7 Day Waluaa Surf and Yoga Camp in Magical Santa Catalina, Classic Oceanfront property
Year-Round Surf and Yoga Camps in Panama
This listing has the most popular offer available in Panama
While Waluaa calls this a Camp, get ready to experience so much more than that. A breathtaking oceanfront property with all the mod cons and comforts you need for an unforgettable Surf and Yoga experience. A warm, friendly feel where you’ll feel right at home the moment you arrive. Down-to-earth, relaxed, personal. Personalized surf coaching to achieve your surf goals, surf-enhancing yoga and meditation, and all the magic and adventure of Santa Catalina. A dreamy surf town far from the city lights. Uncrowded village and beaches, world-renowned surf, perfect waves for beginners and intermediates, and a laid-back vibe all in one of Central Americaʼs safest countries, Panama.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- 6 nights spectacular oceanfront accommodation
- Surf program
- Yoga program
- Mindfulness and meditation classes
- Luxury Manduka Pro mats
- Delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every day, alcohol included
- Surfboards, SUP boards, bodyboards, kayaks, skateboards, and bikes
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Types
6 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Bar
- Barbeque facilities
- Café
- Concierge desk
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Luggage room / storage
- Meditation garden
- Multilingual staff
- Picnic area
- Restaurant
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Yoga shala
- Board rental
- Convenience / grocery store
- Free bicycle
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Ironing / ironing board
- Laundry
- Parking lot
- Tour assistance
- Wireless internet
- Outdoor shower
An Oceanfront Paradise
Accommodation and meals for our Waluaa Surf & Yoga Camp are at a classic surf hotel located oceanfront of the world-famous point break, La Punta in Santa Catalina. This incredible location is locally owned and has been home to our retreats and loved by our guests since 2015.
Highlights of this Property:
- Ocean front property on Panama’s famous La Punta surf break. Enjoy breathtaking views from the restaurant, bar, pool, and yoga studio.
- 10 min walk to Playa Estero, where we have our surf coaching (2 min in the shuttle). 10 min walk to the village center of Santa Catalina.
- For intermediate to advanced surfers, you’ve got direct paddle access from the property to La Punta surf break.
- Unbelievable sunsets.
- Fully stocked oceanfront yoga studio with premium Manduka PRO mats and equipment.
- Complimentary bikes, SUP boards, and Kayaks.
- Expect all the mod cons in your cozy room with AC, fan, memory foam mattresses, plush pillows, safe, ensuite with BPA-free bath products, fridge. And your very own hammock, table, and sun deck chairs on every garden view patio.
Spanish Colonial Style with a rustic charm
Casual, warm, timeless. Inspired by nature and local design, this ocean-front property provides the relaxed and comfortable vibe you need to stay in tune with nature, kick back, and relax.
All rooms, the yoga studio, restaurant, and bar furniture have been built using natural, sustainable materials, much of it recycled from natural reserves and handmade. Including stone, rock, clay tile, and local tropical hardwoods. Preserving the environment while providing a blissful space for you to unwind after an amazing day of surf and yoga.
The Vibe of this Property:
- You’ll feel that you’re in Panama with a retreat here. Locally inspired architecture, with native plants and flowers surrounding you.
- A larger property with 16 rooms, welcoming to all. It never feels crowded. A tranquil village feel.
- Casual, relaxed, salt-of-the-earth. You’ll easily fall asleep in a hammock here with the ocean breeze on your face and the smell of the fresh salty air.
- With a spacious and welcoming social area, it’s the place to meet and share stories with other surfers and divers from around the world.
Program
Get ready to experience a touch of Panamanian hospitality and immerse yourself in nature. An oceanfront infinity pool, restaurant, and yoga studio. With delicious and lovingly prepared meals by our local Panamanian chefs, using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Experience personalized surf coaching to achieve your surf goals, surf-enhancing yoga and meditation, and all the magic and adventure of Santa Catalina. A dreamy surf town far from the city lights.
Uncrowded village and beaches, world-renowned surf, perfect waves for beginners and intermediates, and a laid-back vibe all in one of Central Americaʼs safest countries, Panama.
