If you are traveling with your board under your arm or want to try surfing for the first time, don’t miss the Pacific Coast of Veraguas. This natural paradise in the center of the country has 5 beaches that offer all kinds of surf experiences: huge waves, barrels, calm moments, and above all, a great vibe.

Separated by the Gulf of Montijo, you’ll find 3 beaches to the east and 2 to the west. Moving between them is very easy, so you could visit them all. Here’s the list to help you plan your surf trip.

1. Punta Santa Catalina

• Location: Santa Catalina.
• Level: Intermediate to expert.

When it comes to surfing, Punta Santa Catalina is always among the best beaches to visit in Panamá. Its waves are so important that they have hosted the ISA international surf event, the PanAmerican Surf Games, Discovery competitions, and the Santa Catalina Pro, as part of the National Surf Circuit.

The waves in Santa Catalina are powerful and consistent. They are large and create a perfect barrel for your best tricks. For maximum enjoyment, enter during mid-tide, rising to high. This spot has a coral and rock bottom, so some experience is needed to master it—follow the advice of those who know these waves and you’ll have a great time.

Here you can find world-class waves throughout the year. In the green season, which stretches from April to November, the beach will be less busy, but you will see the waves in all their glory with swells that can reach up to 15 feet (4.6 meters). 
During the dry season, between the months of December and April, the beach will be a bit more crowded and you will have waves that are smaller and less powerful.

Where is Santa Catalina?

Santa Catalina is just over 2 hours from Santiago de Veraguas, east of the Gulf of Montijo. Although you can get there from Santiago, Santa Catalina has hostels, boutique hotels, and rental houses. Some accommodations are even dedicated to the sport, and you’ll find surf and yoga schools and retreats.

2. Playa Estero

• Location: Santa Catalina.
• Level: All.

On this beautiful little beach, you’ll have a much calmer experience, with a sandy bottom and variable waves, a bit slower at low tide than at high tide.

The waves at Playa Estero depend on the season. In summer, the waves are smaller, and in the rainy season, the waves grow so much they can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) high.

In summer, it’s a very fun beach where you can learn and practice this beautiful sport. If you come for the bigger waves, be very careful with the currents, as the sea gets rough with the rains and it’s not ideal for surfing. If you want to practice your tricks and turns, the spot known as La Coquita has the perfect waves.

Summer at Playa Estero is the best—the atmosphere is very cool, there are many surfers in the area, and the surf schools enjoy their high season.

Where is Playa Estero?

Playa Estero is a half-hour walk from Playa Santa Catalina. Between the two beaches, you’ll find all the hotel and restaurant options, and you can move easily from one to the other. Plus, when the sun goes down, you’ll see spectacular sunsets with a drink in hand and music in the background.
 

3. Punta Brava

• Location: Santa Catalina.
• Level: Expert.

This Veraguas secret is full of strong waves that only break when the tide is almost high, either rising or falling.

With perfect conditions, you’ll find impressive barrels that have made this little corner a favorite spot for experts. Keep in mind that surfing here requires experience and technique. Its bottom is coral and has large rocks exposed, so it’s reserved for experienced surfers.

If you’re looking for new challenges, Punta Brava is your place. Here you can enjoy excitement and challenge on a beach that tests your skills.

Where is Punta Brava?

This is a small, hidden spot; to reach the exact point, you must walk about 20 minutes from Playa Estero. If you visit, try to go with company and enjoy as safely as possible.

4. Playa Morrillo

• Location: Morrillo.
• Level: Intermediate – Expert.

This is another beach for all levels. Here you can find many peaks, on a sandy bottom, that change with the currents and seasons. The fun of surfing here is that you’ll never have the same experience.

The waves at Morrillo are strong and tubular, so you can practice a lot. If you’re an expert, you can conquer faster waves, full of adrenaline and challenges. If you’re just starting out, you’ll find calmer spots to learn safely.

When enjoying the waves at Morrillo, keep in mind that with good swell, strong currents can appear. Be very careful, especially if you’re a beginner. This beach is usually not crowded and is very large, so you can practice without worrying about getting close to other surfers.

Where is Playa Morrillo?

Morrillo is an hour and a half from Santiago de Veraguas by car and 35 minutes from Playa Reina. On the beach, you’ll find several hostels and hotels, where you can stay and even plan a beautiful trip to a turtle reserve.

5. Playa Reina

• Location: Malena, Palo Seco.
• Level: all levels.

At Playa Reina, you’ll find constant, high and medium waves, with some perfect barrels for practicing your best tricks. Enjoy the golden sand, the waves, and nature on a beach almost all to yourself.

When the waves pass and you want to keep enjoying, take the trail to the waterfall and make the most of nature. Clear your mind, connect with your surroundings, and experience the natural, wild, and always lively Pacific of Panamá.

Where is Playa Reina?

Playa Reina is 35 minutes from Morrillo, facing the Gulf of Montijo and 3 hours from Santa Catalina. In front of the beach, there’s a hotel and restaurant for when it’s time to eat something delicious and watch the sunset.

On your journey along the Pacific Coast of Veraguas, don’t miss the experience of surfing some of the country’s best waves. If you’re an expert, challenge yourself at the most demanding spots, and if you want to start learning this sport, dare to do it on the beaches with the best vibes.