Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff
Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: January–March, July–August, December
Playa Bluff is a long beach on the east coast of Isla Colón, the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, on Panama's Caribbean side. It is reached by an unpaved road from Bocas town.
The beach picks up swells from the north and north-east, which come with the Caribbean trade winds and winter cold fronts, mostly from about December to March, with a shorter season around July and August. The waves break close to shore over sand and are known for being heavy and hollow, with thick, fast barrels that suit experienced surfers only; many days it is a pure shorebreak. Light westerly and south-westerly winds are offshore, and calm mornings are usually best. The water is warm all year. Rip currents are strong, there is no lifeguard, and the beach is remote. Sea turtles nest on Bluff from about March to September, so follow local rules and avoid disturbing nests. Other reef waves around the islands, reached by boat, are better for intermediate surfers.
Spots near Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff
- Playa Cocles (60 km)
- Puerto Viejo – Salsa Brava (63 km)
- Pavones (149 km)
- Matapalo – Osa Peninsula (162 km)
- Dominical (178 km)
- Santa Catalina (225 km)
- Esterillos (248 km)
- Playa Hermosa – Jacó (259 km)
More: All spots in Panama · Surfing in Panama