Panama is a Central American country known for its famous canal, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides. The country attracts tourists seeking adventure activities, kiteboarding, and surfing.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PANAMA

Panama Canal

A marvel of engineering, the Panama Canal is a must-visit attraction in Panama. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and construction of the canal while watching ships navigate through the locks.

San Blas Islands

A tropical paradise, the San Blas Islands are a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and explore the indigenous Guna Yala culture.

Casco Viejo

Located in Panama City, Casco Viejo is the historic district of the city. The area features colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and a lively nightlife scene.

Bocas del Toro

A popular beach destination, Bocas del Toro is a group of islands on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing, as well as exploring the laid-back island lifestyle.

Boquete

A mountain town in western Panama, Boquete is known for its mild climate, coffee farms, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the lush forests and waterfalls, sample locally grown coffee, and relax in natural hot springs.

KITESURFING IN PANAMA

Punta Chame is the undiscovered jewel for kiteboarding adventure seekers in Central America. Punta Chame, located on the Pacific coast of Panama, is a premier destination for kiteboarding due to its consistent winds, flat water and wide open space. 
The warm, tropical climate of Punta Chame is ideal for kiteboarding beginners as well as more experienced riders. The consistent wind conditions due to trade winds and its natural beauty make it an excellent location for kiteboarding with the best conditions being from December to April.
The kiteboarding scene in Punta Chame is lively and welcoming, with numerous kite centers and rental shops offering lessons and equipment. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and visitors can mingle with locals and fellow kiteboarders.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO KITESURF IN PANAMA? 

The main season is December until April.

WHAT IS THE BEST KITESURF SPOT IN PANAMA?

Punta Chame

Punta Chame is the only developed on-shore kite spot due to its wide open space, and consistent northern winds. The winds accelerate across the mainland and drive off the mountain range across the wide bay. Kiting there is safe and has an infrastructure with kite centers, hotels, restaurants, and kite shops.

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

A Brief History of Panama

Panama has a rich history, beginning with the indigenous tribes who left behind pre-Columbian art. The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, establishing Panama City as a trading hub and transportation route for South American goods. In 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia with the support of the US, who signed a treaty to construct the Panama Canal. The canal opened in 1914, facilitating global trade. Today, Panama has a diverse culture, influenced by its indigenous roots, Spanish colonial past, and modern global connections. Visitors can explore the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, learn about the canal's history at the Canal Museum. 

Other Attractions in Panama

Panama is an excellent destination for surfers, offering warm waters, consistent waves, and a range of breaks to suit all skill levels. Chame Banks has a decent wave for beginners and intermediates about 10 meters off the kite spot—which is great if you want to mix it up. One of Panama's top spots is Santa Catalina, which has become known as the "Panamanian Pipeline" due to its world-class waves. Playa Venao is another popular spot with beach break waves suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Bocas del Toro is a beautiful archipelago with a variety of breaks, including reef breaks and beach breaks. The best time for surfing in Panama is from April to November, but waves can be found year-round. 

Getting to Panama

Panama is also called the hub of the Americas and its airport with two terminals is well connected with both Europe and North America. There are several direct flights available from major US cities such as Miami, Houston, Atlanta, New York, Boston and Los Angeles to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is the country's main gateway. If you're traveling from Europe, you can fly to Panama City with direct flights available from certain European cities, such as Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, Istanbul and Paris.

SIMILAR KITESURFING DESTINATIONS

• Colombia