Seasonal· Isla Colón· Other Caribbean
Bocas Surf Season
9° 22.5′ N · 82° 13.8′ W · approximate
Northeast trade-wind swell makes Bocas Panama's surf capital from December to March, with a second season in June–August — exactly when the outer anchorages get rolly.
Practical
Coordinate is Paunch Reef (approximate). Best surf December–March; good sessions June–August (about 1 m on beach breaks); September–November usually flat — the snorkeling and diving season (Visit Panama). Breaks: Bluff, Paunch, Dumpers, Tiger Tail, Black Rock, Carenero point, Old Man's, Silverbacks, Wizard and Red Frog (Tourism Panama). For sailors: the same swell makes north-facing beaches, the Zapatillas and Escudo uncomfortable or dangerous — dinghy landings on surf beaches can capsize (Savarona 2017).
Best for
Surfers and planning outer-island trips
Season
Dec–Mar; Jun–Aug
Nearby
- Paunch Reef Surf BreakRight here
- Dumpers Surf Break0.9 NM away
- Carenero Point Break & Black Rock (surf)1.4 NM away
- Bocas del Toro Hospital & Clinic1.5 NM away
- Carenero Island Loop Trail1.7 NM away
- Carenero Beach Bars (Bibi's, Aqua Lounge & Receta Michela)1.8 NM away
- Coco Hill (Old Bank, vegetarian)1.8 NM away
- Isla Carenero Anchorage1.8 NM away