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Aerial satellite view of Rinconsito surf break in San Carlos District, Panama Pacific, Panama
San Carlos District, Panama Pacific, Panama

Rinconsito

8.508, -79.913
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
  • Rinconsito is a right over mixed, long walling right-hand point, hot-dog walls, sand over rock bottom.
  • Suits intermediate surfers, working 3-10 ft.
  • Peak April to October, water 26-30°C.
Right · MixedIntermediate3–10 ftApr – Oct

A long, walling right-hand point that draws comparisons to California's Rincon, Rinconsito delivers workable walls for progressive surfing on Panama's Pacific coast near Coronado. It needs a solid S to SW swell to fire, with NW offshores grooming the face, and functions across all tides. Size range sits around 3-10ft, though it only delivers when the swell is substantial enough to wrap the point properly. Intermediate surfers who can handle an inconsistent schedule and a paddle through potential rivermouth pollution will find long-wall rides when conditions align. Bottom: sand over rock, shaped by river outflow. Season: Pacific swell season, roughly April through October. Consistency: low. Note that the river runoff from the nearby estuary affects water quality, so check conditions after heavy rain before paddling out.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Apr – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Long walling right-hand point, hot-dog walls, sand over rock bottom.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
S
S - SW
Offshore wind
NW
North westerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
3-10ft
Low
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
26° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy sections
  • Mid-length or longboard for smaller, mushier days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

The lineup is rarely crowded, partly because the spot's inconsistency filters casual surfers. When a proper swell hits, expect a handful of intermediates and a relaxed vibe. No significant localism reported, but standard lineup etiquette applies.

Access & Facilities

Fee parking is available but there are no facilities on site. The estuary and river outflow create a pollution risk, especially after rainfall. Bring your own water and food. The closest services are in Coronado, a short drive away.

Nearby Alternatives

When Rinconsito is flat, Playa Serena's right-hand pointbreak at Coronado Beach or the long, fast rights at Jefrys in San Carlos are worth checking on the same swell window. Punta Palmar picks up bigger swells and offers powerful righthanders at high tide when the Pacific is pumping.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Rinconsito surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Panama Pacific

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Rinconsito

What skill level is Rinconsito suited for?
Rinconsito is a mixed bottom, long walling right-hand point, hot-dog walls, sand over rock bottom, break suited for intermediate surfers.
What size does Rinconsito work best at?
Working size is 3 to 10 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 10 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Rinconsito?
Rinconsito fires from April through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Rinconsito need?
Rinconsito switches on with a s - sw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the north westerly.
What are the main hazards at Rinconsito?
Main hazards at Rinconsito: no concerns.
What type of wave is Rinconsito?
Rinconsito is a right-breaking wave over mixed. Long walling right-hand point, hot-dog walls, sand over rock bottom.

Sources

  • Stormrider
Rinconsito
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