Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:40 am
If you are looking for a surf camp in Panama, you came to the right place. In this post, we listed our top picks for a surf camp in Panama, where you can have the perfect surf vacation and improve your surfing skills.
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About Panama
Panama is a great surf destination in Central America. It has wonderful waves, warm water all year, and authentic culture. Amazingly, on the coastline of Panama, you can ride many different wave types on any given day. For instance, it has beach breaks, point breaks, reefs, lefts, rights, and pretty much everything a surfer wants.
When choosing a surf camp, there are several key factors to consider. The type of accommodation, transportation, location, and price are obviously important, but not as much as the level of the surf instructors and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level and the kind of people you will meet are also things to take into account in order to make the best out of the experience.
So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Panama:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in Panama:
Oasis Surf Camp, Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a world-class surf spot, so it is no wonder that some of the best surf camps in Panama are found here.
Oasis Surf Camp has a great location right in front of the break, and it offers a variety of accommodations. The surf school provides surf lessons and boards for rent, primarily for beginners.
Pricing for a one-hour course includes instructor and surfboard:
One person in the class- $30 per person.
Two persons in the class- $25 per person.
Maximum 3 people in the class- $20 per person.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
Hotel Santa Catalina, Santa Catalina
Hotel Santa Catalina offers luxury accommodation in front of the best surf break in town. It provides all the comforts of a luxury hotel while surrounded by the natural elements of Panama’s Pacific coast.
The camp designed a Surf & Yoga experience to help you get the most out of your time here, with professional surf coaching for all skill-level surfers. Specializing in beginner to intermediate level, the program is safe, effective, and open to all ages. On top of that, a surf shop is available for hotel guests with surf equipment and cool beachwear.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
Waluaa Surf Camp, Santa Catalina
Waluaa Surf Camp designed a Surf & Yoga experience to give you the best week possible. With personalized surf coaching, uplifting yoga, and all the magic and adventure of Santa Catalina, this should be a perfect getaway.
The camp offers several programs for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, with the following benefits:
PERSONALIZED COACHING- with only 1 or 2 other surfers at your same level. Coaching includes theory, technique & video feedback.
IDEAL SURF conditions- Uncrowded, easy-to-learn beach break just meters away. Retreat weeks are selected for ideal conditions based on the tides and seasonality.
ISA-CERTIFIED COACHES- the ISA-certified coaches are technically sound, patient, and fun. Each with over 10 years of surf experience in Santa Catalina.
NATIONAL PRO SURFERS- learn with National Pro Surfers and support local talent in the community. (Coaches vary week-to-week due to surf competition schedules).
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, please click here.
Beach Break Surf Camp, Playa Venao
Playa Venao is home to a wonderful beach break and hosts some of Panama’s most popular surf camps. Besides great waves, you will find some natural beauty and an uncrowded, peaceful atmosphere here.
Beach Break Surf Camp offers all-inclusive surf vacations, including surf lessons, rentals, beachfront accommodations, meals, photography, and more. You can also customize and create your dream surf vacation precisely as you want it to maximize your time in the water and even combine it with other adventures and activities.
The camp offers all the tools for beginner surfers as well as intermediate and advanced surfers to improve and upgrade their skills. All packages come with tons of in-water instruction with qualified and professional instructors, video and photo packages, video analysis, and surf theory classes.
For more information about surf camps in Playa Venao, Panama, please click here.
Safari Surf School, Playa Venao
Safari Surf School is another leading surf camp in Panama. All instructors here are professional surf coaches or certified lifeguards, so quality and improvement are top priorities.
Safari Surf School offers 2 different packages in Playa Venao:
The Basics Package- this package is for the surf nomad, the frugal traveler looking to meet like-minded travelers and share amazing experiences. It is a backpacker’s vacation delight.
Azul Package- this turnkey package offers a fantastic mix of surf, local culture, local foods, and activities that blend together seamlessly to create an incredible vacation experience you will never forget.