Come and experience the freedom and presence that surf and yoga offer, completely de-stressing, and finding a sense of balance and vitality to bring home with you. Step outside your comfort zone and let new experiences and the rhythms of nature take you to new heights. Waluaa has designed this 6-day experience to help you get the most out of your week off.
Schedule
This is just an example day. Each day can vary as Waluaa bases the schedule on the tides to set you up with the best surf conditions possible during your stay. Your schedule will also vary if you book an extra Surf or Yoga lesson each day.
Waluaa carefully plan your week for you; however, everything is entirely up to you. You do YOU! Feel free to participate in as much or a little as you like.
- 07:00 Coffee, teas, seasonal fruit
- 07:30 Morning Vinyasa / Hatha Yoga
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 10:30 Surf Lesson
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:30 - 17:00 Free time (activities or simply relax)
- 17:00 Studio surf lesson (theory, technique, video feedback)
- 19:30 Dinner
Important: You will arrive at Santa Catalina with their private shuttle at around 3 p.m. on your check-in day (usually Sunday) and check out on your last day (usually Saturday) at 9 a.m. Including travel makes this a 7-day experience.
Included excursions
Evening beach bonfire
Nothing tops off a week by the ocean better than a beach bonfire under the starlit sky and shared with new friends
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience at Santa Catalina Island
With a delicious lunch on the white sand beaches. Enjoy SUP boarding, swimming, chilling, and exploring this secluded island.
Instructors
Sergio Bryksa
Sergio Bryksa is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been a resident of Santa Catalina, Panama, since 2012. He is an ISA Level 1 and 2 Surf Coach, ISA Surf Supervisor, and the Waluaa Co-Founder and Head Surf Coach.
Jean Carlos (Oli) Camarena
Jean Carlos (Oli) Camarena is from Santa Catalina, Panama. He is a 4-time National Panama Champion, and he placed 2nd at the ISA World Surfing Games 2018 and 2nd at the Pan American Surfing Games 2022. He is an ISA Level 1 Surf Coach, and he is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English.
Neftali (Casey) Caceres
Neftali (Casey) Caceres is an ISA-certified surf instructor.
Gayle Worth
Gayle Worth is from California, USA, and has been a resident of Santa Catalina, Panama, since 2020. She teaches Power yoga and yoga Nidra, and she is a Meditation and Mindfulness Facilitator, NLP Life Coach, and Reiki Level I and II.
Elena Fairall
Elena Fairall is from Oregon, USA, and has been a resident of Santa Catalina, Panama. since 2012. She teaches Ashtanga / Vinyasa yoga. She is a traditional Thai massage practitioner, and she is certified in Thai yoga massage.
Vickie Mogensen
Vickie Mogensen is from Sydney, Australia, and has been a resident of Santa Catalina, Panama, since 2015. She teaches Vinyasa and Katonah yoga. She received Vedic meditation training in Sydney, and she is the Waluaa Co-Founder and Yoga Director.
Location
Waluaa Surf & Yoga Surf Camp: Santa Catalina
It’s the town you see in the surf movies, an adventurous, far-off place that’s hard to get to, but so worth it. It’s the town you imagine visiting and getting lost in, when everywhere else feels overcrowded and impersonal. A remote beach town on the Pacific Coast where local fishermen and their families gather every day to enjoy the sunset, surfers ride on skateboards to the beaches, and families commute by horseback for the school drop-off. This is Waluaa's home of Santa Catalina, where the ocean is their second home.
Why you will love Santa Catalina
Laidback village lifestyle
- No Starbucks or burger chains in sight, just locally owned low-impact businesses.
- Small, uncrowded, and safe community - around 500 locals and only 50 or so expats.
- Slow living is at the heart of this community. Your days will begin and end with the sun, with an early-to-bed and early-to-rise lifestyle. The sunrise at Playa Estero you don't want to miss.
