Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 05:08 pm
If you are looking for a good surf resort in Panama, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top choices for a surf resort in Panama, where you can have some good quality time and surf as much as possible.
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About the Surf in Panama
Panama is an incredible surf destination situated in Central America. It has fantastic waves, warm water, and authentic culture. On Panama’s Coastline, you can ride many different wave types on any given day. For instance, it has beach breaks, point breaks, and reefs to suit any surfer out there.
When choosing a surf resort in Panama, there are several key factors to consider. The facility layout, the food, and the service you get from the staff are obviously important. However, as a surfer, nothing is more crucial than being close to the best surf spots and having easy access to the waves.
So, let’s get right to it, in detail, these are the most recommended surf resorts in Panama:
A List of the Top Surf Resorts in Panama:
Selina, Playa Venao
Selina has many surf resorts worldwide, usually locating itself in front of the best surf spots. Therefore, it is no wonder that there is one in Playa Venao, one of the best breaks in Panama.
Facing the coastline of Peninsula de Azuero’s, Selina Playa Venao is situated on a picturesque beach, surrounded by palm trees and the best sunsets of the Pacific Ocean. In-house features include a fully equipped communal kitchen, an activity center, and an outdoor pool.
After an early morning yoga session at the wellness deck, you can head to the beachfront restaurant La Palma and enjoy a delicious avocado toast with a refreshing smoothie. Then, in the evenings, join a live music sunset session while drinking a house cocktail.
In addition, there is a comfortable, well-equipped coworker area, surfboard rental, and also surf lessons and coaching from a local guide at Shokogi Surf Club. Whether you want to dip your toe in the water or perfect your roundhouse cutback, you’re guaranteed to improve your skills fast. Plus, you can choose from various other experiences in the area, such as the Isla Iguana Tour, Horseback riding, or Open Water Fishing.
Music and dancing are a core part of the Selina vibe. If you stay here over the weekend, you will find great parties or live music performances by the open bonfire.
For more details about Selina Playa Venao, please click here.
Finca Vela Lodge, Bocas del Toro
Every year, between December and March, the town of Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean Coast of Panama, turns into a surfing Mecca. With various surf spots, warm water, and crazy nightlife, this is a surfer’s paradise. For that reason, you will find here some of the best surf resorts in the country.
Finca Vela Lodge is a 7-hectare Luxury Eco Lodge located on the heights of Isla Pastores. In this unique setting, perfect for total disconnection, you can enjoy various activities. From the wooden dock, jump in the water and explore the lively coral reef, relax by the pool, or discover the surrounding jungle.
Guests are saying: “This is a little paradise in Bocas. If you are looking for a place that gives you privacy, tranquility, and comfort in Bocas, it is your place. The food is exceptional, and the treatment of the friendly and excellent staff. It has 6 elegant, spacious, and comfortable cabins. You have complimentary kayaks, paddles to explore the island’s reef, and a jetty for snorkeling or just relaxing or reading.
From the hotel, you can book a boat driver to take you on a tour to the main attractions of Bocas and then bring you back to the hotel. Exceptional place!”
For more details about Finca Vela Lodge Bocas del Toro, please click here.
Rancho Estero, Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is definitely one of the best surf towns in Panama. Although it is not so easy to get here, the perfect surf will compensate you big time. If you come between May and October, you are almost guaranteed to score incredibly consistent waves.
Rancho Estero is situated at the end of the road to Playa Estero and is on the bluff overlooking the beach and the surf. The view from this property is simply amazing. It has a series of small cabanas that can accommodate 1 to 3 people each.
The resort offers TV and free internet access, and there are plenty of hammocks, chaise lounges, and decks to relax on. If you want, you can also book surf lessons with an experienced coach. For experienced surfers, there is an option to book a surf guide to improve your skills, learn how to read the waves and find the perfect position in the wave. Moreover, the resort offers a good range of boards to rent: soft beginner boards, short boards, longboards, fun boards, and a standup paddle board (SUP).
For more details about Rancho Estero Santa Catalina, please click here.
Vista Coiba Villas, Santa Catalina
Hotel Vista Coiba Villas is about a 15-minute’ walk from Playa Estero, the sandy beach in Santa Catalina, and 40 minutes from the surfing spot of La Punta. Each air-conditioned room at Vista Coiba Villas has garden views and a private bathroom with hot water and a hair dryer. Rooms also have a flat-screen cable TV, mini-fridge, security safe, table with chairs, and a terrace with hammocks.
Free surfboards and paddle boards are provided at the Vista Coiba Villas. The hotel’s tour desk can also help you arrange activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing trips.
Guests are saying: “We really enjoyed our stay at Vista Coiba. It is a very relaxing place, and the view is so nice. We borrowed paddle boards and went to the small island of Santa Catalina. We also borrowed bodyboards and went bodyboarding at the surfing beach (a 15-minute walk). The hostess was very friendly, sweet, and helpful.”
For more details about Hotel Vista Coiba Villas Santa Catalina, please click here.
San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge
San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge is situated in San Carlos Centro, in front of Rio Mata Ahogado and the surf break Hawaiisito. It is only a 10 10-minute’ walk from Panamericana, with many grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance, and only 30 minutes away from El Valle and 1.5 hours from Panama City. Surf Packages are available in the resort, with transportation, board rentals, surf lessons, and also tours to El Valle.
With a stunning sea view, the resort offers its guests not only accommodation but also a garden, a restaurant, a bar, and a private beach area. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the bed and breakfast free of charge. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Guests say: “They make the best Hawaiian pizza I have ever had. The owners were so very nice and helpful. We are moving to Panama, and they gave us great information and amazing contacts. Can’t say enough about all the staff.”
For more details about San Carlos Surf Resort & Eco Lodge, please click here.
Surf Resorts in Panama- How Much Should it Cost?
In Panama, there are various surf resorts to suit different budgets. Usually, the cost of a surf resort in Panama is determined by factors like seasonality, location, the quality of accommodation, and the number of days. So, depending on your budget, you can choose the deal that best suits your needs. As for the numbers, a surf resort in Panama should cost somewhere between $80 and $150 per night.
What Season is Best for Booking a Surf Resort in Panama?
Panama offers excellent surf conditions all year long. However, different beaches receive the swells in different seasons. For instance, between April and November, the Pacific Coast gets the best waves, and spots like Santa Catalina and March, the Caribbean Coast receives the best swells, and that is when the town of Bocas del Toro offers incredible surf conditions. In short, any time is an excellent time to book a surf resort in Panama; just make sure you book it in the right location according to the season.
Which Location in Panama is Best for a Surf Vacation?
As mentioned, there are many good surf areas in Panama. And yet, when booking a surf resort in Panama, these are the most recommended locations:
1. Santa Catalina- You will find a great reef break and also a beginner spot.
2. Playa Venao- Wonderful beach break with hardly any crowds.
3. Bocas del Toro- This Caribbean town is a surf paradise during the winter months.
How to Book a Surf Resort in Panama?
Once you choose a surf resort in Panama, booking it is easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, is what type of experience you are looking for. These are the two main options:
1. If you are looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about surf programs, weekly schedules, and general guidance for beginners.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the surf, you can find the best deals on www.booking.com.
Both websites are honest and easy to use, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf resort in Panama.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf resorts in Panama. There are probably other good ones that we didn’t mention here, but you got the idea. On a surf trip, if you score good waves and have a good attitude, you will have fun no matter where you stay.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Panama, and also the one about beginner surf beaches in Panama.
