Last updated on December 26th, 2023 at 12:46 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in Santa Catalina, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf camp in Santa Catalina, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and, most importantly, have lots of fun.
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If you prefer the short version, here it is; these are the 5 best surf camps in Santa Catalina:
1. Rancho Estero Surf Camp Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
2. Waluaa Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat – For more details, please click here.
3. Vista Coiba – For more details, please click here.
4. Oasis Surf Camp Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
5. Hotel Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
And now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the longer version. To help you choose the right surf camp, we covered in depth everything you need to know about surf camps in Santa Catalina before making your decision. Let’s dive in!
About Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is definitely one of the best surf spots in Panama. It receives consistent swells year-round and offers high-quality surf for all skill levels. Although the main reef is suitable mainly for advanced surfers, there are also beginner-friendly waves just next to it. The main spot for learning and practicing is El Estero, which is located right in front of town. It is a typical beach break with an easy drop and mellow ride. For that reason, some of the best surf camps in Panama chose Santa Catalina as their home base.
Why Should You Book a Surf Camp in Santa Catalina?
Going on a surf vacation on a sunny beach is one of the most fun things a surfer can do. There is something about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you are passionate about. However, planning a surf vacation can be quite a hassle, especially when you don’t have local knowledge about the destination. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting. These are exactly the problems a surf camp will solve.
By booking a surf camp in Santa Catalina, 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 Santa Catalina are a great place to meet new surfers from all over the world.
A List of the 5 Best Surf Camps in Santa Catalina:
1. Rancho Estero Surf Camp Santa Catalina
At Rancho Estero, you can stay in one of the beautiful cabins overlooking the beach and learn to surf in a magical environment. The camp offers surf lessons and full surf camp packages with experienced surf instructors. If you already know how to surf, you can also book a surf guiding package to improve your skills and take your surfing to the next level. In addition, Rancho Estero has a wide range of surfboards to rent- soft top beginner boards, short boards, longboards, fun boards, and Standup Paddleboard (SUP).
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
2. Waluaa Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat
Waluaa Camp is the perfect place to combine both surfing and yoga practice. This retreat provides a chance to check out from the stresses of city life and connect back to nature and oneself. You will experience a soul-satisfying week in a tranquil surf and fishing village with a chill atmosphere. Santa Catalina is a true experience of slow living among a small and safe community of friendly locals and like-minded travelers without the crowds.
Waluaa surf retreats are designed for complete beginners up to intermediate level, with small groups and personalized coaching. All surf coaches are ISA Certified for your safety and well-being. The yoga classes are available for all levels as experienced instructors tailor lessons to your needs. Whether it is surfing, yoga, or both, at Waluaa, you choose the retreat experience that’s right for you.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
3. Vista Coiba
Hotel Vista Coiba Villas & Restaurant is situated only 40 meters from the popular surfing spot of La Punta and just a 15-minute walk from Playa Estero, the sandy beach in Santa Catalina.
When you need to escape your daily routine, practice sports, and enjoy tropical beaches, stay in this stunning hotel where nature meets comfort. Vista Coiba Hotel is one of the best places to stay in the surfing paradise of Santa Catalina. This high-standard surf camp aims to teach you the basics of surfing and get you riding waves in minimum time. The location couldn’t be better for those who like nature adventures and ocean connections.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
4. Oasis Surf Camp Santa Catalina
Oasis Surf Camp has a great location right in front of the main break, and it offers a variety of accommodations of different sizes and qualities. The surf school provides surf lessons and boards for rent, mainly for beginner surfers who want to learn and improve their skills. Situated just a few steps from Estero, Hotel Oasis & Surf Camp offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel has a bar and a private beach area available for its guests.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, Panama, please click here.
5. Hotel Santa Catalina
Hotel Santa Catalina offers luxury accommodation right in front of the best surf spot in town. It provides all the comforts of a luxury hotel while being surrounded by the natural elements of Panama’s Pacific coast in the beautiful location of Santa Catalina.
The camp operates a Surf & Yoga experience to help you get the most out of your vacation time, with professional surf coaching for surfers of all skill levels. Specializing in beginner to intermediate level, the program is safe, effective, and open to all ages. In addition, there is a surf shop available for hotel guests with surf equipment and fabulous beachwear.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Catalina, please click here.
How Much Should a Surf Camp in Santa Catalina Cost?
When choosing a surf camp in Santa Catalina, the cost should significantly influence your decision. Luckily, there are a variety of surf camps and different packages to suit any budget. In fact, most of the surf camps in Santa Catalina offer great value for 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 Santa Catalina 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 Santa Catalina should cost somewhere between $400 on the lower end and $1200 on the higher end.
Are Surf Camps in Santa Catalina Suitable for Beginners?
One thing that makes Santa Catalina such a superb surfing beach is that it offers several different breaks. Some of them are challenging and require high skills, but others are also suitable for beginners. For instance, in the main reef of Santa Catalina, the waves can get steep and hollow, but other spots like El Estero offer a soft and mellow break over a sandy bottom. Therefore, surfers of all levels can come to a surf camp in Santa Catalina, and there are plenty of waves to suit all of them. Moreover, all the surf camps in town know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them improve.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Santa Catalina?
Although Santa Catalina is a year-round surf destination, summer brings the best waves. During this time, from April to October, the south swells hit the Pacific Coast with great consistency, and that’s when Santa Catalina turned to life. Therefore, this is the best time to come here for a surf camp. In the winter, in contrast, you can still get some decent surf, but not as good, and there may be some flat days.
Which Location in Santa Catalina is the Best for a Surf Camp?
Santa Catalina is a small town, so most surf camps are close to each other. Since most of the surf sessions take place in either El Estero or Santa Catalina Reef, it is best to be as close as possible to these spots, which are just in front of town. In short, just ensure the surf camp provides easy access to the waves.
Important Things to Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Santa Catalina?
Before choosing a surf camp in Santa Catalina, don’t forget to check the following list:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? In general, the smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the deal? Will you have to bring your own surfboard or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboard for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the deal, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included?
5. How many surf sessions are included in the package? Is there a clear schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers?
8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the program? 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 package price cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Santa Catalina?
Once you choose your surf camp in Santa Catalina, booking it is pretty simple. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone; everything is available online. The main question should be what kind of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two best options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer 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 details about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com.
Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them to book your surf camp in Santa Catalina.
Conclusion
To sum up, Santa Catalina is a true surf paradise. Although it is pretty remote and requires an effort to get here, it is totally worth it. Once here, you will feel the magic of being in nature, connecting with the ocean, meeting new people, and simply being distressed. As for the surf, you can’t get much better than that. There are waves here for all skill levels, so any kind of surfer will get his rides. With such incredible conditions, it doesn’t really matter which surf camp you choose to stay at; you will definitely have a fantastic vacation, and you will leave a better surfer than you were when you came.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Panama, and also the one about surf resorts in Panama.
