Santa Catalina Surf Guide

Santa Catalina is the capital of surfing on the Panamanian Pacific Coast. Solid point breaks and beginner waves.

Quick Facts

One of the most popular places in Panama for surf

Long right-hand reef breaks

Many surf camps and schools to learn

Relatively mellow, small town

Surf Season in Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina, Panama is home to surf nearly all the time. It really has incredible consistency. If you’re familiar with Latin American surfing, you know the best time will be during the wet season from April to October. You’ll see more consistent, powerful southern swells that produce hollow waves for intermediates and advanced surfers. Morning is usually the best time to surf, as offshore winds are common.

 

Where to Surf in Santa Catalina

There are quite a few breaks in and around Santa Catalina, which makes it such a popular surf spot. Here we’re going to talk about La Punta, the most noteworthy break in the area. La Punta is famous for its long rights. It’s often hollow, super consistent, and a nice long ride. If you stay away from the initial shoulder, you can find a bit more length in the shoulder for intermediates as well. There are two channels between the reefs you can use to paddle out safely.

  • Crowds - Sometimes

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate, Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Point and Reef

  • Consistency - 90%

  • Be Aware: Rocky bottom

Surf Camps and Classes in Santa Catalina

With so many breaks and as the capital of surf in Panama, there are a ton of surf camps in town. Here are a few:

  • Rancho Estero - They have plenty of different surf camp options, as well as a surf school if you’re staying nearby. They also have a ton of boards of all types to rent. They have 4 day, 5 day, 6 day, and weeklong camps.

  • Los Arrieros Surf School - Another place that offers both surf classes/lessons and surf camps. Tons of boards to rent, and lessons for beginners and intermediates.

  • Waluaa Surf & Yoga - This is maybe the most high-end surf camp in the area. They have beautiful private bungalows, healthy meals, yoga and meditation classes, and much more.

Playa Estero

Big bay with plenty of beginner and intermediate waves. Solid rights.

  • Crowds - Somewhat

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Int.

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Rocky bottom

Other Surf Spots in Santa Catalina

Playa Morrillo

Across the channel, solid A-frame wave.

  • Crowds - Rarely

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate, Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Reef

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Rocky bottom

Punta Brava

Short lefts around low tide, a dangerous wave.

  • Crowds - Rarely

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate, Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Reef

  • Consistency - 80%

  • Be Aware: Super shallow rocky reef!

Punta Roca

A far walk, better around low tide, super shallow reef.

  • Crowds - Nope!

  • Surfer Level - Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Point and Reef

  • Consistency - 80%

  • Be Aware: Rocky bottom

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More Panama Surf Spots

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