Exposed south-facing beachbreak 22km west of David, La Barqueta is the most accessible surf in Chiriquí and works on virtually any swell from SE to W. Best at mid to high tide with a N or NE wind offshore, it handles 1-6ft before closing out completely. Punchy, powerful peaks suit beginners and improvers on small days, but strong rips demand serious respect at any size. Bottom: sand. Season: year-round, though early morning sessions maximize shape before the wind. Consistency: medium. Hit it at dawn before the onshore fills in, and if it's maxing out in front of the hotel, walk 15 minutes east where the beach flattens and waves run smaller and more manageable. Infrastructure nearby includes hotels, bars, and restaurants at Las Olas Beach Resort. No localism to speak of, and on most days you'll have the whole stretch to yourself, which makes it a useful option when you need uncrowded water time.
One of the emptiest beaches in Chiriquí despite its relative proximity to David. Even on weekends the crowd rarely materialises. Spread across a long beach, there is no localism pressure. Local groms from fishing families surf here, so show some respect and space if you encounter them.
Follow the Las Olas Beach Resort signs from David for 22km on fully paved road. Free parking at the hotel. No surf facilities on the beach itself. Hotels, bars, and restaurants at the resort. Be aware of strong rips, particularly when any size is running.
When La Barqueta closes out, the Morro Negrito surf camp area near Remedios offers more sheltered breaks including rocky lefthanders and a rivermouth setup that handles size better. Playa Venao to the east is the benchmark beach break in the region when conditions align.
Forecast by Windy.app
