Panama Spearfishing

On behalf of Morro Negrito Surf Camp, we invite you to come check out the beautiful clear waters of the Pacific coast of Panama, surrounded by pristine corral reefs and incredible blue-water pinnacles. This area is virtually untouched by modern times, and your first visit here will be like going back in time!  When you dive underwater you will be amazed by the beauty of diversity that is common to this area.  Spearfishing opportunities are very diverse, and some of the fish you can expect to be hunting include: Mahi-Mahi (dolphin/dorado), Roosterfish,  Blue Runners, Amberjack (up to 90 pounds), Tuna, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin…Uhu’s (parrotfish and bumpheads), Triggerfish (as big as 20 pounds), Barred and Golden Trevally (some up to 15 lbs), Milkfish, Cubera snapper (we usually shoot a few 50 pounders),  Dogtooth Snapper, and Snook (up to 30 pounds).

Regarding tactics and spots we employ for spearfishing, we have a few dozen dive sites very close to the camp.  These include two river-mouths within half a mile, rock formations with caves, a rocky shoreline right off the surf camp, and many beautiful coral reefs.  At your discretion, we take all-day trips to some of the Outer Islands, which is a 15 mile run and is an additional $250 per trip (split between everyone).  These Outer Islands are truly amazing and they hold some of the nicest dive spots, including amazing shallow coral reefs loaded with big parrotfish and triggerfish, volcanic rock drop-off's with lots of caves (loaded with snapper), and amazing blue-water pinnacles.  Most of the spots are only 10-20 feet deep, but the pinnacles and drop-offs go down past 100 feet (they slowly taper off so they are conducive to any freedive level). The island of Isla Montuosa and the Hannibal Bank is where you find the biggest game fish such as big tuna. 200 pound plus have been caught on recent trip. This is a much further trip (about 50 miles) and there is an additional cost of $700 which can be shared by all the divers.

              The accommodations at the Morro Negrito Surf Camp are rustic, but plenty adequate (it’s been described by many as “several steps above camping”). The housing consists of several masonry buildings with smooth concrete floors, and mostly metal roofs. There is a comfortable dining area next to the kitchen with a great ocean view, where everyone eats and hangs out.  All the meals are very tasty and are prepared by the locals. Fresh fish, chicken, beans, rice, yucca fries, and vegetables are the usual meals. The dining area overlooks a beautiful view of the ocean and there is a TV/DVD for nighttime movie viewing.  All the sleeping areas have nets (even though the bugs aren't all that bad).  The bathrooms are clean and spacious, and the cold-water showers feel great after a long day in the sun!  =)   Electricity is produced by both solar and wind power. We have a power inverter that provides 110 volts of electricity. We also have wireless internet available, so bring your wireless internet devices.

                 We offer either 1 week or 10 day trips for non-stop spearfishermen, and our rates are very reasonable ($750 per week, $1000 per 10 days).  Everything is included except your airfare, transportation to the lodge and a few exceptions listed below.  Your trip with us starts when you land in the Panama City airport.  You are greeted at the airport by David Fernandez and transported directly to the main bus terminal in Panama City to travel on a comfortable and “modern” charter bus, cruising through the villages, mountains and jungle of Panama. The bus will stop about half way to rest and food (also not part of the package).  After about 5 hours you will be picked up at the bus stop by one of the dive guides, take a van ride to the boat ramp, and then proceed to our island by way of a "Panga" boat (a cool 30 minute ride). If you have arrived at the port after dark or if their is no water in the port (due to low tide), then you will spend the night in the port in one of casitas that we have built. Early the next morning, our boat will pick you and transport you to the camp and start your diving day.

Bring an adventurous spirit, and this will be an experience that you wont forget!!!!!!    

If you have any more questions please click the logo: 

                                           Basic Personal gear
                Sun screen, good sun hat, heavy duty flip flops or sandals, personal water jug(s),bug spray, clothes pins, towels, and a good flash light(s).......I also recommend some items for your ears..ie alcohol, peroxide and even some drops for surfers ear if you are prone to it.

                                                 Basic Dive equipment
I would say that anything that you cant live without, bring 2...fins, snorkel, mask, dive knife, weight belt, rash guards, shorts and even a lightweight wetsuit (say 2 or 3 mil) sometimes at the blue-water pinnacles there can be some cool water upwelling.  We prefer that all divers to use a float and float line so we can always locate your position.  The sun is very hot here (especially during the dive season) and the water is in the low 80's.  So come with this in mind.

                                           Spearfishing gear
All I will tell you here is what myself and friends have had success with........At the outset let it be said,” you can always shoot a small fish with a big gun, but you cant always shoot a big fish with a little one”. That said here are my recommendations...for the reefs, I use a gun that shoots a 50" shaft with 3 5/8" bands, 1 for the close-ups, 2 for general purposes and 3 if I am using 2 wraps.... (Say an equivalent to a Riffe #2 or 3)...for the outer islands or blue-water pinnacles I use my gun that shoots a 5/16 " shaft 60" long with 3 or 4 5/8" bands.  A pole-spear would be a blast for the uhu’s, triggers and surgeon fish that are abundant on the reef (they are great to eat also).  There are a lot of lobsters here, I would love to do some night dives in front of the camp!

Who We Are

Morro Negrito has been a surf camp since 1998. We have caught tons of fish over the years as many surfers are avid fishermen as well.  We continued to get more requests from surfers to venture future offshore to the World Class Fishing Waters of the Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa.  We are excited to be able offer fishing in these abundance fishing waters.