From James McMahon, of Bridgehamptonβs Salty Sessions:
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 β just know what you're getting into.
For intermediate and advanced surfers, I always recommend Red Frog Bungalows. It's an eco resortβreally beautiful. Most of the huts are built in Bali and shipped over, so youβve 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. Theyβll take you to the best waves in the area and guide you right.
If you want full-on luxury, thereβs 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 itβs a beautiful base if you want that level of comfort. From there, you'd just book lessons or guiding separately with local companies.
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.
π Salty Sessions
π Red Frog Bungalows
8RVC+88 Bastimentos Island, Panama
For over a decade, Salty Sessions has held the only license for Ocean Road's breaks in Bridgehampton.
Founder James McMahon staffs the school with lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and teach students from ages 3 to 75+.
Small group lessons, sunrise privates, and summer camps draw families from across the East End.
The reason is simple: safe, fun instruction that adapts to every student's needs.
@jamesurf222 / Instagram; Lead-in Image - @ernieblackphoto/ Instagram; Aerial photo at Red Frog Bungalows - @rpirovano