Why Choose Panama Over Costa Rica for Your Next Surf Trip ?

When planning a surf trip to Central America, Costa Rica might be the first country that comes to mind. It's well-known, well-marketed—and well… crowded. But just a bit further down the Pacific coast lies a raw, wild, and wave-rich alternative that’s quietly winning the hearts of surfers: Panama.

If you’re craving uncrowded lineups, variety of surf breaks, and a deeper cultural connection, it’s time to look beyond the hype and head to Panama’s Pacific coast—especially the Azuero and Veraguas provinces, home to some of the most underrated surf spots in the region.

Playa Guanico

1. Uncrowded Waves, Consistent Swell

Let’s start with the deal-breaker: crowds. While Costa Rica’s surf towns are often packed—especially during high season—Panama’s waves remain refreshingly uncrowded, even on good days.

Some of our favorite lesser-known breaks include:

• Playa Guanico – A peaceful beach break with playful lefts and rights, ideal for all levels and perfect for long sessions without the stress of a crowded lineup.

• Cambutal – Home to several distinct spots like 411, Indicador and Dinosaurio, or Corto Circuito this area offers everything from beach break fun to solid point break barrels.

• Playa Reina – A powerful reef and beach break with consistent peaks and clean faces—great for intermediate and advanced surfers.

• Playa Morillo – A remote, wild beach break in Veraguas known for its punchy waves and quiet solitude.

  
  

These waves aren’t just consistent—they’re intimate. You’ll find sessions where it’s just you, your board, and the Pacific.

2. A Journey Off the Grid, with Waves Worth the Miles

Panama’s best waves don’t come easy—and that’s exactly the point.

Unlike the paved, polished roads of Costa Rica’s surf zones, getting to places like Guanico, Cambutal, Playa Reina, or Morillo means embracing the adventure. You’ll drive through rural backroads, lush valleys, and coastal villages where cows and horses might cross your path.

Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended—not just to reach the remote surf breaks, but to fully enjoy the freedom of exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches, local waterfalls, and wild jungle viewpoints along the way.

This is surf travel the way it used to be: raw, real, and richly rewarding. No signs, no surf shops on every corner—just you, your board, and the next wave.

And the payoff? Totally worth the miles.

Playa Reina, Torio

3. Lower Costs, Longer Stays

Costa Rica’s popularity has driven prices up—especially in surf towns. In contrast, Panama still offers affordable stays, meals, and transport, even in surf-heavy areas.

• La Chantin in Playa Guanico is a perfect example: unique glamping, close to the beach, deeply connected to the local rhythm—and a fraction of the cost of similar stays in Nosara or Santa Teresa.

  
  

• Meals are local, fresh, and cheap.

• Rentals and surf guides are easy to arrange and often privately run.

This all means you can stay longer, surf more, and truly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

4. Surf All Year Round - the surf trip Panama

Panama offers solid surf year-round, particularly on the Pacific coast. Whether you visit during the:

• Green season (May–November) with consistent swell and lush surroundings, or

• Dry season (December–April) with offshore winds and clean faces, you’ll find plenty of options—without worrying about flat spells or overbooked surf camps.

Empty Line Up at Playa Guanico

5. Authentic Culture & Local Connection

Unlike many polished, expat-dominated surf hubs in Costa Rica, Panama’s coast still feels real, rural, and rooted.

You’ll see:

• Cowboys on horseback next to your surfboard rack

• Small-town fiestas and traditional music

• Families selling homemade tortillas or cocadas by the road

This isn’t curated tourism—it’s real life, and the connection you’ll feel to the place and its people will stay with you far longer than your tan.

4:11, Cambutal

6. Wild Nature, Pure Freedom

Surfing in Panama is about more than just waves—it’s about the surroundings. You’ll find:

• Tide pools and waterfalls in Torio

• Jungle-backed beaches in Morillo

• Rolling hills and cow-filled pastures in Guanico and Cambutal

• Wildlife everywhere—from howler monkeys to scarlet macaws

Here, nature sets the rhythm. There are no noisy beach bars or beachfront condos—just space to breathe, surf, and reset.

7. Soulful Stays Like La Chantin

Looking for somewhere that feels less like a hotel and more like a home? La Chantin, just outside Playa Guanico, is a glamping spot where creativity, calm, and community come together.

• Surrounded by nature

• Just minutes from the beach

• Intimate vibes and eco-conscious philosophy

• Perfect for solo surfers, creative couples, family or digital nomads needing a pause

  
  

This is the kind of stay that becomes a story—not just a pin on your map.

Dinausorios

8. Choose Surf with Purpose

By choosing Panama, you’re not just choosing empty waves—you’re also supporting local businesses, preserving culture, and investing in low-impact tourism.

You won’t find big surf chains here. You’ll find small guesthouses, family-owned restaurants, and surf stays like La Chantin that are actively contributing to their communities.

Cambutal

Choose Waves that Still Feel Sacred

Costa Rica had its moment. Now, it’s time for Panama.

If you're dreaming of uncrowded waves, diverse breaks, meaningful connections, and real adventure, then this is your sign to head to the lesser-known shores of Central America.

Book your stay, pack your board, and come find your rhythm on the Azuero coast.

Surf deeper. Travel slower. Live fuller.

Start your journey here:www.surf-guanico.com – Discover La Chantin and the raw beauty of Panama’s Pacific coast. Plan your Surf trip in Panama.