Bastimentos & the outer isles · Panama
Surfing Silverbacks
A right reef in Bastimentos & the outer isles, Panama, for advanced and pro surfers.
Silverbacks is a right over coral reef off Bastimentos, and the big-wave spot of Bocas del Toro. Most of the year it doesn't break. It needs the surrounding beaches to be overhead, and then it ledges up into a short, thick barrel with a long drop. It holds waves of 20 feet and more.
It's only for experienced surfers who are comfortable with late, steep takeoffs. The peak shifts and the hold-downs are long. Take a board of 7 feet or more, and a spare if you have one, because it breaks a lot of boards. You reach it by boat.
When to surf
Silverbacks
Silverbacks is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Big NE swell, 7'+ board, all tides.
December to March: Prime
Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire the reefs and Silverbacks
April to May: Quiet
Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific side is better now
June to August: Good
A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet
September to November: Quiet
Mostly flat and wet, off-season on the Caribbean
The year across Bocas del Toro
Waves near Silverbacks
First Beach (Wizard Beach)
1 kmBastimentos & the outer isles · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Careñeros
4 kmIsla Colón · Left Point · Beginner / Intermediate
Dumpers
4 kmIsla Colón · Left Reef · Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Bastimentos is boat-only from Bocas town ($3-5 water taxi). It holds Silverbacks (big-wave right, gun and boat essential) and the beautiful First/Wizard Beach (a boat-and-walk mission). Stay here for the beaches and the wild vibe, or day-trip from Bocas town. No shops, bring everything.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Bastimentos & the outer isles guide.
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