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Beach
both
Level 4/10

Playa Venao

Los Santos, Panama
🌀Strong rips

Playa Venao is Panama's surf capital—a consistent beach break on the Azuero Peninsula that has grown from sleepy fishing village to the country's most developed surf destination. The wave offers year-round consistency with southwest swells peaking through the rainy season, while the growing infrastructure of surf camps, hostels, and beach bars creates a complete travel experience. The six-hour drive from Panama City is worth it for surfers seeking warm water, uncrowded waves (by Costa Rican standards), and a scene that still maintains its laid-back character. This is Central American surf travel with Panamanian flair.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SSW (195°)
Direction range
170° - 230°
Size range
0.6m - 2.5m
Ideal period
14s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
NNE (30°)
Offshore range
350° - 80°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
all
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.6m

Water temp

28°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

4/10

Crowd level

5/10

Access: 6hr drive from Panama City. Growing beach town.

Getting There

Airport
PTY
Drive time
360 min

Best Season

Peak: Apr-Nov

Secondary: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Year-round waves. SW swells peak May-November.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Panama surf community