World-class surfing and diving
- A world-class wave for advanced surfers at The Point
- A gentle wave and uncrowded beach break for beginners to intermediates at Playa Estero
- World-class diving and snorkeling at nearby Coiba National Park
Wellness
- Plenty of fresh organic fish and seafood caught by the local fishermen and local produce from neighboring farms in Chiriquí
- Wellness awaits - when it’s time to get out of the sun and surf, we retreat to yoga and massage
Remoteness
- A 5.5-hour drive from Panama City keeps all the minivan tourist buses at bay. Here you’ll truly find time and space to tap out from your city life. The drive is long, but trust Waluaa, it is worth it.
Distances
- Village center - 10 minutes on foot
- Playa Estero - 5 minutes on foot (shuttle included for surf lessons)
- La Punta Surf Break - Direct access
Features
Activities
- Diving
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Massage
- Snorkeling
- Stand up paddle boarding
- Surfing
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
General
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Bar
- Beach
- Hammock
- In-room safe
- Lounge
- Restaurant
- Yoga deck
- Yoga shala
Services
- Board rental
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hair dryer
- Local market
- Parking lot
- Tour assistance
Food
You will enjoy delicious, healthy meals with a local flair. Lunches and dinners are primarily seafood, given the abundance of fresh local organic seafood available, brought in daily by the local fisherman, including red snapper, sea bass, tuna, mahi mahi, lobster, clams, and shrimp, all served up by our local chefs in their own unique and flavorsome way.
Meals are served with a variety of healthy sides including rice, plantains, yucca, various salads and soups, quinoa, beans, and fruit. A delicious variety of vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free meal plans is readily available. Meats and chicken are also available on request.
Breakfasts include a mix of local fresh fruit salads, eggs, beans, corn tortilla, yogurt, granola, pancakes, whole wheat toast, tea, coffee, juices, and fruit smoothies. With natural fruit smoothies and locally sourced coffee from Boquette served every morning.
A cocktail for your arrival evening and a complimentary glass of house wine or local beer are included with each evening meal.
Important: Please let Waluaa know if they have any food allergies or dietary preferences you would like them to be aware of.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Seafood
- Lactose Free
Things to do (optional)
Extra surf and yoga
Want to dive deeper into your yoga practice or further advance your surfing? Add an extra daily Surf or Yoga Lesson to your stay.
Extra night
Want to spend an extra night in our surf oasis for more surf or yoga, or just relax? Add an extra night to your stay.
Massage
Completely unwind with a massage session by our range of certified therapists. Treatments include Thai Yoga Massage, Deep Tissue, and Swedish Relaxation.
Horseback riding
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 Estero Beach for sunset. Suitable for all levels.
Coiba National Park: snorkeling or diving
The archipelago of Coiba, one of Panama’s most beautiful places, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is only a 1-hour boat ride away from Santa Catalina. The beaches are exquisite, and the island and surrounding areas offer some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the world. You’re likely to see everything from dolphins, turtles, manta rays, octopus, sharks, and an abundance of beautiful tropical fish. And depending on the season, the whale migration.
Spa treatments
Completely unwind with a massage session by the certified therapists. Treatments include deep tissue, relaxing massage, and Thai yoga massage.
What's included
- 6 nights oceanfront accommodation
- 5 surf lessons (Personalized coaching in small groups with a max of 1 - 3 students to an instructor. Each lesson is at least 2 hours and is designed to be progressive. Your board, leash, wax, long-sleeved rash guard, and shuttle transport to and from the beach are included. As well as go-pro video of your sessions. All our instructors are ISA certified and deliver a professional and effective surfing experience.
- 2 surf studio lessons (surf theory, technique, and video feedback with GoPro videos sent to your device daily)
- 6 yoga classes (styles include Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Hatha, Yin, and Nidra. You’ll receive your premium yoga pack for the week, including a Manduka PRO yoga mat, cork blocks, straps, and blanket. All our instructors are Yoga Alliance certified and will tailor the classes to your needs, all while practicing surrounded by nature in the oceanfront studio
- 2 Breathwork, Meditation & Mindfulness Classes (learn practical tools you can take home to manage stress, get better sleep, and improve your health)
- All your gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, also including your arrival evening dinner and departure morning breakfast. All our meals are lovingly prepared by our local chefs using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. We’ll also visit a local restaurant or two during your week to enjoy their incredible cuisine, included with your retreat. Natural fruit smoothies are served daily with breakfast, plus locally sourced coffee from Boquette. A complimentary glass of wine or local beer is included with each evening meal and a welcome cocktail.)
