A man with surf board running to Venao beach, Los Santos Province, Panamá

Surf in Pedasi, Venao & Cambutal

If you're on vacation in Panamá and you love to brave the waves or you want to learn to surf like the greats, come to Pedasi and Tonosi.

The beaches that connect these towns in the center of the country have some of our best waves. Enjoy its hotels, restaurants, schools and retreats full of the best vibes.

Playa Venao

Playa Venao, just over 18.6 miles (30 km) from both Pedasi and Tonosi, is the real surfing star. In addition to having a very nice and wide beach, its waves, up to 10 feet (3 m) high, are truly exceptional.

Woman taking surf lesson on a surfer board at Eco Venao Lodge

Venao has gained worldwide fame for having welcomed surfing legends and, above all, for hosting championships such as the 2011 ISA World Surfing Games, the Reef Classic sixth stage of the Latin American Surfing Championship, the ISA Dakine World Junior Surfing Championship in 2012 and the Pan American Surfing Championship in 2022.

Whether you visit us as an expert or as a beginner, we are sure that you'll have a great experience at Venao. Here you'll find surf camps, hotels and hostels, yoga retreats, schools and places to rent and sell equipment.

Man surfing in a huge wave at Pacific Ocean in Cambutal beach

Other Beaches to Visit

On the more than 43.5 miles (70 km) of coastline that connects Pedasi, Tonosi and the surrounding area, you can find more than 10 surf spots.

If you’re looking for a natural landscape, at Playa Toro, besides great waves, you’ll have a camping area ideal for enjoying a night under the stars. Very close to Playa Lagarto is Punta Mala, where you can surf surrounded by pure nature.

Group enjoying natural Coastal Tide Pools

At Playa Los Destiladeros, you’ll also find hotels and restaurants nearby to enjoy before and after your long surf sessions. At Playa Ciruelo, you can combine an excellent surf session at the Punta Marfil point break—exclusive for experts due to its powerful waves—with fishing plans and the chance to enjoy its great biodiversity.

Visit Playa Guanico if you want to do a surf camp and go out with the best techniques, or Playa Cambutal to combine your experience with a yoga retreat.

Some of these beaches have several surf spots with more or less large waves, different challenges, bottoms and types of swells.

Couple of surfers walking with surf boards at Playa Venao, Los Santos province

Surf Seasons in Pedasi and Tonosi

If you're intermediate or advanced, and you're looking for the most challenging waves, from May to August you'll find constant and large waves. The rest of the year, in Pedasi and Tonosi you'll find gentle and safe waves.

This is perfect if you want to perfect your technique, gain confidence, or practice a few tricks before the waves reach their peak.

A lonely surfer walking on the shore of Playa Venao, sunset view

The peak tourist season in Panamá is from December to April, when sunny days and a summer breeze invite locals and foreigners to the beaches. In these months, you'll find the best waves of the summer in Playa Cambutal, Madroño and Mala.

Don't hesitate, get your board ready and get ready for the best waves of Pedasi, Cambutal and Venao. Go ahead and combine your surfing trip with fishing tours, learn about traditions at folk festivals in the center of the country, visit turtle sanctuaries or look for whales in the middle of the Pacific. Don't miss a thing, as Pedasi, Cambutal and Venao have everything for adventure lovers.

Surfing a big wave at Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro Province, Panamá

For anyone who travels with a surfboard under their arm, and who dreams of learning, Panamá has exactly what you are looking for. Here we recommend the best surf spots for your next vacation in Panama. What about another adventure?