Bocas del Toro
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Positives
- Consistent seasonal swell
- Quality, all tide reefs
- Less crowded than Costa Rica
- Cheap and safe area
Negatives
- Flat between seasons
- Lack of rights
- Wet and windy afternoons
- Time-consuming trips to spots
Bocas del Toro surf travel guide
On Panamas' Caribbean coast, Boca del Toro is firmly established on the surf, backpacker and party trail. The ramshackle weatherboard houses and chilled Rasta vibes give the town a laid-back off-the-grid feel, surrounded by multi-hued sparkling sea, attracting water-lovers and for a select few months of the year, surfers.
Isla Colon holds the main breaks, a short blast to the north in one of the ubiquitous taxis marinos (water taxis). Paunch, Dumpers and Bluff are all waves suited to more experienced surfers, with sucky tubes and little room for error over the sharp reefs. Beginners will have a less stressful time on Isla Bastimentos at First and Red Frog beaches, but there is still scattered reef patches to keep you off your toes. The 500lb gorilla in the room is Silverbacks, a challenging righthander for chargers only. With a good boat and an experienced captain, there are more reefs to explore eastwards towards Punta Vieja and Zapatillas Keys.
Surf spots in Bocas del Toro
Research the 6 surf breaks in Bocas del Toro and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Bocas del Toro.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Bocas del Toro
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Bocas del Toro.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,785,000
- Population
- 4,314,767
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PAB
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 PAB (Fixed) PAB
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +507
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 180 days.
Getting There
Fly to Panama City (PTY), ride a bus to Almirante from the Albrook terminal 10h, $23) then catch a water taxi, or fly directly from Panama City Marcos A Gelabert (PAC) to Bocas del Toro (BOC) for $150. Both options are difficult with boards, buses lack space and airlines may refuse boards over 6ft. From Costa Rica go though Sixaola or Changinola.
Getting Around
There’s no need for your own means of transportation. Share taxis to Isla Colon’s breaks ($3 to Paunch, $5 to Bluff) and small boats to other islands ($3 to Careñeros, $5 to Bastimentos). Ask to pay when the driver takes you back if you want to avoid walking back. The city is conveniently small and you can walk around it easily.
Accommodation
Large range of basic hostels in Bocas starting from $10. Waterways has all inclusive packages at Red Frog Bungalows from $155 per night. Selina offer various options - dorm $16/n, private room $79/n. Lots of good food at great prices. Check Hungry Monkey. Drink local beer (Balboa).
Activities
Trek through the rainforest, or enjoy the coral reefs and clear waters while diving or snorkelling. Best nightlife spots are the Barco Hundido (a.k.a. the Wreck Deck) and Iguana.
Hazards & hassles
Getting in and out at Paunch or Dumpers may require reef boots. Take mosquito repellent, but there's no/low risk of malaria in Bocas. Sessions may turn into missions as getting to and from some spots is time consuming. Boards over 7ft a hassle on internal flights.
Handy Hints
Bring your own equipment including a step-up for Silverbacks. Some surf camps have limited equipment for sale or rental (Tajada de Sandia). Mono Loco offer road and boat tours as well as surf lessons.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.