Compare destinationsThe insider tip in Central America
Punta Chame: Kitesurfing in Panama’s paradise
Punta Chame is a quiet, idyllic spot on a narrow peninsula whose laid-back vibe offers ideal conditions for kitesurfers. Stay right on the spot, wake to the wind, and hit the water right after a tasty breakfast. On good days the team stays out with you until sunset – the ultimate kitesurfing experience!
Unlike Brazil, Panama is still less known as a kitesurf destination, yet Punta Chame delivers excellent conditions from December to April for beginners, intermediates, and freestylers. With wind, water at 28°C and air at 31°C, it’s the perfect place to escape the European winter.
Our main kite spot in Punta Chame offers a large lagoon at low tide, perfect for beginners and improvers. At high tide the water reaches the kite camp, where advanced riders can launch right away and enjoy prime foiling and wingfoiling. Just ten minutes away, on the other side of the peninsula, a swell sets up great surfing and even more variety.
- Accommodation right at the spot
- Boardshorts and bikini weather every day
- Season from December to End of April
- One Spot with a variety of opportunities
- Perfect for solo travelers, couples and friends
- Co-working space with high-speed internet
Florian, Center Manager
“Kiting during the evening session, when the sun slips behind the mountains and paints the sky in stunning colors, is always something special to me. Punta Chame as a kite spot is still under the radar and thus a real insider tip. Let the lagoon, sandbanks, wide-open space, friendly people, and steady wind cast their spell on you.”
Kite spot & kite school
Panama lies in the trade wind belt that also feeds Venezuela and the ABC Islands. From early December to April, Panama gets plenty of it. Perfect timing to head to Panama for kitesurfing!
Typically the wind starts early, eases a bit around midday, then picks up again in the afternoon and evening. If you’re an early bird, a dawn session is a great start to the day. After a tasty breakfast and a short siesta, you can get back on the water in the afternoon, often until sunset.
ATTRACTIVE KITESURF PACKAGES FOR EVERY LEVEL
As with many other KiteWorldWide destinations, we also offer all-inclusive packages in Panama for maximum holiday fun – with no hidden costs.
Note: Due to reduced package prices, there are no refunds for rental gear or lessons in unsuitable wind conditions (too much or too little wind).
- Accommodation as booked
- Kite services as booked
- Weekly local excursion (e.g. Waterfall/Hike)
Free SUP Rental
8 h private kite coursePanama Kite Center accommodation
The Panama Kite Center sits right on the main kite spot in Punta Chame and offers ideal conditions for kitesurfers. Florian, the owner, has created an idyllic kite camp where you can stay in luxurious glamping tents or comfy studio apartments – with or without a kitchen – right on the spot. You’re in the heart of it all, wake to the wind, and after a tasty breakfast at the on-site restaurant, head straight onto the water.
In Panama you can enjoy varied meals right at the kite camp. The on-site restaurant serves a wide range of dishes – from fresh fish and pasta to tasty vegetarian and vegan options. So you can relax and dine right on the spot.
If you stay at the Panama Kite Center, a tasty breakfast is already included. As a special perk, KiteWorldWide guests also enjoy unlimited coffee until 10:00 am.
SURFING
On the other side of Punta Chame you’ll find the surf spot “Chame Banks.” Beautiful waves get groomed by the offshore wind.
HIKING
Nearby is Cerro Chame, an 800 m peak. Once you reach the summit, a unique panorama awaits, and along the way you’ll see impressive biodiversity in the tropical forest.
EXCURSIONS
Panama itself is well worth a trip and not only for kitesurfers.
Not far from Punta Chame lies Panama City, buzzing day and night. In the old town, Casco Viejo, many bars and restaurants await you. If you want to party, this is the place. Be sure to put the Mercado de Mariscos fish market and the Panama Canal locks on your list!
Panama is a modern country with a long, impressive history. In the Embera indigenous village you’ll learn all about origins, traditions, and customs.
FAQ
Visa: Travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not need a visa if the stay does not exceed 90 days. If you have a different nationality, please check your country’s entry rules in advance.
Important note for USA stopovers:
ESTA required: If you transit in the USA, you need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This is required regardless of stay length, even for short airport transfers, as you officially enter the USA to catch your connection.
Application: We recommend completing the ESTA at least one week before departure, ideally as early as possible. Apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.
Important: Please check the latest entry rules with your foreign office or the embassy in good time to ensure all requirements are met and to note any short-notice changes.
You can easily pay at the kitesurf school by credit card, cash, or PayPal.
Panama’s official currencies are the US dollar and the Panamanian balboa, which is pegged to the US dollar. The balboa exists only as coins up to 1 balboa (= 1 USD). All banknotes are in US dollars. You can withdraw cash at Panama City airport.
You will need an adapter for US power outlets.
Men around 75 kg typically use 9 and 12 m kites. Women around 50 kg typically use 7 and 9 m kites.
- Passport (valid for at least 6 more months)
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Beach towel and flip-flops
- Light clothing (sweater and long pants for the evening). A thin jacket for hikes!
- Kite gear (board, harness, bar, and kites)
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