Some guests decide to customize their package based on their personal needs and wishes, like staying in local homes or traveling to both of the Safari camps. If you feel like you want to go more personal, just let them know, and they will be happy to customize a package for you.
For more information about surf camps in Playa Venao, please click here.
Bocas Surf School & Guest House, Bocas del Toro
Unlike the other surf camps in Panama, Bocas del Toro is situated on the Caribbean Coast. Although the season here is short and lasts only from December to March, if you happen to be here during this time, the waves are spectacular.
Bocas Surf School & Guesthouse is located only steps from the center of Bocas town. The surf school offers different accommodation options and a few surf programs. You can choose between taking a single surf lesson, a 3-day surf camp, or a complete package of 7 days, which includes the following:
Private room in a guest house on the water for 6 nights.
Breakfast value of $10 at Bocas Blended Bus for 6 breakfasts (Restaurant on site).
5 days of progressive surf lessons.
2 Surf theories to improve your technique.
All-day surfboard rental during your stay.
Transportation (roundtrip) during lessons.
2 yoga sessions in a group setting.
1 Free rest day to enjoy the island however you please.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, Panama, please click here.
La Buga Dive & Surf, Bocas del Toro
La Buga Dive & Surf offers a great combination of surfing and diving. It provides various services, including first-class dive trips, surf lessons and trips for all levels, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board rentals, and more.
At La Buga Surf School, you can enjoy surf lessons for all skill levels and surf tours for the adventurous surfers. The surf coaches focus on safe surf lessons with visual orientation by not only teaching you how to get up on a surfboard but teaching ocean safety as well.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toro, please click here.
Red Frog Bungalows, Bocas del Toro
Spectacularly surrounded by pristine natural beauty and world-class surf, Red Frog Bungalows Resort caters to all those with a sense of adventure. Founded in 2008, this surf camp guided the best surfers on the planet through the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago. It hosted some of the biggest names in surfing history, such as Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Filipe Toledo, and many others. Red Frog Bungalows Resort is great for experienced surfers who wish to explore the different surf spots in the area. The daily surf excursion departures depend on the tide, wind, swell direction, swell size, your ability, and, of course, your specific wants and needs. These surf services are not open to the public and are provided only for the resort’s guests. There are a maximum of 10 surfers in the resort at one time, and the surf trips last about 4 hours.
For more information about surf camps in Bocas del Toto, Panama, please click here.
Surf Camp Guanico, Playa Guanico
The waves at Playa Guanico are consistent year-round. This beach break picks up swells from all directions and starts working at a swell size of 1.5 feet. You may find here lefts and rights for all levels of surfers. Surf Camp Guanico is situated right on the beach and offers surf lessons, board rental, and other activities as well. The surf lessons are done by professional surf teachers who can teach in private or small group settings (2 to 3 persons). Whether you have never surfed before and always dreamed of learning or just want to improve your existing skills, they have the coaching to enable you to reach your goals.
For more information about surf camps in Panama, please click here.
El Ranchito Surf Camp, Guanico
El Ranchito Surf Camp is a combination of a qualified surf school and a home-like lodging. Its authentic and relaxing vibe will probably make you want to stay longer than planned. The camp is located in Guanico, at the most southern point of Panama, and offers different surf packages for all levels.
All packages include the following:
Accommodation- you can choose the level of the room you want.
Daily 90 min surf lessons.
Expert instructor guide.
Surfboards rental for the entire stay.
Daily beach transport.
Surfing pictures & videos.
Free bikes.
For more information about surf camps in Guanico please click here.
Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort, Cambutal
Sansara Camp is a world-class surf school which focuses on wellbeing, and offers programs for all skill levels. If you are a yoga fan and you are looking for the perfect balance between surf and yoga, you will love this place.
The coaching methods at Sansara Surf & Yoga have been mindfully created for optimal growth and progression, so that you leave with a strong foundation and framework that will give you the confidence to ride anywhere in the world.
Depending on your goals, you can choose from a variety of surf holiday packages that have been thoughtfully created by the Sansara team. From 2 session’s program for beginners, up to a 5 session’s package, all options are available.
