Panama

Compared to other Central American surf powerhouse destinations like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Panama is often overlooked. Sure, Panama doesn’t get the same intense swells that are bestowed upon Costa by the ocean gods, but there’s something here that makes it a contender for the best surf destination in the area: variety. 

There’s an incredible mix of beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks that will keep any surfer interested and coming back for more. Plus, it’s possible to surf both Atlantic and Pacific waves all on the same day, which any surfer would agree is quite the accomplishment.

Panama surfing quick facts

Most important first

The destination

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe” title=”Country” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Panama
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe-africa” title=”Region” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Central America
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-deaf” title=”Language” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Spanish (official), English
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-users” title=”Population” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
4M
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-temperature-high” title=”Temperature, land” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
25-30 °C
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-tint” title=”Water temperature” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Around 28 °C
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-ticket-alt” title=”Visa” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
30 days for most countries
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-wallet” title=”Daily budget” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$60 and up

The surfing

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-water” title=”Number of waves” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
26
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-graduate” title=”Surf level” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Pro
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-campground” title=”Surf camp cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$900 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hotel” title=”Hotel cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$80 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-snowboarding” title=”Board rental cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$20 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-glasses” title=”Surf lesson cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$50 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-bed” title=”B&B cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$50 and up

Latest Panama surfing guides

Insider guides to surfing in Panama

Local details

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-wifi” title=”Internet” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
90 Mbps
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-shield” title=”Safety” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-baby” title=”Family friendly” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-heartbeat” title=”Healthcare” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-glasses” title=”Nightlife” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Good
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-walking” title=”Walkability” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hamburger” title=”Dinner” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$8 up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-beer” title=”Beer” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$4 up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-traffic-light” title=”Traffic” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-plug” title=”Electricity” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
115V, 60Hz

Popular areas of Panama

The best areas of Panama

Latest surf camps in Panama

Explore cream of the crop surf camps for your next surf trip

Latest surf stays in Panama

Hotels, villas, apartment, anything goes – as long its close to a break

Planning you next surf trip?
Save up to 90% on the best surf camps.

  • Save hours of research, we do it for you
  • Get alerts about surf trip deals, up to 90% off
  • Get direct access to last minute, cancellations and exclusive deals