A Complete Surfing Guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama
Summary
Bocas del Toro, located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, is an underrated gem in the world of surf travel. While Panama’s Pacific side is known for its consistent ground swells, Bocas delivers something different. Uncrowded waves, tropical island vibes, and a laid-back lifestyle that makes it a surf destination worth discovering.
If you hit the right season, you could score one of the most unforgettable surf trips of your life.
Why Surf in Bocas del Toro?
Quality Waves: Over 20 surf breaks suitable for all levels.
Warm Water: Leave your wetsuit at home.
Affordable Travel: Budget-friendly food, lodging, and transport.
Vibrant Culture: Chill Caribbean vibe with great nightlife and social scenes.
Islands Overview: Where to Surf in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is made up of several islands, with three main ones offering access to the best surf spots.
Isla Colón (Main Island)
Home to most accommodations, restaurants, and surf services. You’ll find surf spots like Paunch, Tiger’s Tail, and the powerful Bluff Beach here.
Isla Carenero
Just a short boat ride from Colón, this island is home to Carenero Point, one of the region’s most iconic waves. Also features beginner-friendly spots like Old Man’s and Black Rock.
Isla Bastimentos
Further out and wilder, Bastimentos offers heavier waves like Silverbacks and secluded spots like First Beach for the more adventurous surfer. It also is home to Playa Wizard, an accessible beach break.
Traveling between islands is easy and cheap thanks to the abundant water taxis. They usually cost $1 between Isla Colon and Carenero or $5 to Bastimentos.
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°F | 28°C 82°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Water temperature | 27°C 81°F | 28°C 82°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°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 |
Where to stay in Bocas del Toro
Bocas Town, at 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.
Isla Carenero has a few good options, especially on the southern end of the Island, like the popular Aqua Hostel.
Isla Bastimentos is much quieter and also more remote. It is worth visiting if you want to get away from the crowds.
Best surf hotels in Bocas del Toro
Getting to Bocas del Toro
There are two main ways to reach Bocas:
By Air: Direct flight from Panama City to Bocas Town (Isla Colón).
By Land + Boat: Take a bus or car to Almirante, then a 30-minute boat ride to the islands.
Surf spots in Bocas del Toro
Carenero
Here is one of 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
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