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Latitude: Longitude:
9.341455
-82.2418
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Home › Central America › Panama › Panama Caribbean
Bocas del Toro
 
PHOTO
Photo coming soon.
DESCRIPTION
Bocas del Toro is actually a small region of islands (including Colon, Bastimentos, and Carenero) that host a number of reefs, points, and a few beachbreaks in the westernmost part of Panama's Caribbean coast. When they're firing on all cylinders, they've been compared to Indonesia. Standout spots in the area include Dumpers, Playa Bluff, Playa Paunch, Isla Carenero, Silverbacks, and First Beach.

Bocas was a secret for many years, but it's now beginning to emerge as a viable alternative to Costa Rica's crowded lineups. We at Surfline opted not to put directions to all the spots in Bocas in an attempt to protect the newness of the place, but there are several surf camps operating in the area, and they will be happy to open up the entire region to you.
Best Tide:
All tides. Very little fluctuation between tides.
Best Swell Direction:
NW-NE
Best Size:
2-15 feet. Silverbacks can get as big as 20 feet on the right swell.
Best Wind:
Varies
Perfect-O-Meter:
7 (1=Lake Erie; 10=Jeffreys Bay)
Bottom:
Varies. Mostly reefbreaks with a few beachbreaks and points.
Ability Level:
Intermediate to expert
Bring Your:
Shortboard
Best Season:
October-April
Access:
Boat access to most breaks from town of Bocas del Toro
Crowd Factor:
Varies. Many uncrowded/empty spots.
Local Vibe:
Mellow
Bicep Burn:
4-6 (1=1ft Waikiki; 10=15ft Ocean Beach)
Poo Patrol:
1-3 (1=clean; 10=turds in the lineup)
Shark Danger:
3 (1=none; 10=bring an iron cage)
Hazards:
Shallow reefs, mosquito barrages
PLACES TO STAY
Hotel Angela: A short walk from the center of Bocas. Water taxis can pick you up and drop you off right at Hotel Angela's dock. Air-conditioned rooms, open-air restaurant/lounge, $40-70 per night. Reservations: (507) 757-9813 or hotelangelabocas@yahoo.com.

Carenero Key Surf Lodge: Five minutes by water taxi from the town of Bocas, very peaceful, air conditioning, private tiled bathrooms, hot water, Direct TV, Internet/fax, $55-65 per night. Reservations: info@nomadsurfers.com

Bluff Surf & Eco Lodge: Next to Bluff Beach on Isla Colon, balconies with hammock and chairs, bathrooms with hot water, private/shared kitchen, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, $15-100 per night. Reservations: info@nomadsurfers.com.

Red Frog Bungalows: Scott Balogh has opened the Newest Surf eco-Resort in Bocas Del Toro. Made in Bali and Shipped to Panama, his bungalows feature Solar Power, Composting toilets, Spring-fed filtered water, Plantation grown hard woods used in construction, Custom Teak furniture, tile, and artwork all from Bali, the most experienced surfing guides in Panama, and more. Link to www.redfrogbungalows.com for photos and details.

Or try
THINGS TO DO
Fishing, exploring
SURF SHOPS
None

Find a surf shop or a surf school in your area.

Have a correction, update or addition for this spot? Contact us at travel@surfline.com
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