Surf Travel Guide: El Palmar, San Carlos, Panama

El Palmar is the beach Panama City surfers actually drive to on a free weekend, close enough for a day trip and consistent enough that a cluster of surf schools have set up shop right on the sand.

Why El Palmar?

El Palmar sits in the San Carlos district on Panama's Pacific coast, with several named peaks along one stretch of sand, including Frente Palmar and Punta Palmar, plus a smaller sub spot called Hawaisito that only works on a high tide. Panama's own tourism board lists it as one of the country's established Riviera Pacifica surf beaches, distinct from Playa Coronado further up the coast.

→ Best swell comes from the south, southwest or west, with offshore wind blowing from the northwest, a combination that lines up often enough to make this a dependable, if not world famous, beach break.

↳ Medium to high tide is generally preferred, and the Hawaisito peak specifically needs high tide to turn on at all.

Getting There & Getting Around

Fly into Tocumen International Airport near Panama City, then plan on the same drive time as from the city center, plus time to clear the airport and city traffic.
→ From Panama City it is roughly 90 kilometers and about an hour and a half via the Pan American Highway, though that can stretch toward two hours in heavy traffic.
↳ El Palmar is a popular enough weekend trip that surf schools here are used to day visitors arriving by midmorning and heading back to the city in the evening.

When to Surf (and Stay Safe)

Panama's Pacific coast surfs year round, though the clearest guidance from local schools points to the drier months from roughly December through April for the most consistent conditions, alongside a broader rainy season swell window the rest of the year. Surf lessons here run from about $65 per person for a group of up to three, a 90 minute lesson with board and rash guard included.

The main hazard is a mixed sand and rock bottom, with rocks in the water at several of the peaks, so take care entering and exiting, especially at lower tide. The beach can see a fair number of swimmers on weekends alongside the surf crowd, though it is generally described as manageable rather than dangerously crowded. Lessons here are not recommended for pregnant travelers or for anyone with limited mobility, since the beach itself is uneven to walk.

Surf Breaks

Frente Palmar: The main peak directly in front of the village.
Wave: Beach break with a mixed sand and rock bottom, lefts and rights.
Level: Beginner to intermediate.
Punta Palmar: A regional classic right hander, rides of 50 to 150 meters.
Wave: Point style break off the same stretch of beach.
Level: Intermediate.
Hawaisito: A smaller sub spot that only breaks on high tide.
Wave: Left hander, shorter and punchier than the main peaks.
Level: Beginner to intermediate.

Two named surf schools, Panama Surf School and El Palmar Surf Camp, both operate directly on this beach, which is a big part of why El Palmar has become the default surf introduction for people living in or visiting Panama City rather than a true backpacker destination like Santa Catalina further down the coast. Board rental and lessons are easy to arrange on arrival without booking weeks in advance.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Prices below are approximate 2026 listings in US dollars, seen October 2026.

Budget ($)

Panama Beach Lodge, Calle Pelicano, Playa El Palmar, San Carlos (from about $36 per night on weeknights, rising to around $49 on weekends, seen October 2026)
A simple hostel with dorm and private rooms, literally on the beach in El Palmar village.

Mid Range ($$)

Manglar Lodge, Calle 1 Norte, El Palmar, San Carlos (from roughly $60 to $65 per night, seen October 2026)
A small lodge with four air conditioned rooms and an on site restaurant and bar, a short walk from the beach.

Beachfront ($$$)

A vacation rental at Rio Mar, San Carlos, about nine minutes' drive from El Palmar beach (around $286 per night based on a $2,000 weekly rate, seen October 2026)
The clearest priced luxury option in the area, with an ocean view, pool and jacuzzi, though it sits a short drive from El Palmar rather than directly on it.

Food & Drink

Seafood with a Beach View: Rincon de los Camisones, San Carlos
→ Known for seafood and traditional Panamanian dishes with a view of the water, though we could not confirm a specific current price for this guide.
Panamanian and International: Restaurante Rincon del Chef, San Carlos
→ Serves Panamanian and international dishes, seafood and steaks included, again without one fixed published price we could verify.

Photographing El Palmar (Surf Snaps)

With several peaks spread along one beach and a steady weekend crowd of surfers and learners, El Palmar gives a photographer plenty to work with in a single morning session. If you cover a session, upload your gallery to Surf Snaps so the surfers in frame can find and buy their own shots. If you were riding, browse Surf Snaps for photos from the day, starting at $8 with no account needed to look.

FAQ: Surfing El Palmar

Is El Palmar good for beginners?

Yes. Several of its peaks, especially Frente Palmar and Hawaisito, are beginner and intermediate friendly, and local surf schools run lessons for ages 12 and up with no experience required.

How far is El Palmar from Panama City?

Roughly 90 kilometers and about an hour and a half by car via the Pan American Highway, longer in heavy traffic, which is why it is a popular weekend trip for city surfers.

Is El Palmar the same beach as Playa Coronado?

No. El Palmar is its own named beach further along the San Carlos coast, with its own surf schools and lodging, distinct from Coronado closer to the city.

What hazards should I know about at El Palmar?

A mixed sand and rock bottom at several peaks is the main documented hazard, so take care entering and exiting the water, particularly at lower tide.

Where can I find photos of my El Palmar session?

Search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date to see if a photographer caught your wave.

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Keep exploring with the rest of this series and our other surf travel guides.