WHY PLAYA VENAO
Surf, whales and turtles on the Pacific
Playa Venao lies on the Azuero Peninsula, in the south of Los Santos. It hosts international surf competitions and, all around it, you'll find Isla Iguana, with the oldest and largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama, and the turtle arrivals at Isla Cañas. We organise it for you privately, with local guides.
Surf for every level
Waves of up to 3 m in season, schools where you can learn, and host of the 2026 Pan American Surf Games.
Isla Iguana
A wildlife refuge with the oldest and largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama.
Humpback whales
From July to October they come to these waters to give birth and raise their calves.
Turtles at Isla Cañas
One of Panama's most important nesting sites, with olive ridley arrivals from July to November.
BURWA EXPERIENCES
Private experiences in and around Playa Venao
Prices "from", per person. Transport from Playa Venao included unless otherwise stated.
ISLA IGUANA AND WHALES
ISLA CAÑAS
ON BOARD
DESTINATION GUIDE
Playa Venao and Azuero, at an easy pace
HISTORY IN FIVE DATES
1840 The district of Pedasí is created.
1981 Isla Iguana is declared a wildlife refuge.
1994 Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge is created.
2011 Playa Venao hosts the ISA World Surfing Games.
2026 Playa Venao hosts the Pan American Surf Games.
Practical information
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How long. 3 to 4 nights. For surfing, Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas.
When to go. All year round. Whales from July to October; turtles at Isla Cañas from July to November.
Good to know. One of the driest parts of Panama. Azuero is part of the Arco Seco (Dry Arc); the dry season runs from December to April.
For surfers. Waves for everyone. From May to August, big waves; the rest of the year, gentler ones for learning.
What to see
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Playa Venao. A surf bay with schools and waves for every level.
Isla Iguana. A wildlife refuge about 20 minutes by boat from Playa El Arenal, near Pedasí.
Isla Cañas. A wildlife refuge famous for the arrivals of olive ridley turtles.
Pedasí. The nearest town, birthplace of Mireya Moscoso, Panama's first female president.
Playa Cambutal. More rustic and quiet, also with good waves.
Where to eat
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The food scene mixes Panamanian and Mediterranean cooking.
La Quincha (Playa Venao).
La Barca and La Orilla Café, on the seafront in Venao.
Bohemia Pizzería (Pedasí).
Where to stay
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Rather than a specific hotel, choose the right area:
On the beach in Venao. Lodges and eco-minded places to stay.
Pedasí. All kinds of accommodation, less than 10 min from the departure point for Isla Iguana.
We'll help you choose accommodation to suit your trip.
Getting around
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Getting there. Regional flights to Pedasí (about 35-60 min) or about 5 h by road from the city.
From Pedasí to Venao. About 30 min.
Excursions. Our experiences include transport from Venao unless otherwise stated.
Burwa tips
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Whales and Isla Iguana. Bring your passport: it's required to enter the refuge.
Cash. ATMs are scarce; it's best to bring cash from Pedasí.
Learning to surf. Better outside May-August, when the waves are gentler.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What people ask us before they come
How many days do I need in Playa Venao?
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With 3 or 4 nights you have time for surfing, Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas.
When can you see whales?
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From July to October, when humpbacks come to give birth and raise their calves. We depart from Playa El Arenal towards Isla Iguana.
When can you see turtles?
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At Isla Cañas, the arrivals take place from July to November, with the most activity from September to November.
Is it a good place to learn to surf?
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Yes: there are surf schools, and outside May-August the waves are gentler.
How do you get to Playa Venao?
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By plane to Pedasí (about 35-60 min) and 30 min by road, or about 5 h by car from Panama City.
KEEP EXPLORING
