Punta Chame

Punta Chame is a narrow spit of sand running several kilometres out into the Bay of Panama, with the open Pacific on one side and a shallow protected bay on the other, and the trade wind blows steadily down it from December to April, which has made it the country's main kitesurfing spot. Schools and lodges line the shore. The tidal range here is extreme and at low water the flats extend a long way out.

What you actually see

• The sandspit - a narrow strip running several kilometres into the bay.
• The kitesurfing - the steady dry-season wind that is the point of the place.
• The tidal flats - the shallows extending far out at low water.
• The proximity - around an hour from Panama City.

When to go

December to April is the wind season and the reason to come. Outside it the wind drops and the place is quiet. Weekends are busy with kiters from the capital.

Honest expectations

Outside the December to April window there is very little wind and little to do. The sand is grey and the water is muddy on the bay side. Stingrays are present on the flats and shuffling is advised.

Nearby

Cajones de Chame is inland, and Panama City is east.