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Teiki Mathieu Baillan surfing a self-made Alaya surfboard in Macaroni, Mentawaï, Indonesia. Photo by C. Naslain, 2009.
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Isla Grande
Panama
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Datum: WGS84 [ Help ] |
Latitude: 9° 38.12' N |
User rating (26)
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Access
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From Panama City drive across the country towards Colon (1- 1 1/2 hours). A new highway has been built so now its easier to get there. Make a left at the "Rey" supermarket which is towards the town of Portabello. It's the only one on the road. Next head to Portobello, this should take about 30 minutes due to road conditions. Pass through Portobello and park in a lot marked for Isla Grande, about 20 minutes passed Portobello. Boats take you across the strait to the Island. It is about a 2 and 1/2 our ride from Panama city. DistanceWeek-end trip WalkShort walk (5-15 mn) Easy to find?OK Public access?Public access Special accessBy boat only |
Surf Spot Characteristics
Surf Spot Quality
Wave qualityNormal
ExperienceExperienced surfers
FrequencyRegular
Wave
TypeReef-coral
DirectionRight and left
BottomReef (coral, sharp rocks etc..)
PowerPowerful, Fun
Normal lengthShort (< 50m)
Good day lengthNormal (50 to 150m)
Tide, Swell and Wind
Good swell directionNorth, East, NorthEast
Good wind directionNorthWest, West, SouthWest
Swell sizeStarts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 3m+ / 10ft+
Best tide positionMid tide
Best tide movementRising tide
More details
Week crowdEmpty
Week-end crowdFew surfers
Dangers
- Urchins
- Rocks
- Sharks
Additional Information
A beautiful island where calypso music and culture dominate. The waves are peaks over a coral bottom that is very sharp. Not especially hardbreaking or hollow but fun nonetheless and occasional excellent shape. Consistent.
Atmosphere
You stay in cabins or hotels on the island, and walk to the surf. Good seafood and laid back atmostphere. A great getaway.
General
Author: Michael Contributors (3)
Photos
Isla grande |
Isla grande |
Isla grande |
Isla grande |
Comments
By rnibali , 22-08-2007
Fun wave (budget trip advice) - It costs you about 12$to get from Panama City to Isla Grande by public transportation. The description to get to the island is a bit misleading. You can drive or get a ride past Portobelo to La Guaira, which is the "pueblo" facing the island. A boot ride to the island costs you 3$ but you can paddle there as well (leave you backpack in the Hostel Mamallena in Panama City). There are cabinas right when you get to the island for 10$-20$ (s/d). Walk an the coastal path eastwards to the bar "fin del mundo" and jump off the cliff into the waves. It's very reefy and there are billions of urchins but it's worth it if the swell is right. People on the island are very nice and forth-coming.
By anonymous , 19-03-2005
- isla grande is a good place to surf if the pacific goes flat and the caribbean turns on. if you cant make it to bocas, this is your next best (and one of very few) option. only one local surfer as far as I know, and he´s a beginner. plenty of lefts to be had if the swell is on and the wind is mellow. you have to walk across a shallow reef to get there, so bring booties. once in the water, the reef is deep enough, just dont ride the waves all the way in. dont expect any smiles or friendly gestures from the island folks- definitely a wierd vibe. have fun!
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By Anonymous , 20-05-2008
Toursits.... - Come there and try to share someting with the people, try to be nice to them, not just coming to their place for your own and personal pleasure... Show a bit of interest in the way they live, their culture and they will show it all to you. Definitly a beautiful place with super cool people in la guaira and around...
Try to travel like a man and not like a tourist and you will get it all...
Paz y amor