While there’s a lot to do in Playa Venao, many people travel and live here to surf. When you travel to the community, you can surf on your own, but there are also a collection of different surf camps and schools that are dedicated to surfing and helping you get the most out of your experience.
But which are the best to consider? With that in mind, keep reading this guide to learn more about the best Playa Venao Panama surf camp options for the 2024 season.
What Makes a Good Playa Venao Panama Surf Camp?
There’s a lot that goes into a good Playa Venao surf camp. First of all, it should offer quality instruction from friendly and professional staff. It should also have surf gear ready to rent and/or use, instead of expecting visitors to bring everything they need on a surf trip.
You also need to consider the location of the camp and how far it is from the water, and the sort of accommodations it offers. It’s also good to think about the size of the camp, as some people are okay with larger operations, while others prefer smaller groups for more one-on-one instruction.
The costs of the camp, as well as what’s included in your price (food, lessons, equipment rental, etc…) should be considered, too. Also, the other activities a camp/resort offers, such as yoga, fitness classes, horseback riding, or swimming in a pool are good to think about, as well.
Our Favorite: Beach Break Surf Camp Playa Venao Panama
Pros
- Located right on the beach for a great ocean view
- Great instruction for all levels of surfer
- Both hotel rooms and dorms
Cons
- Thin walls and windows
Our choice for the best surf camp in Playa Venao is Beach Break Surf Camp. It has a location incredibly close to the beach, and provides professional instruction and guidance for all skill levels. You can choose to stay in either hotel rooms or dorms, and there’s an all-inclusive option if you want things like your travel and some food taken care of.
In addition to guidance and surf lessons on the water, the instructors also offer surf theory courses and video and photo packages. The camp also includes other amenities like a fitness center, yoga classes, Jiu-Jitsu classes, and more.
One downside of this camp is that it has relatively thin walls and windows. This means you could have to deal with some loud nights as it’s located close to many other hotels/resorts that are known for parties.
Best for Young Travelers: Selina Surf Club Playa Venao
Pros
- Good nightlife scene
- Affordable accommodations
- Plenty of other activities
Cons
- Louder than some other options at night due to the parties
If you’re looking for a surf hostel in Playa Venao, Selina Playa Venao might be right for you. In addition to offering solid surf instructions and easy access to the water, Selina is known for its active nightlife scene and the variety of other activities it offers, including a yoga deck, swimming school, workspaces, and more.
It also has affordable accommodation options and a restaurant to enjoy, but the nights can be louder than at some other resorts due to the partying.
Best for Relaxation: Venao Surf Lodge
Pros
- Quieter and peaceful experience
- Comfortable and modern accommodations
- Several additional facilities
Cons
- A little further from the beach than other options
Those looking to pair their surfing with relaxation should consider the Venao Surf Lodge. It provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with several rooms that feature modern touches, great views, comfortable beds, and charming decor.
There are numerous room options that aren’t overly expensive, and the lodge comes packed with various other facilities like a spa, a pool, and a gym, included breakfast, workspaces, and free wifi. There’s also a bar and restaurant to enjoy, as well.
However, while it helps the lodge be quieter and more relaxed than others in the area, this resort is located a little further away from the beach than other options. That being said, you can still get to the water incredibly quickly on foot.
Best for Improving Your Skills No Matter Your Experience: Shokogi Surf Shop and School
Pros
- Surf camps for all skill levels, including complete beginners
- Photo and video analysis
- On-site surf shop
Cons
- It can be loud at times due to proximity to other resorts
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or someone who’s never stood up on a board before, the instructors at Shokogi Surf School will be able to help you improve. It offers over 100 different board rentals, a fully stocked and organized shop with gear and clothing, and provides photo and video analysis to help you fine-tune your surfing.
While it can be loud at times due to its location and proximity to other camps and hotels, it’s a solid option with relatively affordable packages and friendly staff/instructors.
Best for Families: Playa Venao Safari Surf School
Pros
- Several options for accommodations
- Completely personalized experience
- Friendly and dedicated staff
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options
Another surf camp in Playa Venao worth checking out is the Playa Venao Safari Surf School. It offers a friendly and dedicated team of instructors and staff members and surf instructions for all skill levels and ages. This makes it a great choice for those traveling with children.
Their surf program is custom-made for every guest, so you can ensure that you and your family craft the perfect experience for your wants and needs. This includes all-inclusive “turnkey” options that include everything from your lodging to some food, to transportation, to lessons, and more.
The camp also partners with several hotels in the area, so you have many options for accommodations. However, it’s a relatively expensive option to consider.
