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.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (20°)
- Direction range
- 350° - 60°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat from Portobelo. Weekend getaway from Panama City.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Jun, Jul
Caribbean swell season. N-NE swells.