Bocas del Toro is the perfect destination for your next surf trip. Whether you are an experienced surfer looking for intense emotions or you are still learning, this tropical jewel gives you an unforgettable experience in the water. Here are some of the best places to surf in Bocas:
1. Bluff Beach
- Location: Isla Colon.
- Level: Expert.
Bluff, a 30-minute drive from Bocas Town, is one of the beaches that have made Bocas famous among the surfing community. It is characterized by its vast beach, which allows you to surf safely and give other surfers a wide berth.
With a sandy bottom and waves that break left and right very close to the beach, waves require less paddling. This makes it easier to take more tubes with less wear and tear. But be careful, such strong waves sometimes break boards.
There are few services on the beach–it is wide and empty. The advantage is that it is very close to Bocas Town, where you can find bars, restaurants and board rentals.
2. Paunch Reef
- Location: Isla Colon.
- Level: Waves for all levels.
Paunch Reef, a 10-minute drive from Bocas Town, has waves of different sizes, left and right. Surfing here is perfect for groups of friends with different levels of experience. This spot is well known for the left tube it produces when the swell is big.
Paunch is also appreciated among the surfing community because on the same beach you can book classes, plans and even videographers who go along during the experience. You can also eat or drink at some of the beachfront hotels and restaurants.
We recommend surfing with aquashoes or specialized footwear, as Paunch Reef has reefs very close to the surface; if you are not careful, you can end up with scratches or injuries.
3. Tiger Tail
- Location: Isla Colon.
- Level: Intermediate and advanced.
This surf spot has a coral bottom covered with algae, so it is a little softer. However, you must be careful not to hurt yourself or damage the coral. What makes Tiger Tail one of the top spots is its left and right waves, with perfect conditions to catch one and ride the current undertow. In addition, you can find food and lodging across from the beach, or very close to it. To get to Tiger Tail, just take a water taxi from Bocas Town: it will take you 5 minutes.
4. Black Rock
- Location: Isla Carenero.
- Level: Waves for all levels.
Black Rock is a 5 minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town. This is the perfect place to get your feet wet surfing; it has several schools and instructors, as well as special conditions for you to practice until you become an expert. At Black Rock, channels form from right to left: a favorite for many experts.
You must be careful with its reef bottom, but especially with other surfers. If you are advanced, remember that there are many people learning and you have to be patient, some are not familiar with surfing etiquette.
5. Old Mans
- Location: Isla Carenero.
- Level: Beginner to intermediate.
This place is perfect for learning, because the left waves are quite calm. Although its sandy bottom makes it safer, you still have to be careful as it is shallow - boards can break.
This beach is also not very crowded, but in Carenero, you will always be a short walk away from good fried fish, a cold beer or anything you fancy. Remember that in Carenero boats can reach almost any beach, so you must be careful not to get in the way when one approaches.
6. Point Break
- Location: Isla Carenero.
- Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Point Break is another of the beaches that made the waves of Bocas famous. Located across from the open sea, it has a consistent swell. However, the most special thing about this beach is its five peaks. Point Break waves range from 3.93 ft (1.20 m) to 11.8 ft (3.60 m). With the right angle you can make perfect hollow tubes to take amazing pictures or videos. Be careful, as the bottom is coral and rock.
7. Silverbacks
- Location: Isla Bastimentos.
- Level: Expert.
These are the most difficult waves in the region! Experts choose it for surfing big right-hand waves, up to 19 ft (6 m) from the deep sea. Waves are fast and wild and break several hundred feet from the island, over a deep reef. Therefore, you have to be careful because of its holes and cracks. The strong currents that run through the area make the launching spot unpredictable–only the most experienced surfers should attempt to surf here!
A 20-minute boat ride from Bocas Town, this beach has no services, but it is a short walk to Old Bank, or a 5-minute boat ride to Isla Carenero where you can find restaurants, bars and hotels.
8. Wizard Beach
- Location: Isla Bastimentos.
- Level: All levels.
It is no secret that this remains one of the least visited areas by tourists and most frequented by locals. Wizard keeps its wild nature, and the waves can change a lot, depending on the sandbanks and tides.
This is a great place to learn, and is quite popular with surf schools. It is characterized for being a beach where you will always find waves, at any time of the year–even when there are no waves anywhere else.
If you are going to visit this beach as a beginner, make the most of it when the tide is a little lower; this way you will be safer. Wizard is usually not so crowded. In addition, its waves are small, but very good, and its sandy bottom allows you to practice calmly. If you have more experience, you can ride carefree.
9. Playa Red Frog
- Location: Isla Bastimentos.
- Level: Beginner to advanced.
If you are looking for thrills, don't miss surfing at Red Frog. After a short walk from the Bastimentos pier, you will find fast right and left waves that break close to the beach. It is the perfect spot for every surfer.
Where to Stay in
Bocas de Toro
