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Bocas del Toro Surfing: What You Need to Know

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Bocas del Toro Surfing has been described as one of the best in the world. Why is it? Read on to find out.

This group of ten tropical islands located on the coast of the Caribbean, close to the border with Costa Rica, is considered one of the rising stars for surf practice in the whole world. Though Bocas del Toro surfing is already very popular among residents in Panama, these islands are still a pearl to be found by most international surfers.

The unique and massive waves offer the visitor an experience that’s likely to be remembered –and no one will forget the surfing capital of the southwest Caribbean.
bocas del toro surfing
 

Bocas del Toro Surfing Tips

Conditions for surf in Panama

Surfers are welcomed to come visit our waves around all year. Since Panama City has become such an international hub, you can find a flight down here whenever you want. Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama that’s located about an hour flight from Panama City, with flights going out daily. It is required that you include Bocas del Toro surfing to the list of activities you already have on the schedule if you come down here. But if you like to plan ahead, have some insider tips:

- on the Pacific Coast, the most reliable weather conditions are verified between March and November. During June and July there’s also some wind and cold fronts coming from the north and though usually September and October are sometimes flat, the hurricanes in the Caribbean can push some swells in.

- on the Atlantic Coast expect some big waves from November till April. The wind blows out of the north on the dry season (December to April), which means the offshores will be clean and the swell will be strong. From December to February you can except some good times, with waves heights of 3 to 6 feet. On the western end of this coast is where you’ll find the prime Bocas del Toro surfing spots.

Besides the unforgettable waves, you can also expect clear blue waters that allow you to see the reef while surfing and some luscious green surroundings coming from the nearby jungle. And if you like it easy, keep in mind that most waves are reef breaks; but if you like to push it, there’s also some beach breaks and tubing waiting for you!

Bocas del Toro Surfing Top Spots

Not all of the islands that constitute this Central American’s archipelago face the open ocean. Our advice would be for you to try one of the three main islands: Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos or Isla Caranero.


Isla Colon: Here you’ll find plenty of options. The Bluff Beach, near Bocas Town, is easily reached by car or water taxi. This beach is almost deserted all year round and it sure deserves a visit; La Curba may be the perfect Bocas del Toro surfing destination if you’re the lonely type of surfer and want to run from small crowds. This short beach break only starts to show when it’s over 3 feet and most of the days there’s not a single soul out there; Dumpers is a well-known beach between the surfing community but it’s never crowded. Here you can find some of the best freight-train lefts in the area and though it’s a long walk from town, it’s easily reachable by water taxi; Punch is a reef break, where you can find both rights and lefts. Don’t forget that here it’s common to have 100 yards lefts and even if it’s crowded sometimes, this is one of the best spots in the area.

Caranero: Smaller than the previous, in Caranero you can find a series of left-hand point breaks. When the swell is big, be sure you’ll find some heavy tubes and long rides. Again, water taxi is a good option to reach this paradise.

Silverbacks: placed between Caranero and Bastimentos, Silverbacks has been known for its big and heavy waves. It will make you think of the huge Hawaiian waves and it’s only recommended for long time experienced surfers.

Bastimentos: Here you can find a large amount of good beaches. Whenever there’s swell, the navigation can become difficult, so be sure your taxi driver knows his way. The best place is either Wizards or First Beach, where you can find some fast and powerful lefts and rights.

All in all you can’t go wrong picking the right spots to surf. Among all the other activities you can do over here, we hope you thoroughly enjoy Bocas del Toro surfing it’s really one of our “not-so-best” kept secrets.


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