Morro Negrito has a wide variety of surf spots from a beginner to a professional level.

Click the photos below the break names to view their specifics.

Emilys:

Nestles:

P-Land:

The Point:

Sand Bar:

Emilys is one of the funnest waves at Morro Negrito. Its a nice little left breaking directly in front of the camp. It may not be the biggest wave, but it has some really workable sections. Emilys is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers because of the lava rock/white coral reef bottom.

Click the photo below to views Emilys video.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my girlfriend or wife like it there?

If your girlfriend likes the outdoors, shell love it. There is fishing, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, a long beach you can run/walk with lots of pretty shells she can collect. Though our accommodations are better than camping, she will ONLY enjoy it, if she likes camping.

2. What are the accommodations like?

Oceanfront cabana rooms with a great view and a cool breeze. There is running water for drinking and showering. We have a dining room area for eating and visiting in the evening. We have electricity in the evening hours when we start our generator. Accommodation Pictures

3. When is the best season?

Best chance for double overhead plus waves in from April to October. November to March is more likely to be in the headhigh range. Rainy season is from May to November, dry season is from December to April. Please note, we can not guarantee waves that are either too big or too small for your preference.

4. Do I need any special immunizations?

Tetanus would be good if you havent had one in the last ten years. No problems with Malaria, Yellow Fever or Hepatitis.

5. How safe is it in Panama?

Recently, a government study on crime in Latin America found Panama with a lower crime rate than Costa Rica, which is typically thought as one of the safest Latin American countries to travel to. Panama is rated at the same level as the United States.

6. Do I need a passport?

Yes For a U.S. passport application, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

7. How far are you from Panama City?

The island is located 250 miles from Panama City going in the direction of Costa Rica. We are on an island in the Gulf of Chiriqui.

8. Can you accommodate vegetarian diets?

Yes. Panama has a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Please inform us prior to arrival of any special diets.

9. How consistent are your waves?

As consistent as any other surf destination in the world. We have waves most all the time, but we cant guarantee waves 100% of the time. No body can.

10.What is the bathroom like?

We have a flush toilet, sink and shower.

11.What is your preparation for medical emergencies?

We have a fairly extensive medical supply cabinet, so we can handle most minor injuries like cuts and bruises. Our camp workers have some first aid, CPR training, but arent doctors. We have phone and radio contact with a local naval base. We are approximately 1 hour to a small country hospital and 1.5 hours from a major city hospital.

Nestles is located on the outer island called Silva. This wave is big and steep, some even compare it to the box. Nestles is recomended only for advanced surfers.

Click the photo below to view Nestles video.

The cost for the week long package is $640 p/stay per person. Most clients who sign up for this package fly into Panama city Sat. evening, arrive to the camp Sun morning after a 20 min taxi ride, 5 hr public bus ride, 30 min. mini-bus ride, then 30 min. journey to the island by boat, enjoy 5.5 full days stay at the camp, and leave camp Friday afternoon with the tide to catch their Sat. morning flights. If you fly into Panama City on a Th. or a Fri. you will enjoy 1-2 extra days at camp at a charge of $85 extra per day and if you fly out of Panama city on a Sunday the extra day on the back end costs $85.

The $640 week long package includes:

• 30 min. mini-bus ride from the Panamerican Highway to our port (Puerto Yurre) provided by our very own Ceferino Rodriguez
• Boat transport to the island
• 5.5 stay (lodging) at the surf camp
• 3 meals per day and
• Daily motorboat trips to the excellent reef and beach breaks that define our small but beautiful and remote camp as a wordclass surfing destination.

We will arrange for, but do not pay for:

• Hotel stay in Panama City at the front or back end of the trip when necessary ($50/night for 2 beds, we make the arrangements!)
• Taxi ride to and from the airport to the bus station (~$20 each way, David Fernandez will be ready to assist you)
• 5 hr public bus rides to and from Panama city ($15 each way)

Other optional services include:

• Surfboard rentals at $25/board/day

• Surf Lessons at $30/hr for a private lesson, $15/person/hr for 2 people, and $10/person/hr for groups of 3 or more.

• Massages are available for $20 for 30 minutes.

• Outer island fishing trips are available for $150/day (divided between fishermen)

• Cold drinks (soda, juice, and beer) at $1.50/bebida.

P-land is located on the outer island called Silva. This wave is a left and is usually the most consistent break all year round. P-Land is recomended for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Click the photo below to view P-Lands album.

