Playa Morillo is on the opposite side of the peninsula to Santa Catalina. It’s a small surf village with one very solid beach break that offers a wave for both beginners and more advanced surfers. Both lefts and rights are on offer here. On lower tides the wave can barrel and there is also a reef break which breaks right and can get quite gnarly on bigger swell.
It’s a very remote beach lined with coconut trees and just inland lies a rather dense jungle that offers fauna, flora and tranquility for the soul. Most Playa Morillo Surf Camps offer boat trips you can take to nearby Isla Cebaco which has its own cornucopia of surf breaks.
Morillo Beach Resort
This resort sits to the south-west of Playa Morillo and is located on an estuary sitting atop a jungle hillside. It leads out into a beautiful surf beach that offers world class waves. If you’re after solitude, sea and surf, then this the perfect place to spend a week or three.
Each room has its own private viewing balcony which offers spectacular views of the ocean, estuary, and the lush surrounding jungle. Room sizes vary from twin to quad rooms. The restaurant offers delightful, organic meals and the bar serves up home-brewed beer and fresh margaritas.
In addition to surfing the sought-after Playa Morillo, there are a host of other adventure and leisure activities to partake in. You can go snorkelling at a nearby private island. You can do a waterfall tour or visit the Cerro Hoya National Park. They also offer cooking classes. When it comes to surfing you take lessons every day and there are an assortment of board to rent from long foam boards to short thrusters.
Punta Duarte Gardens
Punta Duarte is is situated on Panama’s Gold Coast. Panama’s Gold Coast is located south of Santiago, Veraguas, and finished at the Southern tip Azueros with Cerro Hoya National Park. This rugged terrain offers a great contast between sandy lava beaches and thick forest. Those well traveled will be reminded of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica when visiting this region.
Punta Duarte Gardens offers 8 bright and spacious rooms. If you’re after secluded beaches, solitude and tranquility then Punta Duarte is the perfect place. Enjoy great surfing beaches with secluded coves, translucent blue waters, offshore islands and coconut trees. The property has a lovely pool and jacuzzi with ocean views.
Punta Duarte is not core surf camp, so you’ll need to bring your own surf equipment and and at least have some surf experience. They also offer fishing trips, excursions to Cerro Hoya National Park, Horeseback Riding, and boat trips to Isla Cebaco where one can also surf.
Hotel El Sol
Hotel El Sol is located in Los Duarte less than 1 mile from Playa Morillo. It’s set up on a hill will majestic views of the ocean. The hotel and also has an eco-finca which provides a large portion of it’s produce.
El Sol is a Boutique Art Hotel. All the rooms are decorated with paintings and have a warm and cosy feel to them. The accommodation ranges from twin rooms all the way to family suites. They take pride in cooking and their restaurant offers international cuisine including French, Italian, Indian, Thai, and Japanese Kaiseki. Gluten free, Vegetarian and Vegan options are also available upon request.
El Sol prides itself on being a great surf hotel and takes guests to both Playa Morillo and Playa Riena for surfing. Playa Morillo is considered one of the most consistent beach breaks in Panama. Beyond surfing they also offer fishing trips, visits to a turtle sanctuary and kayaking amongst the mangroves. The hotel also has a Spa onsite offering full body massages and facials.
