A world-class surfing destination, Panamá offers more than just epic waves – it’s a vibrant blend of community, passion, and adventure for surfers of all skill levels. With over 1,800 miles of coastline spanning both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Panamá is uniquely positioned as a year-round haven for wave-chasers. Whether you’re chasing your first swell or carving barrels like a pro, this pitch offers a great guide to surfing in Panamá – where two oceans meet and every break tells a story.
Thanks to its compact size, Panamá makes it easy to experience both coasts in one unforgettable trip. Kick off your adventure along the sun-drenched Pacific – from the wave-kissed shores of the Riviera Pacifica to the 30-feet-high waves of La Punta in Santa Catalina – then end your journey on the Caribbean side in Bocas del Toro’s reefy breaks. With standout surf spots like Chame and El Palmar also in the Pacific mix, travelers can expect a dynamic blend of beach breaks, point breaks, and vibrant local surf culture throughout.
Read on if you’re looking to explore one of Central America’s most diverse surf destinations.
Where to Surf: World-Class surfing destinations within Panamá:
- Bocas del Toro (Caribbean Coast): Island-Hopping Adventures with Waves for Every Level
A Caribbean surf haven, Bocas del Toro blends island-hopping fun with a full spectrum of waves for all, from mellow to mighty. Isla Colon’s Playa Paunch, Dumpers, and Playa Bluff deliver everything from long rollers to heavy reef breaks, while nearby Bastimentos and Carenero add to the variety. Highlights include Silverbacks for advanced big-wave surfers, and Carenero Point—the longest left-hander in the area. Surf schools and gear rentals are easily found in Bocas Town, making this archipelago ideal for both spontaneous sessions and planned surf escapes. Additionally, visitors will find a wide range of accommodations from accessible to luxury resorts.
- Playa Venao (Los Santos Province):
Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most iconic surf destinations, renowned globally for welcoming surfing legends and hosting major competitions including the 2011 ISA World Surfing Games, the Latin American Surfing Championship’s Reef Classic, the 2012 ISA Dakine World Junior Surfing Championship, and the 2022 Pan American Surfing Championship. This golden-sand horseshoe-shaped beach delivers consistent waves year-round, with great right- and left-hand breaks that are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers – but also offer serious challenge to expert riders. The beach delivers powerful surf with wave heights reaching up to 10 feet, and there are epic barrels on standout days. Its competitive nature and regular inclusion in high-level events elevate Venao’s status, making it a compelling destination for elite surfers. The area is also dotted with boutique accommodations, international eateries, and beach parties, making it a top choice for both younger travelers and digital nomads alike.
- Riviera Pacifica: Waves Made Easy, Memories Made to Last
Within two hours of Panama City, the Pacific stretch of Riviera Pacifica is ideal for surfers looking for accessible yet rewarding breaks. Playa Serena, widely recognized as a surfing paradise, offers long rides and dependable conditions perfect for those seeking consistency. Playa Teta, famous for its three distinct surf points, delivers versatile waves that appeal to both intermediate and advanced surfers. Chame and Malibu Beach offer clean A-frame waves and uncrowded beach breaks. Meanwhile, El Palmar is a local favorite with three distinct breaks – Frente Palmar, Punta Palmar, and Hawaiisito – suitable for a range of skill levels. The area also features surf schools and board rentals, making it a great day-trip destination for both beginners and intermediate surfers. The resorts of Bijao, Playa Blanca, and Buenaventura offer golden sandscapes, and everything needed for a seamless coastal escape.
- Santa Catalina (Pacific Coast of Veraguas): The Titan of Panama’s Surf Scene
Veraguas’ Pacific Coast is a prime destination for surfers, offering a wide range of high-performance breaks and consistent swells across varied terrain, the region stands out for its powerful waves, technical diversity, and natural – positioning it as one of Panama’s most dynamic surf zones. Anchored by the legendary Santa Catalina, home to La Punta, a prominent point break with waves that can reach up to 30 feet. Just a 30-minute walk northeast, Punta Roca offers a large, challenging point break best ridden at medium or low tide, while a walk in the opposite direction leads to Punta Brava – known for its powerful left-handers that can swell to twice the size of Santa Catalina’s main break. For beginners, Playa Estero’s sandy-bottom waves and on-site surf schools provide an easier introduction. Adventurous surfers can also take a boat ride to Cebaco Island for left- and right-breaking waves across both beach and point breaks. The area doubles as a start-off spot towards Coiba National Park, making it a dream destination for wave riders and nature lovers alike.
- Morro Negrito & Punta Burica (Chiriqui Province): Smooth, Thrilling, and Everything Between
Farther west along the Pacific, Chiriqui’s diverse and ecologically rich coast – including Morro Negrito and Punta Burica – offers consistent surf and a more remote feel. Morro Negrito is a small island surf camp destination surrounded by a variety of waves – from fast, hollow point breaks to softer beach breaks. Punta Burica, on the mainland, is an exposed reef break ideal for experienced surfers, while nearby Los Olivos welcomes all levels with a long stretch of soft sand and mellow waves. Beyond surfing, Chiriqui has recently earned recognition as a Best-in-Travel destination, thanks to its blend of volcanic mountains, pristine beaches, vibrant marine biodiversity, and rich coffee culture. Travelers can hike through misty forests, visit working coffee farms, or spot dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales in the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park.
