Paunch
Paunch is the wave that put Bocas del Toro on the surfing map. This versatile reef break offers something for everyone—hollow barrel sections for the chargers, long open walls for the cruisers. The wave breaks both ways with multiple takeoff zones, making it work through most tides and swell angles. A true Caribbean gem.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Paunch trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.7m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 190° - 260°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 2.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Bocas del Toro. Near Bluff Beach.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Oct
Winter swells. Complete package wave.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Dumpees
🫧 Bocas' sucky tubes • Bodysurfer origins • Technical barrels
Tiger Tails
🐯 Bocas reef alternative • Near Paunch • Mellow vibe
Bluff Beach
💥 Caribbean Supertubos • Heavy shorebreak • Bocas barrel factory
Silverbacks
🦍 Caribbean power right • Shark territory • Bocas' best when on
Carnero Point
🚤 Bocas' reliable right • Island point break • Boat access perfection
Wizard Beach
🧙 Bocas beach magic • Fun for all levels • Boat access paradise