Silverbacks
Silverbacks is Bocas del Toro's heavy-hitting secret - a powerful right-hand reef break that comes alive when NE 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.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to BOC, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Central America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Central America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full Silverbacks 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
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 80°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
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
Bottom
Reef
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat from Bocas Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Silverbacks?
Silverbacks works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.2m and 2.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Silverbacks?
Offshore wind at Silverbacks blows from the SW (225°). Anything in the 190° to 260° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Silverbacks?
Silverbacks wants NE swell (20° to 80°) between 1m and 3m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Silverbacks?
The main season at Silverbacks is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Jun, Jul. November-March Caribbean swells. June-July can work.
How do I get to Silverbacks?
Fly into BOC, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $50 USD). Boat from Bocas Town.
What kind of wave is Silverbacks?
Silverbacks is a reef break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Jun, Jul
November-March Caribbean swells. June-July can work.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Carnero Point
🚤 Bocas' reliable right • Island point break • Boat access perfection
Wizard Beach
🧙 Bocas beach magic • Fun for all levels • Boat access paradise
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
Bluff Beach
💥 Caribbean Supertubos • Heavy shorebreak • Bocas barrel factory