It is located at the beach with the same name.

CENTRAL PANAMA - CARIBBEAN SIDE

Isla Grande: Situated in the Colon Province, this tropical beach enjoys a typical Caribbean wave, which breaks over a coral bottom. Located on the right side of the island, just in front of a cabina style hotel, this island is a popular island getaway for Panamanians on weekends and holidays.

Based on text by Mr. Robert A. Davis