The Point is a world class barreling wave. I think the pictures can say the rest.

Click the photo below to see The Points album.

Fishing in the Gulf of Chiriqui region is regarded as a world class fishing destination. There have been many write-ups in sport fishing magazines about the marlin, sailfish, Wahoo and tuna that have been caught in this area.

The Sand Bar is south of the big island. The wave goes for about 400 yards breaking both left and right. It has been described as the perfect wave you draw on your notebook in high school that just keeps going and going. Not a fast wave, but a long, long playful wave. The Sand Bar is recommended for any surfer that can stand up and turn.

Click the photo below to view The Sand Bars album.

Amenities at the surf camp include:

• Large spacious dining area
• Large covered yoga deck
• Ocean view rooms
• Running water for showering
• Filtered spring water for drinking
• 24 hour electricity powered by the sun and wind.
• Large spacious kitchen with excellent cooks.
• Beautiful tiled rooms with a fresh sea breezes blowing through.
• 3 beautiful camp bathroom with showers, toilet and wash basin.
• Large balcony in front of most rooms with a fantastic view and hanging hammocks.
• Basketball court (half).
• Horseshoe pit

Accommodation Photos:

Click photo below to view album.

There are also a large number of other activities available to the guests at Morro Negrito Surf Camp.

Such as:

• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Spear fishing
• Hiking
• Whale watching
• Bird watching
• Yoga deck for stretching
• Massages
• Horseshoes
• Ping pong
• Basketball
• Miscellaneous board games

Dont forget the always popular Swinging in the hammock, relaxing and reading a book.

Click Picture to see the video of the Private Panama Surf Island!

Private Panama Surf Island

This boat is fast and cut through the waves like a knife through butter. It has twin 115 hp Yamahas and is built for speed. The boat is light weight and has the power to move. It will get you to the best surf spots, fishing or dive spots fast! Get you surfing, fishing or dive buddies together as this boat will make sure you get what you came for.

www.surferparadise.com

Bringing Christmas waves to all good boys and girls!

www.surferparadise.com

El Nio can produce more intense and southerly displaced storms, which is good news for the west facing surf spots from Southern Baja to South America.

With the increased storminess in California and Northern Baja, looking south could be a good call this winter, especially if/when we start to see a long term pattern of more southerly based storms. As we mentioned above, the onset of El Nio can produce more intense and southerly displaced storms, which is good news for the west facing surf spots from Southern Baja to South America.(Surfline.com)

It looks like we are heading into an excellent winter season, so with airline rates down, good swell comings, warm uncrowded waves, it might be a good time to plan that winter surf trip.

As of recently one item of surfing equipment is accepted as baggage for $175 (for travel within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) and $300 (for travel outside the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico).

I called the Delta customer service rep to ask if that was a typo (mistake) and she said no. So, Two boards would be $1,200 round trip? I asked. She answered Yes, that is correct.

Heres a petition going around:
Fight Airline Surfboard Charges Sick of paying airline surcharges for your board? Join the Surfboard Airline Petition http://www.surfers-against-airline-fees.com/ to speak out against airline carriers that have banned surfboards.

In the mean time I have expanded my rental inventory by purchasing 28 epoxy surfboards from Global Surf Industries. They range from 60 to 87. These boards are designed for performance as well as durability.

For information on rental surfboards click here.

Click the Image below to see the rentals:

Lock in 2008 Rates for 2009 covered up Prices for Morro Negrito Surf Camp will increase in 2008. The old price has been $650 per week and the new price will be $700. The reason for the new price is because of the increase in fuel costs and other commodities that have steadily increased over the past two years. The camp has also been in a steady state of improvement during this time period. Improvements have been in the area of another honeymoon suit, new wood decking, new tiled floors, new boat, new motors, new rental surfboards, improved port facilities. However, if you would like to lock in the old rate from 2008, then you will need to make a reservation and pay the deposit by December 31st, 2008. Contact me by filling out the contact form and I will be happy to reserve a week for next year for you at the 2008 price.Good Surfing, www.surferparadise.com

Email received from pro surf photographer Phil Perez

Well guys,

I have to tell you I was a bit apprehensive and skeptical coming to Panama for good surf, but Im so glad I did because this place ROCKS! Ive only been here a few days, but have added the best photos that Ive taken yet to my portfolio. Go to http://morronegrito.smugmug.com/Popular-Collections to see more of this place. And, yeah, I caught my fair share of these bombs check my personal photo section to see for yourself! Im in the process of adding photos with a slow, third world internet connection, so be patient theyre on their way.

