Summary
Located on the Caribbean side of Panama, Bocas del Toro is a little surfing paradise. Although the swells on this side of Central America are not as clean and consistent as the ones on the Pacific side, if you are in the right season, you can have the surf trip of your life in Bocas del Toro.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Every aspect of Bocas del Toro matches what people are looking for in a potential surfing destination. Good waves, warm weather, cheap food and some decent social/night life.
Bocas del Toro is composed of 3 islands. Isla Colon is the main island and many surf spots are located right around it. It is also on Isla Colon that you will find most accommodation and facilities. Next up is Isla Carenero, where you will find the great and popular wave of Carenero’s. The last of the 3 major surfing islands is Isla Bastimentos which is home to surf spots like Silverback and First Beach.
Boats are very cheap and accessible to go from one island to the other or to surf any of the 20+ breaks in the region.
Conditions will suit all surfers from beginners to advanced and many surf schools offer lessons and board rental.
When to go
The best time to surf Bocas del Toro, Panama is from December to April but there is also a summer swell window from June to August which will offer smaller waves. Outside of those two windows, expect very inconsistent conditions.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 27°C
81°F28°C
82°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F27°C
81°F
Water temperature 27°C
81°F28°C
82°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F
Crowd Very crowded Fairly crowded Few people Fairly crowded Empty Few people
Swell Consistency 80% 60% 60% 75% 20% 70%
Swell height 8 ft 6 ft 5 ft 5 ft 3 ft 5 ft
Surf Camps in Bocas del Toro
Find a Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro, starting at US$535
6-day Surf Camp in Bocas del Toro
US$535, including:
- 4 surf lessons
- Swimming pool
- 5 nights accommodation
- Music and dancing
- Daily breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
Where to stay in Bocas del Toro
The southern end of Isla Colon is a great and convenient place to base yourself on a surf trip to Bocas del Toro. It will grant you access to many decent surf spots as well as having many places to stay and eat.
Use our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Bocas del Toro!
Best surf hotels in Bocas del Toro
Getting there
There are two options to get to Bocas del Toro. You can fly from Panama City or take a boat from Almirante.
Safety/things to know
-For more information about visas and required documents, visit the official Panama’s website.
-Taxi boats will be needed to get to some breaks or go island hopping.
Surf spots in Bocas del Toro
Isla Carenero
Carenero
Here is Bocas del Toro’s most popular break. Located on Isla Carenero, this wave is a solid and hollow left that has several peaks which can connect on a large swell. Should be kept for skilled surfers.
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W
Old Man’s
Very fun A-frame breaking over a forgiving reef. Works on the NE swell and is totally suitable for all skill levels.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W
Black Rock
A mellow right-hander breaking into deep water, perfect for beginners getting into surfing or not so keen for sharp reefs.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W
Isla Colon
Tiger’s Tail
Very consistent break no matter what size of swell. It needs a slight NE swell to get going and works pretty well for beginners on smaller days.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W
Paunch
A nice reef break that produces fairly powerful waves in both directions. On small days, it can be a good option for intermediates but when it gets bigger, it becomes pretty challenging.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W
Bluff
One of the two main beach breaks in Bocas del Toro, Bluff is where you can go for sandy tube rides. It is pretty powerful and hollow with the northeast swell. Works on any tide.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : SW
Waikiki
The other beach break on Isla Colon is Waikiki. This one is much more welcoming for beginners and intermediates with mellow waves, perfect for learning or progressing into the sport.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W