The Best Beach Breaks Close to Panama City | El Palmar Surf Guide
- Panama Beach Lodge
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
For anyone living in or visiting Panama City, the urge to swap the skyline for a horizon of waves is strong. The good news? Some of the country’s most consistent surf is located just 75 to 90 minutes from the city in the San Carlos and El Palmar area.
At Panama Beach Lodge, we are located directly on the sand in El Palmar, making us the perfect "basecamp" for your Pacific surf mission. Whether you are driving down for the day or staying with us for a week, here is the unfiltered breakdown of the best breaks in the area.
El Palmar's "home spots"
El Frente
Located directly in front of the Lodge’s restaurant. This is a classic, consistent beach break that provides high-energy fun right at your doorstep.
The wave: A punchy A-frame (lefts and rights) that works on almost any swell. It’s faster than Hawaiisito and great for practicing turns.
Best for: All levels. Beginners love it on small days; intermediates find it perfect for performance when the swell picks up.
Tide: Most consistent at Mid tide.
La Punta
At the far end of the beach lies the point. This is where the local surf community gathers for the longest rides in El Palmar.
The wave: A peeling right-hander that wraps around the point. On a good South swell, you can ride this wave for 100+ meters. It has a more defined "take-off" zone than the beach breaks.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced surfers.
Tide: Best at Low to Mid tide. As the tide gets too high, the wave can "fatten out" or disappear.
Hawaiisito
This is the most sheltered spot in the bay. Because of the way the coastline curves, the waves here lose some of their power, resulting in soft, slow-moving rollers.
The wave: A crumbly, gentle break over a forgiving sandy bottom.
Best for: First-timers, surf lessons, and longboarders looking for a "log" wave.
Tide: Works best at Mid to High tide. At dead low tide, it can get a bit shallow and close out.
Jeffreys
Named after its famous South African namesake, this spot is located just past the point. It’s a bit more exposed and needs a solid swell to start working.
The wave: A fast, mechanical right-hand wave that breaks over a mix of sand and submerged rocks. When it's "on," it offers the best pocket for maneuvers in the area.
Best for: Intermediate surfers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a longer, faster line.
Tide: Performs best at Low to Mid tide to keep the wave's shape sharp.
2. Top beach breaks nearby
Once you reach El Palmar, these spots are all within a 5 to 20-minute drive from our hostel.
Playa Teta (Punta Barco)
10 min drive
The heavyweight of the area. Teta is a powerful, high-performance wave that breaks over a mix of volcanic rock and sand. It’s faster and hollower than the spots in El Palmar.
The wave: The heavyweight of the region. A powerful, high-performance wave breaking over volcanic rock and sand.
Best for: Experienced intermediates and advanced surfers looking for speed and power.
Tide: Best at Low to Mid tide.
Rio Mar
5 min drive
A stunning spot framed by cliffs. It features a mellow beach break for beginners and a technical "point" on the right side for more experienced surfers.
The wave: A scenic break featuring a mellow beach break on the left and a technical, point-like right against the cliffs.
Best for: All levels, depending on which side of the beach you paddle out.
Tide: Best at Mid to High tide.
Playa Serena (Coronado)
15 min drive
A long, gentle right-hand point break. It’s the go-to spot for a "glassy" sunset session. Very beginner-friendly and rarely heavy.
The wave: As the name suggests, a calm and "serene" right-hand point break that is famous for its glassy conditions.
Best for: Longboarders and beginners looking for a relaxed, non-intimidating environment.
Tide: Best at Mid to High tide.
Pelicano (San Carlos Pier)
5 min drive
Located by the fishing harbor in San Carlos. This spot produces a quick, punchy wave that works best when the tide is high and the swell is pushing.
The wave: A quick, punchy wave that breaks near the San Carlos harbor pier and fishing boats.
Best for: Intermediate surfers looking for a short, fun "wedge" style wave.
Tide: Performs best at High tide.
Punta Chame
40 min drive
A vast sand-spit further back towards the city. While famous for windsurfing, the shallow sandbars create easy waves that are great if the swell elsewhere is too big for beginners.
The wave: Small, easy waves created by shallow sandbars. It is often the "safety" spot when the swell elsewhere is too big.
Best for: Beginners and those looking to combine a surf session with a kite-surf vibe.
Tide: Works at all tides, but check wind conditions as it is very exposed.
Why stay at Panama Beach Lodge?
Skip the Panama City traffic and wake up right in front of the waves. At Panama Beach Lodge, we are all about the surf life and we're located just 20 steps from the sand, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Sleep & rest: Whether you’re in a social dorm or a private room, you’ll have a comfy bed and AC for a good night’s rest.
On-site surf academy: Improve your surfing with holistic lessons, quality board rentals, and video coaching to see your progress.
Recovery: Use our ice baths to refresh your body and get ready for your next session in the water.
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