Level Up Your Surf. Live the Venao Vibe.

Surf Camps in Playa Venao, Panama

Welcome surfers of all ages and levels — from families learning together to solo travelers pushing their progression. Choose a 7-day intensive, 10-day progression or 15-day mastery and surf every day on one of Central America's most consistent beach breaks. Based year-round at Selina Playa Venao, our instructors have taught 2,000+ students in small groups (max 4 per instructor). Daily lessons, video analysis, a 100+ board fleet, yoga and accommodation 2 minutes from the beach.

Book Now
What's in a camp

Everything handled

Accommodation

Comfortable rooms, 2-minute walk from the beach.

Transportation

Pick-up from Panama City to Playa Venao & back.

Surf Lessons

Tailored to every level with a pro instructor.

Healthy Breakfast

Daily breakfast of champions at Selina River.

Photography

Photos & video analysis as a take-home package.

Yoga Classes

Yoga classes available daily.

Co-work

Air-conditioned space with free coffee & tea.

Board Rentals

Unlimited access to 100+ surfboards, all levels.

Why choose a surf camp in Panama

Playa Venao is one of Central America's best surf destinations: consistent year-round waves, warm water, and a welcoming beach break that's perfect for learning — plus a vibrant surf town right there.

Camps run year-round. You'll surf quality waves in the dry season (Dec–Apr) or green season (May–Nov), and the water stays around 80°F (27°C) — no wetsuit needed. Every camp includes:

  • Daily coaching tailored to your level
  • Video analysis to speed up improvement
  • Small groups — max 4:1 student-instructor
  • 100+ surfboards for all conditions
  • Yoga for flexibility & balance
  • Photo / video package of your progress

Why learn to surf at Shokogi?

We're a locally-rooted school with deep expertise in Playa Venao's waves. Our coaches are ISA Level 1 & 2 certified with 10+ years teaching, include foil surfers for advanced students, and teach in English, Spanish and Hebrew.

We've taught 2,000+ students, from first-timers to advanced surfers. Ocean safety comes first, then skills build progressively — positioning, timing, technique. Groups stay small (max 4 per instructor), so you get personal attention every session. Based in Playa Venao year-round, we know exactly where to take you for the best conditions each day.

Playa Venao

Stay in paradise

At our Panama surf camp you'll stay at the tranquil Selina Playa Venao River, a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Morning yoga class included in Playa Venao surf camp packageHealthy breakfast included daily at Shokogi surf camp
Packages

Choose your perfect camp

Not sure whether to book 7, 10 or 15 days? Here's how our Panama surf camps compare. Prices shown from, per person.

7 Days
$880from / person
  • 5 surf lessons for your level
  • All gear — board, leash, wax, rash guard
  • Video analysis + theory
  • 6 breakfasts · 6 yoga
  • Dorm, private-shared or private room
  • Transport from Panama City
Book 7 days
Most popular
10 Days
$1,210from / person
  • 7 surf lessons for your level
  • 10 days board rental + all gear
  • Video analysis + theory
  • 9 breakfasts · 9 yoga
  • Dorm, private-shared or private room
  • Transport from Panama City
Book 10 days
15 Days
$1,600from / person
  • 10 surf lessons for your level
  • 15 days board rental + all gear
  • Video analysis + theory
  • 14 breakfasts · 14 yoga
  • Dorm, private-shared or private room
  • Transport from Panama City
Book 15 days

Our 10-day camp is the most popular — enough time to beat the learning curve and ride with confidence. The 15-day program is the deepest immersion. Not ready for a full camp? Try our daily surf lessons in Playa Venao.

Quick facts

Surf camp facts

LocationPlaya Venao, Panama
Durations7, 10 or 15 days
Skill levelsBeginner → advanced
Age rangeAll ages · families welcome
Group sizeMax 4 students / instructor
Water temp80°F (27°C) year-round
Best seasonYear-round · dry Dec–Apr · green May–Nov
IncludedSurf, stay, breakfast, yoga, video, transport
Starting priceFrom $880 for 7 days
Your stay

Accommodation options

Stay at the tranquil Selina Playa Venao River, a 2-minute walk from the beach. Pick your room — prices adjust automatically.

Shared bunk accommodation option at Playa Venao surf camp

Mixed Dorm

  • Shared bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • ~15 m² · beds 8.4/10
Private shared room with comfortable beds at Shokogi surf camp

Private Shared

  • Shared bathroom
  • Air conditioning · mosquito net
  • Free WiFi
  • ~10 m² · beds 8.4/10
Private room accommodation for Panama surf camp guests

Private

  • Private bathroom
  • Double bed · A/C
  • Free WiFi
  • ~15 m²
Aerial view of Playa Venao beach and surf camp location in Panama

Custom

  • Larger groups
  • Other options available
  • Just contact us
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What's included in every surf camp?
Daily 1-hour surf sessions with experienced instructors, personalized instruction, unlimited access to 100+ surfboards (soft tops, shortboards, longboards) and video analysis. Comfortable rooms 2 min from the beach, daily breakfast at Selina River, free WiFi and A/C co-working space. Plus yoga classes, a photography package, and transport from Panama City. Your only extra costs are lunch, dinner and personal expenses.
Who are Shokogi surf camps for?
All ages who want to focus on surfing progression — complete beginners, intermediate or advanced. Families, solo travelers, couples, teens, adults and friend groups of all levels. We organize groups by ability. (For a traditional kids' summer camp with varied activities, see our separate kids' summer camp programs.)
Do I need surfing experience to join?
No prior experience required. Beginners start with ocean safety, pop-up technique and whitewater; intermediates work on positioning and turning; advanced surfers refine cutbacks and wave selection with our ISA-certified coaches. About 40% of our guests are first-time surfers.
I've never surfed — will I actually stand up?
Yes! Over 95% of first-time surfers stand up and ride during their first session. We start you on large, stable foam boards in small whitewater — most catch their first waves within 30 minutes. By day 3 of a 7-day camp, beginners are typically riding green waves toward shore.
What's the best time of year for a camp?
Waves year-round. Dec–Apr (dry season) offers consistent 3–5 ft waves, great for beginners and intermediates. May–Nov (green season) brings larger swells for experienced surfers. Water stays ~80°F — no wetsuit needed.
Can I extend my camp if I want more days?
Yes — many guests start with 7 days and extend to 10 or 15 once they're here. Contact us before or during your camp and we'll adjust based on availability, with discounted rates for extensions.
What should I bring?
Pack light: swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+, required), beach clothing and sandals, one outfit for evenings out, a reusable water bottle and any medications. We provide all surf equipment, towels and yoga mats. No wetsuit needed.
How do I get to Playa Venao from Panama City?
Transport is included. We arrange a shared van from Panama City; the drive is ~5–6 hours through scenic countryside, usually with an early-morning pickup. Prefer to drive yourself? That's fine too — just let us know when booking.

Ready to surf Playa Venao?

Come solo, with friends, or as a family. Year-round waves, small groups, and everything handled.

Pick your dates