Rio Mar & the coast · Panama
Surfing San Carlos Point (Jeffreys)
A right point in Rio Mar & the coast, Panama, for intermediate surfers.
San Carlos Point, known locally as Jeffreys, is a right point at the fishing town of San Carlos, about 1.5 hours west of Panama City. At lower tides it gives long, fast rides down a point of rock and sand.
It works on a south-west swell and suits intermediate surfers. The sand moves, so the shape changes from one session to the next. It's an easy day trip from the city and a common stop on the West Panamá coast.
It's at its best at lower tides on a south-west swell, from April to October. San Carlos is a small fishing town with a few places to eat, and it's an easy day trip from Panama City.
When to surf
San Carlos Point (Jeffreys)
San Carlos Point (Jeffreys) is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, low tide.
April to June: Good
S-SW swell building; the narrow window means it's smaller than Santa Catalina
July to September: Prime
Peak S-SW season, best NZ lows send the optimum ~210° swell; onshore afternoons
October to November: Good
Onshore south winds increasingly dominate late in the season
December to March: Quiet
Dry season, offshore northerlies, but swells are unreliable and often flat
The year across West Panamá Province
Waves near San Carlos Point (Jeffreys)
Getting there
Where to stay: This coast is an easy 1-1.5h drive from Panama City down the Pan-American Highway, great bus and taxi links. Base at Rio Mar Surf Camp (on the point) or in Coronado/Gorgona for more choice. The road system is among Central America's best, so a rental car makes spot-hopping easy.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Rio Mar & the coast guide.
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