- Evening beach bonfire
- Standup paddleboarding (SUP) experience at Santa Catalina Island
- Unlimited use of Waluaa Surf & Yoga adventure equipment for guests (Softboards, SUP boards, bodyboards, kayaks, and bikes)
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Waluaa goodie bag!
What's not included
- Flights to and from Panama
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks during your transfer to and from Panama City
- Add-on activities
- Gratuities (for your retreat stays with Waluaa Surf & Yoga, you do not need to tip as you go. For anyone who would like to offer a gratuity for the instructors, hotel, restaurant, and activities staff, we will kindly accept any gratuities at the end of your stay which will be divided up amongst all staff. A gratuity of 5-10% of your stay is greatly appreciated.)
- Optional Extra: Private Group Shuttle Transfers to and from Panama City: Pick-up from Panama City on your retreat start date at 8 am from Panama City International Airport (PTY) or 9 am in front of the Central Hotel in Casco Viejo. We will have you back in Panama City on your final retreat day around 3 pm. We can return you to the airport or your hotel in Panama.
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 100 per person
Tocumen International Airport
260 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
The closest International airport in Panama City is Tocumen International Airport (PTY). If you are coming from the US, Copa Airlines (Panama’s National Airline) and United have direct flights from NY and LA, starting with as little as 500 USD return. Waluaa loves Copa Airlines as the service on board is always great, and it includes a hot meal with beverages and onboard entertainment. From Europe, Lufthansa flies direct from Frankfurt, and KLM flies direct from Amsterdam.
How do the transfers to and from Panama City work? What time will you be picked up and dropped off in Panama City?
Waluaa can pick you up in their private shuttle at Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) at 7.30 a.m. on your retreat start date or at 9 a.m. in front of the Central Hotel in Casco Viejo. They’ll have you back in Panama City around p.m...m on your last day. They can return you to the airport if you have an evening flight home or to your hotel in Panama City.
This is a private group shuttle that they arrange for all guests who choose to book the shuttle for each of their week’s retreats. The cost shown of $100 is for a one-way trip. You can choose to book a way shuttle or a round trip, which would be $200. The costs are based on a minimum of 2 other guests booking the shuttle the same week as you. If fewer than 2 other guests book the shuttle, Waluaa will let you know the supplemental cost and give you the option to keep your booking or make other travel arrangements to get here. Waluaa will help you with directions for taking the bus and taxi, which is cost-effective, safe, and easy to do, or renting a car.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to Panama City?
Taxis are easy, safe, and abundant. There is an authorized taxi stand outside the main exit of the airport. If traveling alone, expect to pay up to 35 USD to Casco Viejo. You can also agree to wait for other passengers and split the fare to make it cheaper. The drive into town is about 30 minutes, give or take some traffic. Uber is also available in Panama. The rates are the same, if not lower than taxis. You can also pay a small surplus and select an English-speaking driver.
Where should you stay in Panama City?
Waluaa's favorite place to stay in Panama City is Casco Viejo. A beautiful old historic town that truly comes alive at night and is filled with amazing cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, artisanal stores, and a market. You’ll have plenty of accommodation options here to choose from, ranging from Hostels to Boutique Hotels.
What other hotels do you recommend in Panama City?
- Casco Viejo area
- Central Hotel
- American Trade Hotel
- Hotel Casa Panama
- Magnolia Inn
- Selina
- Check out Airbnb for some great apartments
Obario / Bella Vista area
- Global Hotel
- The Executive Hotel
- Sortis
- The Bristol Hotel
- Le Meridian
El Cangrejo area
- Trypp Wyndham Panama Centro
- Panama Zen Best Western Hotel
- Riande Urban Hotel
- Saba Hotel
Airport hotels
- Riande Aeropuerto Hotel
- Crowne Plaza
Both have a 24hr complimentary airport shuttle
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 7 days before arrival.
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