Playa Serena Reviews and Ratings
(Gulf of Panama)
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Visitor reviews of Playa Serena surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“I've surfed Playa Serena for over 30 years and I have to say to be more accurate (ed.)...
1. Playa Serena does not do well with northern or northwesterly winds...
2. When the conditions are right, it is probably the best wave in the Bay of Panama so I would give it 4 stars at least with a good swell.
3. Serena has three sections, the first one is very hollow and can be very challenging. It feeds directly into a bunch of rocks so you have to be careful. The second section still has power and might get a little hollow but is smaller in size, and then finally the third section is very easy, ideal for beginners or long boarding.
4. Serena is probably the most crowded break in the Bay of Panama because of its easy access and because it is in the most developed beach town in Panama, called Coronado.
5. As for consistency, I would give it 2 stars at most given that the conditions really need to be right for this break to work well. For instance, between November and April, it will be highly unlikely to find good surf at Serena. From May to October you need low, low tides and little wind with a strong swell to find great surf here.”
Juan C. Vallarino from PANAMA - 13 Jun 2022
Playa Serena Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.5(1: Playa Serena is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Playa Serena is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Gulf of Panama. 5: the best break in Gulf of Panama). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Playa Serena can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Playa Serena, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Playa Serena are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 4.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Playa Serena is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.0(1: Getting to Playa Serena requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Playa Serena for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Playa Serena is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Playa Serena is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Playa Serena, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Playa Serena where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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