Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 06:14 pm
If you plan to surf in Playa Venao, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer’s tips, and wave description.
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About Surfing in Playa Venao, Panama
If you are a surfer traveling in Panama, you must surf Playa Venao. Just like most countries in Central America, the surf conditions in Panama are perfect for a surf trip, and Playa Venao is no exception. The weather is tropical, the water is warm, and somehow, unlike surf towns in its neighbor Costa Rica, it managed to remain authentic and not touristy. Add to that the phenomenal waves crashing at Playa Venao, and you got yourself a fantastic surf destination.
Playa Venao is located on the Pacific Coast of Panama and is considered a remote and “hard to get” surf destination. For that reason, you will find yourself riding amazing waves with only a few surfers in the water.
Surf Seasons in Playa Venao
Like in all the Pacific Coast of Central America, the surf in Playa Venao is up all year long. However, the bigger swells usually come during the wet season, between May and October, when the south swells hit the shore. In the dry season, between November and April, the waves are much smaller and more suitable for beginners.
Surf Spots in Playa Venao
The beach in Playa Venao is absolutely stunning. It is surrounded by an amazing rainforest, rich with sea turtles and marine life, and very authentic and uncrowded. Moreover, when surfing in Playa Venao, you will enjoy beautiful, clean waves divided into a few different breaks. In detail, these are the main surf spots in the area:
Playa Venao Beach Break:
This is the most famous spot and the main reason surfers come to Playa Venao. It is a fast and hollow beach break that goes to both right and left. While anyone can surf here on the small days, including beginners, on a big swell, it is very challenging. It can produce incredible barrels and a steep wall to ride on. Therefore, many national and international surf competitions take place here.
While surfing Playa Venao, you can choose your peak according to the swell and your skill level. For instance, the waves in the middle of the bay are the biggest, while on the sides of the beach, they are smaller.
Playa Guanico:
This spot is located about half an hour from Playa Venao and offers several peaks over a sandy bottom. In fact, Guanico is exposed to any swell direction and tends to be a bit bigger than Playa Venao. Therefore, when the swell is too small to surf in Playa Venao, you can come here and score something to ride.
Playa Cambutal:
This spot is situated about 1 hour from Venao and about half an hour from Guanico and offers 2 different breaks. The first one is called 411 and performs best during high tide. The second one is called Cuatro Secreto (“the 4th secret” in Spanish) and performs better during low tide.
On top of these surf spots, there are many other secret spots in the area, so you are more than welcome to explore them on your own.
Can Beginners Surf in Playa Venao?
There are several surf spots in the Playa Venao area, so surfers of all skill levels can find waves that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can learn and practice in the corners of Venao Bay, where the waves are mellow. Advanced surfers, though, can ride punchy barrels in the middle of the bay.
Surf Hotels in Playa Venao
Playa Venao is an undeveloped surf destination, especially compared to Bocas Del Toro or surf towns in Costa Rica. Therefore, you will not find many options for accommodations. However, the few options are very convenient and close to the waves.
When coming to surf in Playa Venao, you better ensure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the break. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Selina Playa Venao– at Selina Playa Venao, you will find a private beach area as well as a variety of activities such as surf & SUP lessons, board rentals, adventure tours, yoga classes, a meticulous outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and a thriving nightlife scene. Other facilities include a shared lounge, a billiard table, and a concierge service. The property offers free parking as well.
2. Beach Break Hotel & Surf Camp de Playa Venao– This property is situated right on the beach and offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi, a bar, and a restaurant.
3. Blue Venao Villa 5– Located in Playa Venao, Blue Venao Villa 5 provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant, and access to a garden with an outdoor pool. This villa features a bar, barbecue facilities, and a terrace.
4. Villa Marina Lodge & Condos– Guests of the Lodge Villa Marina can relax in the private beach area or in the palm tree-laden garden. Water sports facilities are available on-site, and guests can use the games room.
For more surf hotels in Playa Venao, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Playa Venao
If you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of surfing, you can explore Playa Venao’s surf scene at a surf camp. In detail, these are the main ones:
1. Beach Front Surf Camp– info at www.beachbreaksurfcamp.com.
2. Surf Dojo– info at www.surfdojo.com.
3. Selina Surf Club Playa Venao– info at www.selina.com.
For all the details about surf camps in Panama, check out BookSurfCamps.
Other Fun Activities in Playa Venao
Of course, you are here to surf Playa Venao, and this will be your main focus. However, if you feel like doing something else, check out these activities:
1. Zipline at Canas Jungle Adventure Park.
2. Fishing– The Venao area is called by fishermen “the tuna coast”, as it is well known for its great catches.
3. Eco tour at Isla Canas– You can book this tour on either a paddle board or a kayak.
4. Amazing waterfall hike within walking distance from Venao.
5. Horseback riding tour.
How to Get to Playa Venao?
Getting to Playa Venao is quite a journey. To reach it, you must drive about 6 hours from the Capital, Panama City. You can also make your way by driving from the Costa Rican border. However, in both cases, you will find yourself on bumpy and dusty roads crossing endless rainforests. Eventually, after this long hassle (let’s call it “adventure”), you will finally be able to settle down, or even better, take your first surf session at Playa Venao.
For any travel assistance you need in Playa Venao, whether it’s hotels, restaurants, or fun activities, check out venaoguide.com.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
Playa Venao is a spectacular surfing beach. With epic barrels and small crowds, it is definitely one of the most recommended surf spots in Panama.
Finally, when you are done surfing in Playa Venao, you can head north to Santa Catalina, or take the long trip to Bocas Del Toro on the Caribbean Coast.
