From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

Why Bocas del Toro

I live a lot in Panama, and if you're heading down there, Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side is one of my favorite spots. It's an archipelago of little islands with beautiful waves.

If you're an advanced surfer, that's where you want to be. The waves can be incredible — just know what you're getting into.

Eco Adventure: Red Frog Bungalows

For intermediate and advanced surfers, I always recommend Red Frog Bungalows. It's an eco resort—really beautiful. Most of the huts are built in Bali and shipped over, so you’ve got dark wood, Indonesian style.

But when I say eco, I mean you're not taking 15-minute hot showers or blasting the AC. It's pared back, lower-impact living. They’ll take you to the best waves in the area and guide you right.

Luxury Option: La Coralina Resort

If you want full-on luxury, there’s La Coralina Resort on the island. Top, top, top. Infinity pools, masseuses on site, everything you want in a five-star hotel.

They're not going to bring you around as a surf guide, but it’s a beautiful base if you want that level of comfort. From there, you'd just book lessons or guiding separately with local companies.

Inside Tip 📌

If you're newer to surfing or want something easy, I'd say stay at a regular hotel or resort in the area and get lessons through the hotel or local operators. But if you're intermediate or above and want to score the best waves, Red Frog Bungalows is where you go.

Contacts

🌐 Salty Sessions

🌐 Red Frog Bungalows

🌐 La Carolina Island House

Images

@jamesurf222 / Instagram; Lead-in Image - @ernieblackphoto/ Instagram; Aerial photo at Red Frog Bungalows - @rpirovano