Isla Colón · Panama
Surfing Careñeros
A left point in Isla Colón, Panama, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Careñeros is a left point at the northern tip of Isla Careñero, a few minutes by boat from Bocas town. It peels down the east side of the island for up to 200 metres. Usually it's a soft wave, but on a bigger north-east swell it has some long hollow sections.
Most people take a water taxi. You can also paddle across from Bocas and walk around the island, which saves money and keeps the crowd down. Improvers and longboarders like it on smaller days.
When to surf
Careñeros
Careñeros is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE-E, 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 Careñeros
Getting there
Where to stay: Base in Bocas town on Isla Colón, it's small, walkable and the hub for water taxis to every break (Paunch, Bluff, Careñeros). Share taxis to Paunch and Bluff, small boats to the islands. Bocas town has a couple of surf shops with rental boards, but bring your own good board (and a gun for Silverbacks). Reef boots for Paunch and Dumpers.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Isla Colón guide.
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