A perfect choice of destination for surfers

Much of the following information comes from Sol Bungalows excellent article on surfing in Bocas: https://solbungalowsbocas.com/bocas-del-toro-surf/

Consistent waves, crystal clear waters, coconut palms, a pleasant climate, a mosaic of cultures and colors. It’s the perfect spot for surfers.

Around 30° C all year round, in the air and in the water, this destination is the dream of surfers all over the world. Ideal for starting to surf or scoring world-class waves, the seasons offer conditions for every level.

Panama alternates between a tropical climate from May to December and the dry season from January to April. Bocas del Toro, renowned for its world class spot, has a particularly pleasant climate for more than six months of the year.

A few words about the Bocas del Toro archipelago

Bocas del Toro is one of the ten provinces of Panama, on the border with Costa Rica. It is an archipelago made up of ten main islands surrounded by numerous sandbanks and islets all as charming as each other.

Its geographical location, between the trade winds, the Azores anticyclone and the Intertropical Convergence Zone makes it a destination of choice for surfers and a paradise on earth for lovers of Caribbean colors, architecture and nature.

With its string of deserted islands, the tranquil Caribbean coast on one side and a Pacific coast with powerful waves on the other, you are likely to find everything you are looking for in Panama.

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Surfing at Wizard Beach, Isla Bastimentos Sol Bungalows

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Black Rock Drone via Mono Loco Surf School

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Surfing the clear waters of Long Beach (Playa Larga) by Brett Henninger

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A beautiful beach day at Red Frog, Isla Bastimentos Sol Bungalows

Seasons and surf conditions in Bocas Del Toro

Two main surfing seasons
  • The winter season from November to April, which is the main season. The best months are from December to February.
  • The summer season from June to August, which is the secondary season. The best month is normally July.

During the rest of the year, sporadic swells manage to pass through, so there is almost always the possibility of surfing if you know where to go. The flattest months of September and October are the driest months and offer the best visibility in the ocean, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Water conditions and temperature

Throughout the year the water temperature remains constant between 26° and 29° C (80 ° and 85 ° F) so you will never need a wetsuit and you will always be able to surf in hot and tropical conditions. The water is turquoise and transparent, and you can even see the reef as you surf.

Another advantage of surfing in the Caribbean is that there is a very low tidal coefficient between high and low tides. We can therefore surf on the same station wagon all day. There are a lot of reefbreaks in Bocas del Toro, so if you are not used to it, booties may be appreciated.

The best surf spots in Bocas del Toro

Lots of left waves, a few right waves, beachbreaks, reefbreaks and even a few pointbreaks. Find out what these surf spots look like and where to find them in Bocas del Toro.

Let's go