Panama Surf & Yoga Camp
January 10-17, 2026
Min/Max: 6/12
Beginner & Advanced Beginner surfers
Overview
Join me & Surf Sisters for an amazing Panama surf & yoga camp. This retreat is for the discerning adventure traveler. The surf-focused itinerary is sure to get you stoked on surfing and give you the skills and confidence you need to get into the water on your own. Each day will be complemented by daily yoga practice, stretching sessions, and camaraderie. Sorry, fellas, this trip is only for our intrepid sisters!
Imagine a retreat in a tranquil, off-grid, unspoiled, and authentic surf town. A place where nature meets the local culture. A place where you can really tap out from city life and completely decompress. It’s a perfect way to start your year on a refreshed note…and a little sand and sun isn’t bad either!
Daily surf + yoga will invigorate your mind and body. Feel nourished in the goodness of local fresh fruits and local organic seafood each day. Revel in the raw natural beauty of Panama, connecting with the community of genuine friendly locals and like-minded travellers. Return home feeling more relaxed + refreshed than you’ve ever been.
I’ve been doing this trip for 5 years now and it is consistently a great time! This is a super opportunity to learn something new in a safe/welcoming environment. You’ll walk away more confident, and most likely with some new girlfriends!
The trip is run by Finisterra Travel and Surf Sisters exclusively for Ottsworld followers!
Itinerary
Upon arrival in the international airport in Panama City, please take an Uber to our charming accommodation. Meet your fellow travelers and get to know each other. Share your excitement about the surf adventure ahead!
Chill out on the beautiful and secluded white sand beach of Santa Catalina Island. With its calm crystal blue waters, it’s the perfect place to enjoy snorkeling around the reefs, beach-combing the majestic sands, or taking out a SUP board for a paddle. Enjoy 6 nights of beachfront accommodation in Santa Catalina (double occupancy.)
Surf Sister‘s professional certified surf instructors have partnered with local surfers to ensure that you have the best experience possible in Panama. Santa Catalina Retreat is right in front of Playa Estero.
Our lessons are held at the warm waters of Playa Estero. A quiet, super fun, and uncrowded beach break with a gentle sand bottom, breaking left and right – offering smaller more gentle waves for beginners on the south side and more challenging waves on the north. It is the perfect beach break to begin surfing. This is a little slice of paradise!
Yoga is also a perfect complement to surfing, developing your strength, flexibility, and balance. It is especially great for stretching out the shoulders and back and opening the hips after your surf session! Yoga is optional, of course, but it is included in the package and excellent for flexibility.
Your days will vary depending on tides however the average day will look like…
Morning: Breakfast, Yoga, Surf Lesson
Noon: Lunch and rest
Afternoon: Free time to surf, activity, stretching
Evening: Dinner, evening activities
INCLUDED EXCURSION – SNORKELLING: Coiba Island is one of Panama’s most beautiful places, and a 1.5 hour fast boat ride from Playa Santa Catalina.
The beaches are exquisite and the island and surrounding areas offer some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling in the world, You are likely to see everything from dolphins, turtles, manta rays, octopuses, sharks, and an abundance of beautiful tropical fish. And depending on the season, you will also catch the whale migration (snorkelling included, diving EXTRA.)
Take our airport transfer back to Panama City for your departing flight home or onward adventures!
Details
We start with proper surfing technique, etiquette, equipment, and ocean safety, and we leave lots of time each class to hit the surf to practice your new skills. As you progress through the week, experienced Surf Sister coaches will teach you all their secrets with the ultimate goal of riding a “green” peeling wave.
You will have the opportunity to participate in 4 yoga sessions, 5 progressive surf lessons, free surfs, free time for practicing your new surf skills, and training accompanied by 3 delicious meals per day. Enjoy this slice of tropical paradise with the wonderful camaraderie of other like-minded souls.
What’s Included
- 1 night in Panama City upon arrival (twin/double occupancy)
- Group transfer to/from Santa Catalina
- 6 nights of beachfront accommodation in Santa Catalina (double occupancy)
- Get photos and videos of yourself as you learn to surf
- 4 yoga classes
- 5 Progressive Surf Lessons & 4 free surfs with the Surf Sisters
- Support of local surf guide
- Use of infinity pool, hammocks, ping pong tables, dartboard, etc.
- Unlimited use of bikes, kayaks, SUP boards, surfboards, snorkels, and bodyboards
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and non-alcoholic drinks with meals
- Snorkel trip with the option to dive (diving is EXTRA and you must be PADI certified) to Coiba Island, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
What’s Not Included
- Airfare to Panama City. (International flights can be arranged through Finesterra Travel via nicola@finisterra.ca)
- Travel medical insurance is mandatory for participants. I recommend Allianz Travel Insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
- Beverages and alcohol
- Services not specified, meals not specified
- All tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters, etc.
- Visa and passport fees
- Any required Covid-19 testing
Booking
Booking takes place through Finesterra Travel on their website here.
When booking flights once trip is confirmed, your departure flight must leave AFTER 1PM on the FINAL DAY. Failure to book a later flight will result in extra charges for transporation.
NOTE: When you click on Book Now button, you will be taken to Finesterra’s website to pay a deposit and secure your space on the trip.
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out in the Booking Terms & Conditions prior to booking a trip with Finisterra Travel LTD. We strongly recommend that you also read the Country Information relating to your trip prior to booking, and ensure that you understand the itinerary and the active style of the trip you are undertaking.
Add-ons
Santa Catalina Add-ons
Diving – must already be PADI certified – $TBD
- The archipelago of Coiba, one of Panama’s most beautiful places, is a UNESCO World Heritage and is only a 1-hour boat ride away from Santa Catalina. Email info@finisterra.ca for pricing.
Horseback riding – $55USD (approx)
- Let Santa Catalina’s local horseman take you on a wonderful ride through Santa Catalina’s fincas (pastures) and beaches. We’ll begin with an easy ride through the fincas to take in stunning vistas, then finish with a breathtaking ride along Playa Estero (Estero Beach) at sunset. Suitable for all levels.
Massages – $80USD (approx)
Panama City Add-ons
Learn all about Panamanian cooking while enjoying the local rum! I did this on my last visit and had so much fun. You get a ton of food and drink as well as get insight into local living in Panama City!
Make sure you visit the Panama Canal!
Reviews
January 10-17, 2026
$3,195 USD
$800 Deposit
Can’t make this tour, but still want to go?
Read More About Surfing Destinations
Experiencing Sisterhood on a Surf and Yoga Retreat
Maui Surf Lessons: Becoming a Gnarly Surfer Girl
How to Overcome Fear in Your 40’s
Still Have Questions?
Contact Sherry about OttsWorld Tours