Isla Grande

Isla Grande is Panama's Caribbean secret—a reef break on the country's north coast that needs north swells to activate but rewards the right conditions with crystal-clear water and quality left-handers over shallow reef. Most visitors know this island as a weekend escape from Panama City for snorkeling and beaches, but a small community of surfers monitors winter swells from the North Atlantic. The boat ride from historic Portobelo adds adventure, while the island's laid-back atmosphere provides the perfect counterpoint to the Pacific coast's more consistent surf scene.