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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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (20°)
- Direction range
- 350° - 60°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Isla Grande?
Isla Grande works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Isla Grande?
Offshore wind at Isla Grande blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 140° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Isla Grande?
Isla Grande wants NNE swell (350° to 60°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Isla Grande?
The main season at Isla Grande is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Jun, Jul. Caribbean swell season. N-NE swells.
How do I get to Isla Grande?
Fly into PTY, then allow about 120 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $30 USD). Boat from Portobelo. Weekend getaway from Panama City.
What kind of wave is Isla Grande?
Isla Grande is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Jun, Jul
Caribbean swell season. N-NE swells.