This place is so beautiful, and the place Im staying is something else. This guy Steve built a very well-designed eco-friendly surf camp on an island (population: 50) that has a variety pack of fun waves, with a nearby offshore island (population: 3) that has the bombing reef breaks in the attached photos. These offshore breaks are heavy-duty, deep water reefs with some areas of dry-reef that need to be carefully negotiated. The co-ed staff are all surfers and everyone is having the time of their lives out here. The vibe is so cool, and everyone is surfed out and in a good mood all day.

Check the photos and book your tickets. By the way, round trip is a whopping $209 from Fort Lauderdale, which is a little more affordable than the $700 El Salvador ticket, which is closer go figure!

Cheers,

Phil

www.surferparadise.com

Our annual visit from surfguide Bob Moe at Morro Negrito Surf Camp. He escapes the cold of Washington State to visit us in the warm waters of Panama during February and March. Here is his story in his own words:

Following on the success of last years school trip to Panama City, the Morro Negrito Foundation took the island children on another outing, this time to their own province of Chiriqui. Panamanians have a strong sense of pride for their provinces, and the Foundation thought this would be an opportunity for the children to see some important parts of Chiriqui. Led by camp manager, Jeff Healion, ten children and nine parents enjoyed a two day excursion of learning, fun, and exploration set to the theme of Getting to Know my Province.

Traveling by boat and bus, the trip included visits to the mountain town of Boquete and the provincial capital, David. The first stop was Paradise Gardens, an animal sanctuary and refuge in the cool highlands of Boquete, a thriving hub of coffee production and nationally famous for its coffee and flower fair. Here, we enjoyed interactive tours of monkeys, exotic birds, endangered mammals, and an enclosed butterfly park. Most all the animals at Paradise Gardens have been rescued and are awaiting release back into the jungle.

After a picnic lunch in Boquetes main plaza, it was down to the warmer climes of David, Panamas thriving western hub of agriculture, business, and tourism. The group visited Culturama, a historical and cultural society located in one of the oldest buildings in Chiriqui. We learned about local history and were treated to entertaining stories by one of the areas best storytellers.

What is a field trip without a little down time, so we headed over to the theater and caught the new Disney holiday movie Enchanted followed by a stop at MacDonalds. After dinner we went to see Davids new million-dollar plaza, probably the nicest plaza in Panama, if not Central America. The fountains and manicured gardens are beautifully lit at night. Just by luck, a local philanthropic organization was presenting a Christmas performance of dance, music, and holiday dramas in the parks amphitheater. It was a lovely tropical evening and we enjoyed the festivities besides being tired from a day of busy events. Finally, we made it to a comfortable nights sleep at Hotel Toledo.

Day two began with a fun breakfast at a popular downtown cafeteria where we were treated to a private reception room. From the restaurant we walked to the Sevillana Bakery where we enjoyed a full tour of the bakerys back kitchens. In Panama, as in much of Latin America, the bakery still plays a major role in peoples daily lives. At Sevillan, fresh bread slides out of the ovens nearly all day.

A short walk from the bakery we stopped at citys main fire station. Here we had a full tour of the facilities and then were treated to a simulated emergency call. We watched the firemen slide down the poles, put their suits on, and then leave the firehouse. Out in the driveway they stopped and started the hoses. The children loved the excitement and show. After some fun pictures with the firehouse staff, we were on our way to our final destination.

Davids International Airport is the second largest in Panama and Aeroperlas, the regional carrier, had invited us to board one of their planes as it was being prepared for a flight. Probably not something we could have done in many countries, we all boarded the plane, visited the cockpit, and then relaxed in the cabin seats while the flight attendants answered questions from the children. After our brief flight on the ground, the staff took us safely to the gate. Wow, what a thrill for the children.

With just a few hours left before we needed to begin our journey back to camp, we spent a few hours looking around the busy commercial district of David, bustling with holiday activity. In Latin America, so much of the activity begins out in front of the stores so just walking around the streets is fascinating.

