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Reef
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Level 7/10

Silverbacks

Bocas del Toro, Panama
🪸Sharp reef🏝️Remote🦈Sharks

Silverbacks is Bocas del Toro's heavy-hitting secret—a powerful left-hand reef break that comes alive when Caribbean swells push into Panama's island archipelago. Named for the gorilla-like power of its waves (and the bull sharks that occasionally patrol its waters), this is not a spot for the faint-hearted. When winter storms send energy through the Caribbean, Silverbacks transforms into a serious wave, demanding respect and rewarding commitment with thick, grinding barrels. The boat ride out adds to the adventure, passing through Bocas' reggae-tinged island paradise before arriving at something altogether more primal.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
N (350°)
Direction range
320° - 30°
Size range
1m - 3m
Ideal period
12s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
S (180°)
Offshore range
140° - 220°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.2m

Water temp

28°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

7/10

Crowd level

2/10

Access: Boat from Bocas Town.

Getting There

Airport
BOC
Drive time
0 min
Boat required
$50

Best Season

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Secondary: Jun, Jul

November-March Caribbean swells. June-July can work.

Data Quality

community

Verified by Panama surf guides