It helps when the staff knows where you can surf!
For many years, there were two secrets the surfing elite kept to themselves about Panama. The first was that there was fantastic surfing available at Panama's Santa Catalina Island, part of the Coiba National Park. This place is by far one of the best places to surf, which is precisely why surfers wanted to keep it to themselves. The second was the La Punta Break on Santa Catalina that sets your blood racing as you try to figure out which way the waves are breaking. For those who want to try their hand at shooting La Punta, you can find accommodations at Rancho Estero, a site where the staff knows not only about La Punta, but also about the many other breaks that are just good on the many small beach-rimmed islands that surround the Santa Catalina.
As part of the Coiba National Park, which encompasses Santa Catalina and other islands like Coiba, with its natural white sand beaches, there are also breaks that give the La Punta Break a run for its money. The key to finding them lies with the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Rancho Estero. Most are lifelong locals who can steer you to not only just the right island, but also to a surprising break that no one else knows about.If you're a beginner, the staff will direct you to the best areas where you can learn to surf safely in gentle, predictable rollers. It is great to have a staff like the helpful folks at Rancho Estero at your back.