It is hard to imagine how our trip could have been more fun, rewarding, or educational. Sure we arrived back at the island tired, but the children were still buzzing with excitement from the events and what they had experienced. If you could have seen the smiles and eyes during the two days, you would all know how rewarding it is to share with those that are less fortunate. During the holiday time, it was especially rewarding for us to share a magical treat with the children from our island. We would like to thank all of you who have helped with the Morro Negrito Foundation. Your caring made this wonderful trip possible. Thank you.

Lock in 2007 Rates for 2008

Prices for Morro Negrito Surf Camp will increase in 2008. The old price has been $600 per week and the new price will be $650.

The reason for the new price is because of the increase in fuel costs and other commodities that have steadily increased over the past two years. The camp has also been in a steady state of improvement during this time period. Improvements have been in the area of another honeymoon suit, new wood decking, new tiled floors, new boat, new motors, new rental surfboards, improved port facilities.

However, if you would like to lock in the old rate from 2007, then you will need to make a reservation and pay the deposit by December 31st, 2007. Contact me by clicking this logo:
and I will be happy to reserve a week for next year for you at the 2007 price.Good Surfing,

www.surferparadise.com

Morro Negrito now has a fully equipped deep sea fishing boat that can take fishermen to the world class fishing spots located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama. The 25 ft deep V hull boat can smoothly cut through big swells and is equipped with new twin 115 hp 4 stroke motors, live bait well, GPS fish finder and an onboard stereo system.

The Gulf of Chiriqui is located south of David and covers an area of 14,740 hectares plus a great number of Islands and Islets. Among them you can find Isla Coiba, Isla Cebaco, Isla Montuosa, Boca Brava, Jicaron and Isla Secas with some of the best big game sport fishing, surfing and sport-diving in Central America. Hannibal Bank and Coiba Island are both well known sport-diving and salt water sport fishing destinations Panama Central America. Hannibal Bank is famous for its Sailfish, Tuna, Blue Marlin and Black Marlin among others. The bottom of the ocean or undersea topography in this area switches from over 3,000ft deep to 124ft in less than 2 1/2 miles. This creates currents that are convenient when going on an offshore fishing salt water fishing trip. This is the home for large Yellow Fin Tuna and schools of Marlin.
Coiba Island is located in the Gulf of Montijo and is the largest island in the Mesoamerican Pacific with 270,125 hectares. It is located 30 miles off the coast and 200 miles from Panama City. Recent studies reveal that Coiba Island was inhabited as early as 500 years B.C. The Coiba Island is now a patrolled national park and protected from commercial fishing within its boundaries. The island was first ruled by Coiba Indians and later ruled by Vasco Nues de Balboa who at some point was defeated by pirates. In 1918 a penal colony was established and was closed in 1992. This island had a penal population that reached up to 3,000 prisoners. Besides from sport fishing, here you will find great opportunities for adventure travel or eco tourism. You will find a great variety of monkeys, iguanas, crocodile, snakes and over 133 different species of birds for those birdwatchers.
Cebaco Island is located between Santa Catalina and Mariato West Coast of the Peninsula de Azuero. This island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and scenery for sport-diving, snorkeling or guided fishing trips. The Cebaco Bay is located south of the island and it is excellent for big game fishing or angling, sport diving and surfing. Its reefs are home of Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish, Dorado, Monster Yellowfin Tuna (100 + pounds) and a variety of billfish such as sail fish
Montousa Island is 10 miles off Hannibal Bank and it is also a great sport-diving spot in clear waters of Panamas Pacific Ocean. The bottom floor also rises dramatically from approximate depths of 10,000 ft making it great for deep sea fishing in Panama.
Jicaron Island is located south of Isla Coiba and its located at only two miles from the dramatic ocean floor drop off. The island setting of underwater rocks and reefs are home of Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Amberjack, Roosterfish, Amberjacks, Trevally and Marlin.
Secas Island has a great diving site on the southwest side of the island. The dive spot is inhabited by large rays that will cruise by you on most dives. Moreover, this island is a boutique resort we operate with which was designed for those who want private, pristine surroundings with excellent service.
Contreras Island is part of the Coiba National Park which means is great for diving.

Isla Montuosa is great for spear fishing.

Ladrones Island is a group of small islands that conforms a great deep sea fishing and diving spot.
Boca Brava Island is located 1hr away from David Chiriqui. It also has excellent deep sea fishing and diving available.

