Advanced Surf Spots in Panama
4 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Panama: El Estero Beach, Punta Roca, Bluff and Silverbacks.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Reef breaks
- 3
- Beach breaks
- 1
The advanced breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- El Estero Beach
- Wave
- Beach Break · Lefts & rights
- Level
- Beginner – Intermediate (Advanced on larger swells)
- Season
- March – October
- Tide
- Mid to High
- Watch out
- Considerations: Strong currents and rips on larger swells; shifting sandbars and river-mouth conditions can affect wave quality.
- Punta Roca
Santa Catalina
- Wave
- Hollow, fast left-hand reef break · Left
- Level
- Expert
- Season
- April through October, with the peak months being May through September
- Tide
- Best from low to mid tide,
- Bluff
Bocas del Toro
- Wave
- Beach & Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- December to March (Caribbean swells), with a smaller window in the northern summer
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Heavy barrels and shorebreak over sand and shallow reef; booties help. Strong currents on bigger days. Playa Bluff is a turtle nesting beach, so follow local guidance in season.
- Silverbacks
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
Other levels in Panama
Frequently asked questions
Where can advanced surfers surf in Panama?
4 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Panama: El Estero Beach, Punta Roca, Bluff and Silverbacks.
When is the best time for advanced surfers to surf Panama?
The advanced-rated breaks we map in Panama are mostly at their best in March, May to September.
What kind of waves are the advanced surf spots in Panama?
Of the 4 advanced breaks we map in Panama, 3 are reef breaks and 1 is a beach break.