From Panama City drive across the country towards Colon (1- 1 1/2 hours) then head to Portobelo on a clearly marked road. Pass through Portobelo and park in a lot marked for Isla Grande, about 15 minutes beyond on a dirt road. Boats take you across the strait to the Island.
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.
Overview
Atmosphere
You stay in cabins or hotels on the island, and walk to the surf. Good seafood and laid back atmostphere. A great getaway.
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.
comment by anonymous, 2005-03-19 22:35:31
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!
comment by bingmarkbing@hotmail.com, 2005-01-14 12:23:54
surfing with a backback
hmmm...mixed reviews there.....will be in central america in april- flying into San Jose amd then flying out of mexico city 2 1/2 months later. no plans really. cant really take my stick with me so looking like buying out there or renting...any ideas about prices at all?, dont want toi have to rent a board each different spot. how shallow is the reef at Isla Grande? only ever surfed beach and point breaks in the uk- looking forward to the sea temp. lovely lovely.....any recommended cheap cabanas or places to sling a hammock?
comment by rnibali, 2007-08-22 21:49:40