I'm planning on going to Panama in a few weeks (early Feb) and would love to do some surfing. I'm a beginner so waves don't need to be (shouldn't be!) huge, but worth it.
I know that Bocas del Toro is THE surfing destination in Panama but it sounds a bit too touristy for my tastes. San Blas Islands seems more my speed, but what's the surfing like there? Are there any other parts of Panama where the surfing is good this time of year?
gorgefairy
1
davegttph1
I thought all the surfing was more on the Pacific side. Santa Catalina got alot of rave reviews from the surfers when I was there. Surfers in Bocas were a bit, whatever. Not that good type of thing. Think its because its just more touristy
2
farflunglori
Santa Catalina is a great place for beginners. the north side of town, in front of the two campgrounds, where you can rent a board, has a nice beach break. sandy, no rocks.
cheers
3
davegttph1
further round the coast where theres no beach theres a good break. When I was there the waves were pretty big but was for experienced surfers only as there were alot of rocks. As said, everyone there was really enjoying the surf though
4
andiamotony
Lots of waves in San Blas, but none ridable. Breaks are too shallow, and no way to get over the reef. Go to Bocas to surf, it's worth a few days. Go to Black Rock in Carenero, Bluff Beach, and the point on Wizard Beach. Waves are awesome right now, according to friends that are there at this time.
On the pacific, Santa Catalina. Good consistent breaks on high and incoming tides, plenty of room for newbies and vets to co-exist peacefully.
5
mott2
Farflunglori got it right. Santa Catalina is the place to go for both beginners and experienced surfers. If you stay at Surfers Paradise you can easily walk to the beach. Also you could take a side trip to Isla de Coiba from there.
7
andiamotony
Forget san blas for surf...thats a joke right?
I never said "forget" San Blas. I'm in San Blas all the time with my boat, and have yet to see a wave that's safely ridable. I was anchored close to Wichupu just the other day, and waves were over 6 foot, but the damn reef sticks out everywhere. A couple of months ago, some Aussies who tried to surf there, had to go to the hospital in Carti' with major reef lacerations. I imagine if you're hardcore, you may want to try for a ride, but for me, I'll stick with safer breaks.
Not long ago, I saw some nice breaks on the mainland down the coast from Playon Grande, and will investigate those. Looks like they break too close to shore, but surely, they're worth a look.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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