cental americal family surf destinations

Surfers return satisfied from another point session in El Salvador. Elsewhere, the biological diversity of the country is a huge selling point, while the uncrowded waves, clean water and consistency make Panama an underrated gem (although probably not for long). The Caribbean coast’s hotspot is Bocas del Toro, best in the dry season in the early months of the year when huge waves are available in the right conditions. Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula’s southeast coast is another favorite, while the Central Pacific surf spots of Playa El Palmar and Malibu are other Panamanian classics. On the flipside, the infrastructure, transport and safety is unparalleled in the region, and unlike Costa Rica, there is still a bit of mystery surrounding the surf potential.Ī good place to start is Santa Catalina, a six-hour drive south of Panama City on the Pacific, which is one of the country’s best pointbreaks. Panama is most closely related to Costa Rica in terms of the Central American surf experience, even if it is slightly less exposed to the North Pacific swells. The incredible colors of Panama’s Caribbean Coast.

The best bet here is Puerto Viejo, also known as Salsa Brava, the surf epicenter on that side of Costa Rica. The waves can be fickle, but Mexican storms can provide incredible waves in some of the bluest water in the world. The Caribbean side is perhaps even more beautiful and less developed. The South Pacific Coast has the largest remaining stretches of Pacific coastal rainforests as well as Pavones, Costa Rica’s longest left. It’s one of the best breaks in the country and has guaranteed offshore winds between December and March.Ī short distance from the capital of San Jose, the Central Coast is a livelier vacation, but still boasts world-class waves such as Boca Barranca and Hermosa Beach. In the north, head to Playa Naranjo, more commonly known as Witch’s Rock. There are four recognized surf regions: the north, Central and South Pacific coasts and the Caribbean.

Uncrowded, clean, politically stable and with incredible waves, Costa Rica is hard to beat as an all-round surf destination. Surfers on Costa Rica’s Santa Teresa beach.

Cental americal family surf destinations