Morro Negrito Surf Camp

In the Gulf of Chiriqui, on the Pacific Coast and near the Costa Rica border, Morro Negrito is formed by two islands: The Big island and the Small island. The Big Island is where the camp is located and where you will find a sandy beach and smaller fun breaks, while the Small island is a prime surf destination with at least ten well established breaks. There are no cars nor road on the island, home to only 80 inhabitants. Morro Negrito Surf Camp accommodation is formed by bamboo huts and located on the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are no more than twenty surfers at a time, so the dozen breaks on the islands are never crowded. Water is supplied by a fresh water spring with a 50 foot waterfall on top of a hill that has been piped down for drinking and showering. Electricity is supplied by solar energy and a generator. In the evening, surfers gather in the open-air dining area for meals and to watch the day's surf videos. Diving, world class fishing, exploring the island on horseback or just relaxing in a hammock are the favourite occupation at Morro Negrito, which has a variety of wild life including monkeys, deer and many types of birds.

The Surf Camp

Surfari & Surf School

The Prices

The Trip

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Morro Negrito Surf Camp, the ultimate surf paradise, is actually formed by two islands: The big island and a smaller island. The Big Island is where the camp is located and where you will find a sandy beach and smaller fun breaks, while the small island has at least ten well established breaks. Morro Negrito was opened in June 1998 by longtime San Diego surfer Steve Thompson. In that short time, the surf camp has already developed a good reputation, attracting surfers from all over the world and a faithful following of surfers who return each year.

The big island features the accommodation and there are no cars nor road on this island, home to only eighty inhabitants. Accommodation is formed by several bungalows sleeping two, with common shower facilities. Main house with dining area, terrace and lounge with TV/Video. The number of visiting surfers is limited to no more than twenty at a time, so that the dozen breaks on the islands are never crowded.

Water is supplied by a fresh water spring with a 50 foot waterfall on top of the hill that has been piped down for drinking and showering. Electricity is supplied by solar energy and a generator, providing enough energy to run minimal lights and a TV. In the evening, surfers gather in the open-air dining area for meals and to watch the day's surf videos.

There is a large sandy beach break in one bay area and there are also several left point breaks on the big island. Diving, fishing, exploring, or just relaxing in a hammock are the favourite occupation on the island, which has a variety of wild life including monkeys, many types of bird, parrots and deer. Horseback riding is also available to explore the island.

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Surf Tours or Surfaris are for experienced surfers (average or advanced)

The small island is a thirty minute boat ride away. Surf wise, this is the island with the largest waves. When the waves are flat everywhere else, you'll find 6-8 feet faces here on average. On the north side of the island there are left handers going off and on the south side of the island there are right breaking waves.

The outer reefs can be heavy to surf at times, but beginning surfers can always find smaller, more manageable waves on the big island near the camp - The best beginner surf breaks are "Emily's" and the "Sandbar". Among the more notable spots on the smaller island are "Nestles", a right and left hand cloud break that can handle 20-foot plus swells, and "P-Land", a barrelling left that breaks over a huge submerged table top reef.

Depending on how keen and fit you are, you can probably log two surf sessions per day, with a hammock time session in between ! The camp's experienced surf guides provide surf lessons and are handy for pointing you in the direction of the best waves.

Surf School

Since January 2003, Morro Negrito Surfcamp has a surf school to attend the needs of beginners. Daily surf lessons for beginners and boat trips to surfing spots for more experienced surfers. The head coach is Jeff Healion, who worked previously at Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. By way of explanation, this will not increase the numbers of surfers at the camp, usually around 15, but never over 20. The beginners will surf the sandy beach break and as their surfing ability increases, they will be able to surf the Sandbar break (wave size permitting). The other breaks of Silva and the Point are not recommended for beginners.

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The Rates

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All guests will arrive at the Panama International Airport (PTY) on Saturday. (Surfers arriving before Saturday, will only be picked up on Saturday). The first night will be in Panama City. The organisation will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.

On Sunday morning, you will depart for the island by bus. The bus ride takes about 5 hours to arrive at the Cruce de Tole, from where there is another 30 minute ride in the Landcruiser to the port. Then and a 30 minute boat ride later you are at the camp. The island is located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, about 80 miles from the border of Costa Rica.

All food, accommodation, transportation, daily boat trips between both surf islands and hotel costs in Panama are included. Beer and soda and horseback riding are extra.

Your departure from the island will be Friday afternoon for the trip back to Panama City. We will provide your last hotel night in the city and your transport from the hotel to the airport for your Saturday airport departure.

Climate

Tropical climate with dry and wet season. Dry season from December through April, with warm winds blowing offshore. Waves are smaller but the wind offshore. Wet season from April to November. More consistent swell, more showers and wind onshore. No need for wetsuits ! All you need is trunks, warm water wax and sunscreen. Reef shoes are a good idea for coral and rock breaks.

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