Check our website: http://www.panamadeepseafishing.com/

Panama Fish Chart

Fish Quarry

Hacia el Futuro, or Towards the Future,

In late December, the Morro Negrito Foundation led a trip from the island school to visit the national treasures of Panama City. With a theme of Hacia el Futuro, or Towards the Future, the trip was for many of the participants their first travel outside the province and their first visit to the capital of Panama City. Over a period of two days, the group of students and parents, led by Morro Negrito Surfguide Jeff Healion, traveled to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the ruins of the first settlement of Panama, the Presidential Palace which included a surprise meeting with President Martin Torrijos, and the new continent-spanning Centenario Bridge. Along the way, the group enjoyed some out-of-the-ordinary treats of pizza, ice cream, and holiday shopping at the new Albrook Mall at the site of the former US Albrook Air Base.

The design of the trip was to bring the students in contact with the past, the present, and the future of their country through the ruins, the Canal, and the government buildings. The group enjoyed special presentations at each location. At the Canal, the group was treated to a private presentation of the Panama Canal movie and then witnessed two giant Panamax ships passing through the locks. Nothing could have been more surprising though than when Panamas President pulled up just as the group was visiting his palace. With no one else around, he got out of his car to talk with the students. As he left for his office, he commanded his staff to give the group a special tour inside the palace.

Healion reported the smiles, excitement and gratitude we saw during the trip were heartwarming reasons why we know the Foundation can do good work. Hacia el Futuro was a great success.

The trip was the first of several projects the Morro Negrito Foundation will lead in an effort to bring social and environmental improvements to the island where the surf camp operates.

A developed world business operating in a developing country should take on the social responsibility of bettering the lives of its workers and the lives of the individuals in the community in which it operates. With the aim of working locally to improve the world community, Morro Negrito Surf Camp has established a foundation to assist community members on Ensenada Island.

Local children have access to a very basic education at the small government school on the island where the surf camp is located. This education ends for the students at about age thirteen. If a student wishes to continue, the family must send the child to the high school on the mainland. For most families, the cost of transportation, food, housing, and school supplies is a great burden and many are unable to send their children, especially those with several children.

The educational assistance program will provide families with the funds necessary for supporting their children in higher education. Currently, there are five children studying off the island. In 2007, another two will be eligible to continue at high school if their families so decide. With the new program we hope that money will no longer be a factor whether families send their children.

The surf camp enjoys close contact with all the families that will be involved in the program and will be able to monitor the progress of the students. We have seen many of these children grow up and it is especially rewarding to know they will have new choices and opportunities for their futures. We know their ties to the island will always be strong but we also hope that by continuing their education their new paths will show them what a truly special place their home is. We know that because we are lucky to share the island with them.

-Jeff Healion

If you are interested in participating in this Education Fund for the children of the island, then please contact me for further information at educationfund@surferparadise.com

Here are the latest photos for the months of July, August and September.

Click the photo below to view the album.

Morro Negrito Surf Camp is now a 100% alternative energy powered surf camp.

The surf camp has been using solar panels since 2000, but it was necessary to occasionally supplement the power with a gas powered generator on cloudy or rainy days. September 2006, a one thousand watt wind turbine was installed that has been doing an excellent job of supplementing the solar system with wind generated power. Previously, the solar batteries would automatically disconnect themselves due to low voltage at about midnight. Now, there has been 24 hours of electricity at the camp since the system was installed two weeks ago.

The solar/wind generator systems perfectly compliment each other because quite often when the sun isnt shining, the wind is blowing in the late afternoons, evening and night hours.

We are very happy to be able to generate enough power through these alternative energy sources to take care of all our electrical needs, states Steve Thompson, part owner of the surf camp. Hopefully, we can help inspire the camp visitors that come to surf camp to perhaps consider installing their own clean energy systems, wherever they may come from. Since we are on an island, there is no grid system that we are able to tap into. Continuously burning gas or diesel didnt seem like such a good idea to us. We decided instead to invest in these systems to help keep the tropical paradise of Panama clean and pure as it might possible be.

There are also a large number of independently powered solar lights around the camp, reducing the drain on the battery bank that stores the electricity.

Future plans that are on the drawing board entail a possible hydro-electric system. There are a number of artesian springs pumping a large amount of water out of the ground, so much that it has created several water falls on the island, explains Steve. With all that untapped energy coming out of the ground, I am sure we will be able to harness it for the energy needs of both the surf camp and perhaps even the local islanders.