Carnero Point
Carnero Point on Isla Carenero is one of Bocas del Toro's most consistent waves—a quality right that breaks over reef in the channel between islands. A short boat ride from town, it offers reliable surf when other spots are too big or blown out. Classic Caribbean point surf.
Carnero Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 190° - 260°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Bocas del Toro. Short boat ride from main island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Carnero Point?
Carnero Point is a reef break in Isla Carenero, Panama, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Carnero Point?
Carnero Point picks up swell from the NNE round to the E, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NE. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Carnero Point?
A SW wind is dead offshore at Carnero Point, and anything from the S round to the W keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Carnero Point?
Carnero Point is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.6m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Carnero Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Carnero Point comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Sep to Oct too. Winter swells. Consistent quality right.
How cold is the water at Carnero Point?
The water at Carnero Point averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Carnero Point good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. One of DR's most iconic. Consistent quality right over reef.
How do I get to Carnero Point?
The nearest airport on our list is BOC, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $10 USD, but confirm with an operator). Bocas del Toro. Short boat ride from main island.
What other surf spots are near Carnero Point?
The closest breaks we track are Silverbacks (3.1 km), Paunch (9.3 km) and Tiger Tails (9.4 km), handy when Carnero Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Winter swells. Consistent quality right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Silverbacks
🦍 Caribbean power right • Shark territory • Bocas' best when on
Paunch
🌴 Bocas signature wave • Barrels to walls • Complete package
Tiger Tails
🐯 Bocas reef alternative • Near Paunch • Mellow vibe
Dumpees
🫧 Bocas' sucky tubes • Bodysurfer origins • Technical barrels
Wizard Beach
🧙 Bocas beach magic • Fun for all levels • Boat access paradise
Bluff Beach
💥 Caribbean Supertubos • Heavy shorebreak • Bocas barrel factory
Plan a trip around Carnero Point
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.