Santa Catalina
Surf Spots
Level
Advanced
Tide Times
Low - Mid Tide
Wave Type
Reef break - left
Punta Roca is a surf spot about 30min walk from Santa Catalina. The left-hand breaking wave works at low to mid-tide but should be left for very experienced surfers as the wave is breaking onto rocks.
Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Tide Times
High tide +- 2h
Wave Type
Point break - left & right
La Punta is the most famous and consistent point break in Panama. It works year-round with the biggest swell between February to August. In the dry season from December until May, the trade-winds are also blowing offshore in Santa Catalina.
The best surf is between high to mid-tide. At high tide, the bay is full of water covering the rocks completely and you can paddle out from anywhere. When the tide drops, be careful of the rocks when paddling in and out. The photo below was taken at mid-tide, you can clearly see two channels where it is easiest to paddle to avoid the rocks.
Level
Beginner - Advanced
Tide Times
All tides
Wave Type
Beach break
Estero Beach is a great alternative for beginners or intermediate surfers when the point break gets too big or crowded. The beach break works through all tides, tho better around low to mid-tide. The waves break best to the right side of the rocks when the swell is lower, with bigger swell you can get a nice left hand breaking wave left of the rocks.
Level
Advanced
Tide Times
Low - Mid Tide
Wave Type
Reef break - left & right
Walking to the end of Estero beach and crossing over the rocks you will find Punta Brava. Punta Brava is another reef break that works at low and mid-tide. There is a left and right-hand breaking wave, although the left one is more dominant.
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