Kitesurf in Panama : all you need to know
Panama, an off-the-beaten-path kite destination, the wind season extends from December to April.
The main spot in Panama is Punta Chame
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Panama is a good choice ?
Panama is the southernmost country in Central America, bordered by Costa Rica to the north, and Columbia to the south.
It’s a small, sparsely populated country (with less than 4 million inhabitants in total) and a true paradise for kite.
Although still underdeveloped and unknown, Panama offers some nice spots and great sailing conditions. Especially in Punta Chame, where a stage of the PKRA has already taken place.
Best period and spots to kite in Panama
There aren’t many spots for kiteboarding in Panama, and Punta Chame is where it’s at. A large peninsula that offers flat water, ideal for freeriders and freestylers.
In the past, you could kiteboard in the San Blas Islands, but it’s now a reserve, and this little paradise is no longer accessible to kiteboarders.
Best season for kiteboarding: December to April.
Discover the kite spots in Panama
Punta Chame
San Blas
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Authentic
- Preserved
- Nature
- Long Journey
- Water not always translucent
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: From 12 hours, including a layover
Direct flight: no
Time difference: UTC-5
Airlines: Delta – Air France – United – Lufthansa – KLM – Iberia…
Main airports: Panama City (PTY)
Flight price: 700 / 1000€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: None
- Visa requirements: Visa not required for stays up to 180 days for Americans and Britons
- Need for electrical adapter: Type A and B electrical outlets (same as USA)
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD)
Additional tips
It’s worth renting a car to get around and visit the region.
Exploring the area by car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want and take in the stunning views.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see all the hidden gems that the region has to offer.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Outside of kiteboarding, in Panama, you can go take a look at the legendary Panama Canal. To contrast with this very industrial side, you can go explore natural parks like Boquete known for its coffee plantations, or Darien where a very rich biodiversity reigns.
If you have some time, you can also go visit the little paradise that are the San Blas Islands, even though unfortunately kiteboarding is no longer allowed there.