- In Panama, surfing is much more than a sport: it is a way to connect with nature, with the community and with oneself. With perfect waves and pristine beaches, the country is establishing itself as a destination for surfers worldwide.
- With more than 2,900 kilometres of coastline bathed by the Pacific and Caribbean, the country is positioned as a year-round surfing paradise, combining unspoilt nature, cultural authenticity and modern infrastructure.
Unlike other more popular destinations, Panama retains an unspoilt charm, with beaches that have become lively surfing towns, where travellers and locals mix in a cultural mosaic with a surfing soul. Whether you’re looking for your first waves or chasing the perfect wave, this is a place where two oceans meet and every wave tells a story. Thanks to its compact size, it is possible to experience both seas in a single trip: from the powerful waves of the Pacific to the reefs and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Where to surf: the best destinations in Panama
Bocas del Toro (Caribbean Coast): Island-hopping adventures with waves for all levels
In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, surfing coexists with Caribbean rhythms and the warmth of its people. This natural paradise combines vibrant islands, pristine beaches and a multicultural community where every day is lived to the rhythm of the sea. From the legendary waves of Playa Paunch, Dumpers and Playa Bluff on Isla Colón, to the perfect lefts of Punta Carenero and the powerful waves of Silverbacks on Isla Bastimentos, Bocas offers options for all levels. Beyond surfing, Cayo Zapatilla, recognised as one of the 25 best beaches in the world, invites you to discover a natural paradise of white sand and crystal-clear waters, while Bocas Town buzzes with international cuisine, nightlife and a bohemian spirit. With accommodation options ranging from overwater hostels to luxury resorts, the Bocas del Toro archipelago combines adventure, wellness and community in a single destination.
Playa Venao (Los Santos Province): energy, competition and surfing all year round
Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most iconic surfing destinations, renowned worldwide as the venue for competitions such as the ISA World Surfing Games and the Pan American Surfing Championship. Its horseshoe shape and sandy bottom offer consistent waves all year round, with right and left breaks ideal for surfers of all levels. Beyond its competitive legacy, Venao has become a meeting point for travellers, digital nomads and elite surfers, who enjoy its social atmosphere, international restaurants and boutique beachfront hotels.
Riviera Pacífica: gentle waves and unforgettable memories
Just two hours from Panama City, the Pacific Riviera is perfect for those seeking accessible waves and a great atmosphere. Serena Beach offers long, consistent waves, ideal for perfecting technique; Teta Beach attracts intermediate and advanced surfers with its three break points, while Chame and Malibu Beach offer clean, uncrowded conditions. El Palmar, a favourite among locals, has three iconic spots — Frente Palmar, Punta Palmar and Hawaiisito — ideal for all levels. The beaches of Bijao, Playa Blanca and Buenaventura complete the tour with golden sand landscapes and everything you need for a surfing, sun and relaxation getaway.
Santa Catalina (Veraguas Pacific Coast): the titan of Panamanian surfing
On the Pacific coast of Veraguas, Santa Catalina is synonymous with legendary waves and untamed nature. Here you will find La Punta, an iconic point break with waves up to 9 metres high, and Punta Roca or Punta Brava, with challenges that seduce advanced surfers. Beginners can start at Playa Estero, with its sandy bottom and gentle waves, or venture by boat to Isla Cébaco. Santa Catalina is also the gateway to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine reserve that is home to the largest coral reef in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This environment makes Santa Catalina a dream destination, where waves and biodiversity are in perfect balance.
Morro Negrito and Punta Burica (Chiriquí Province): gentle, exciting and waiting to be discovered
Further west, the coast of Chiriquí combines surfing, nature and culture in a setting that is still waiting to be discovered. Morro Negrito, a small island destination ideal for surf camps, offers waves ranging from fast to gentle and accessible. On the mainland, Punta Burica is a favourite spot for experienced surfers, while Los Olivos offers calmer waves for all levels. Chiriquí is also home to the world’s most prized coffee, Panamanian Geisha. Here, travellers can walk through farms, meet producers and taste the most award-winning coffee on the planet. In addition, the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park offers year-round diving, fishing and marine exploration experiences, with dolphins, manta rays and fascinating underwater life.
Opening image: Friends at the Estero beach with surf board in Santa Catalina, Veraguas Province. ©Panama
Source: PLANISFERIO Comunicación
