Panamá Oeste Province
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Positives
- High wave density
- Easy, fun waves
- Simple access & travel
- Panama City entertainment
Negatives
- Narrow swell window
- Flat in offshore season
- Fickle quality spots
- Polluted and crowded city breaks
Panamá Oeste Province surf travel guide
The cosmopolitan metropolis of Panama City hugs the eastern bank of the Pacific entrance to the Canal, deep in the sheltered Golfo de Panama, where only the strongest south swells can penetrate. The breaks in the city are so marginal and so polluted that it is recommended to take the 1hr drive west on the Pan-American Highway to Playa Malibu and another string of sandy beaches with better surf and much cleaner waters. SW swells have trouble getting into the east-facing coast before West Panama Province, but there could be some good rights wrapping in on a big S or a rare SE windswell.
As the coast turns to face SE, the swell window opens up to the SW, but it will usually be half the size of banner breaks like Santa Catalina. The huge tides and shelving nature of the bay also take their toll, but proximity to Panama City means the waves are never empty. Many spots are named after famous waves but with a 'little' prefix (Hawaiisito and Rinconsito), but these comparisons are more fun than fact. This zone has a range of intermediate-friendly waves and occasionally gets the odd big and challenging day.
Surf spots in Panamá Oeste Province
Research the 15 surf breaks in Panamá Oeste Province and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Panamá Oeste Province.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Panamá Oeste Province
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Panamá Oeste Province.
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
Buses to San Carlos leave from the Tocumen Panama City Airport (PTY) every 45mn ($6, 4.5h) or drive 90km (55mi) on the Pan American Highway.
Getting Around
Panama’s road system is among the best in Central America, and the 4 lanes Pan-American Highway follows the coast till Rio Hato. Public transport is generally efficient with inexpensive buses and taxis allowing you to cruise between Rio Mar and Gorgona. Rent a car ($250/wk) for faster, independent travel.
Accommodation
Accommodation is affordable but not dirt cheap as in other Central American countries. The Rio Mar Surf Camp has rooms from $25/p/n, dorms $15/n. More hotels are available in Coronado and Gorgona. $15 gets you a great meal, try patacones (plantains).
Activities
A tour of Panama City should include the ruins of the 16th Century original city, Casco Viejo - the colonial city, and the modern skyscraper city. See ships passing through the Panama Canal at the Miraflores locks. Taboga is an attractive island with nature and wildlife. Panama City nightlife has something for everybody.
Hazards & hassles
All city spots suffer from pollution. Compared to other countries in Central America, Panama feels richer and safer, but some areas of the capital are best avoided at night. The risk of malaria is low in this part of the country. It's safe to drink the water.
Handy Hints
Boa Surfboards are made locally. Rio Mar Surf Camp rents boards ($10/day) and can arrange lessons ($20/h). National currency, the Balboa is equivalent to the American dollar, use whichever.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.