For more information about surf camps in Panama please click here.
Morro Negrito Surf Camp, Chiriqui
Since 1998 Morro Negrito surf camp has been one of the leading surf camps in Panama. Located on a pristine island off the Pacific coast of Panama, this wild area offers wonderful surf for all skill levels.
The camp provides a complete surf trip package which includes beachfront lodging on a secluded island, daily boat trips to private beach breaks, surfboard rental, surf lessons and meals.
This is absolutely not a place for beginners only. Chiriqui area is full with punchy point breaks and barreling waves with hardly any crowds, and so pro surfers can definitely have a great time here.
For more information about surf camps in Panama please click here.
Panama Surf School, San Carlos
Panama Surf School is situated at Playa El Palmar, a great place for beginners and intermediates, only 80 minutes from Panama City. With over 10 years of experience, the camp provides a professional, safe, structured and fun program, ensuring a friendly atmosphere and a lot of fun. It offers private lessons, group lessons, and even stand up paddle board lessons.
As for the programs, you can choose between the following options:
Beginners Surf Course (Level I – Level II).
Intermediate Surfing Course.
Surf Escape- meant for those who don’t have time for a full package.
Surf Trip- customized according to your level and want.
For more information about surf camps in Panama please click here.
Why Do People Love Surf Camps in Panama?
Going on a surf vacation in Panama is one of the best things a surfer can do for himself. There is something magical about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you love. However, planning a surf vacation can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting.
This is precisely where a surf camp kicks in. By booking a surf camp in Panama, you basically take the annoying part out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp will take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can simply enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in Panama are a great place to meet new surfers from all over the world.
What is the Cost of a Surf Camp in Panama?
When booking a surf camp in Panama, the cost should play a significant part in your decision. Luckily, you will find a great variety of camps and packages to suit any budget here. In fact, most of the surf camps in Panama offer great value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and additional services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Panama will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in Panama should cost somewhere between $300 on the lower end and $1100 on the higher end.
Are Surf Camps in Panama Suitable for Beginners?
Panama has a very diverse coastline. That means that different beaches receive different types of swells, guaranteeing waves of all kinds and for all skill levels. For instance, the waves in Santa Catalina Reef are powerful and challenging, but just next to it, in El Estero, you will find beginner friendly waves. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can come for a surf camp in Panama. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Panama know precisely where to take their students to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.
What Time of the Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Panama?
Luckily, Panama receives consistent swells all year long. However, it is crucial to know which area works better each season. For instance, between April and November, the Pacific side receives the best swells, so Santa Catalina and Playa Venao are the best bet for this time of year. In contrast, from December to March, the Caribbean side gets the best swells, and that is when Bocas del Toro turns to life. So, anytime is a good time for a surf camp in Panama, as long as you go to the right town.
Which Location in Panama is Best for a Surf Camp?
Although there are many good surf llocations in Panama, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Santa Catalina- A variety of surf spots one next to the other.
2. Playa Venao- A beautiful beach break with very low crowds.
3. Bocas del Toro- Caribbean town, The best location from December to March.
Essential Things You Should Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Panama
Before choosing a surf camp in Panama, it is crucial to understand exactly what the camp provides, so don’t forget to check the following:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf lessons? The smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or must you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s equipment for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there alone? What about transfers to different surf spots during the camp?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included, and which are not?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf instructors have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the camp? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Panama
Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Panama, booking it is pretty easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, should be what type of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer, and you are looking for a coaching program, then the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and all you need is a place to stay close to the waves, then you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com.
Both websites are trusted and user friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Panama.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in Panama. In reality, it doesn’t really matter which one of them you choose, as they are all good, and offer pretty much the same. What’s most important is your attitude. If you come open minded to learn, practice and make the best of it, you will be able to improve your surfing drastically, meet great people, and have lots of fun.
Before you go, you might want to visit our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Panama, and also the one about surf resorts in Panama.
