INCLUSIVE SURF & YOGA RETREATS IN SANTA CATALINA, PANAMA
Find your Flow with Surf & Yoga in Panama
This is your week to slow down, unplug, and reconnect—with nature, the ocean, and yourself. Spend your days surfing, practicing yoga, and exploring a coastal village where life moves at an easy rhythm. Safe, welcoming, and uncrowded, Santa Catalina is a place where you’ll instantly feel at home. With expert coaching, nourishing meals, and every detail taken care of. All you need to decide is which retreat feels right for you, and which week you’ll join us!
“”You’ve been there, done that in San Juan del Sur, Nosara or Santa Teresa. You’re in search of the next off-the beaten path surf spot before it becomes the new ‘It’ place that’s suddenly teeming with tourists. Word is slowly getting out about Santa Catalina, Panama, so get there while you can.” ”
Why Choose Waluaa for your Surf & Yoga Retreat in Panama?
proven SURF PROGRAM
Learn with ISA-certified local pros in small groups, with daily video and feedback to fast-track your progress. Safe, personalized, and world-class coaching on our home breaks.
UPLIFTING YOGA & MEDITATION
Open-level classes led by experienced Yoga Alliance teachers to balance your body, calm your mind, and support your surf. Grounding, restorative, and tailored to you.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Whether you’re here just for the waves, purely for the practice, or a blend of both—you decide. Book a Surf Retreat, Yoga Retreat, or our signature Surf & Yoga Retreat.
SEAMLESS & CARE-FREE
Pick your dates, book your flight, and we handle the rest! From meals to massages, and adventures, everything is tailored to you—so your week feels effortless from start to finish.
YEAR-ROUND CONSISTENT SURF
Playa Estero offers gentle, sand-bottom waves with no rips or crowds—perfect for learning and progressing. When the swell picks up, we head to Playa Santa Catalina for long, peeling green rides. With warm water year-round and complimentary boards, you can surf as often as you like.
TOP-NOTCH ACCOMMODATIONS
Wake up with coffee and ocean views at our Classic Oceanfront, set right in front of La Punta. Retreat to Tropical Villas for private garden-style stays and elevated cuisine, or escape to our Luxe Beachfront—2.5 acres of pristine, secluded shoreline just outside Santa Catalina
SOUL-NOURISHING MEALS
Savor fresh, locally inspired dishes with wild-caught fish and seafood, tropical fruits, and local veggies each day. Naturally gluten- and lactose-free, our meals cater to all diets. You’ll also taste the village culinary scene with some dinners out in town!
AUTHENTIC & SAFE TRAVEL
Leave your worries behind. Santa Catalina Panama is a laid-back village that’s not overrun with expats and tourists. You can roam safe day and night without hassle. Experience uncrowded beaches, world-class surfing and diving. More on the Safety of Panama >
Download our FREE Panama Travel Guide—get everything you need to know!
FEATURED IN
Escape from the daily grind.
— FORBES MAGAZINE
The best things to do in Panama.
— CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER
The perfect place to learn to surf.
— LONELY PLANET
“”If you’re looking for the perfect blend of surfing, yoga, and pure relaxation, look no further! Imagine the only decision you have to make is book a flight. Every last detail was handled seamlessly, from surf lessons to daily yoga. The food was fabulous, filled with local fruits and fresh fish. From the time I arrived until the last minute at Waluaa I felt part of the flow, part of the family. If you want to learn to surf, or build on your experience, you couldn’t ask for a better team. We also had mindfulness classes, and the massages that were nothing short of spectacular. This is a first class operation. Every detail was attended to with grace, from my first inquiry to the last day we were together. 100% recommend this trip. It’s the excursion of a lifetime”. ”
OUR Safe & Effective Surf CAMP PROGRAM
Learn and Improve Your Surf in Panama with Ideal Conditions
PERSONALIZED SURF COACHING
With no more than 1 or 2 other surfers at your same level for safe and accelerated learning. Surf lessons are coupled with theory, technique and video feedback, with videos sent to your device daily. Our local professional surf coaches bring expert knowledge on our beaches and will help you achieve your surfing goals.
ideal Waves & consistent surf
Playa Estero in Santa Catalina is one of the best beaches in Central America to learn and improve your surfing. Forgiving waves, a soft sand bottom, no rip currents and no crowds. And for intermediate surfers we offer personalized coaching at La Punta, with direct paddle access from our Surf & Yoga Retreat accommodation.
The Magic Duo: Surf and Yoga
Surfing is the ultimate mindfulness practice! It demands pure presence and awareness of yourself and your immediate surroundings. A great way to clear the mind, step away from day-to-day life, and wipe away the effects of stress.
Everybody can learn to surf at our Panama Surf Camp.
A Philosophy of Inclusion
All our surf coaches are certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA) and share in the ISA philosophy of inclusion: it’s the right of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnic background ability level, to participate in the sport of surfing.
OUR YOGA, MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION PROGRAM
De-stress, Find Balance & Improve Your Surf
INTEGRATIVE YOGA
Our yoga sessions are designed to enhance your surf experience, your connection to nature and self. Expect invigorating morning Vinyasa and Hatha practices and restorative evening Yin and Slow Flow. You’ll receive your own Manduka Pro mat for the week and our oceanfront studios are stoked with all the equipment you’ll need for a blissful practice.
UNWIND & REDUCE STRESS
Learn simple and effective meditation, breath work & mindfulness practices to quiet the mind and calm the body. You’ll explore a variety of techniques from Buddhist meditations, guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, kundalini meditations, breathing techniques and more. Learn practical tools you can take home to manage stress, get better sleep and improve your health.
The Magic Duo: Surf and Yoga
Yoga builds our flexibility, balance and core-strength for surfing. It also helps us cultivate mental focus, the ability to be calm and present, in and out of the water. Slow, controlled breathing helps our surfing with lunge expansion and slowing down our heart rate. Surf & Yoga, it’s the magic duo.
“”We loved absolutely everything about Waluaa! The surf lessons were highly professional, the instructors really focused on each student which made all the difference and especially the video analysis helped so much. We learnt to surf here and had so much fun and fast progress. The yoga lessons, food and optional programs (snorkeling in Coiba - do it!) were perfectly thought out. Not to forget: Vickie and Sergio are such kind and lovely Souls, we were really sad to leave. Highly recommended!” ”
Our Retreats ARE For You If:
You want world-class surf and yoga instruction that’s approachable, affordable, and designed with care.
You’re drawn to off-the-beaten-path places, where you can still feel the magic before the crowds arrive.
You value connection—with like-minded travelers from all walks of life, where age, gender, identity, and culture are celebrated.
You crave a safe adventure that blends community, nature, and a slice of slow living.
You’re ready to step outside your routine, de-stress, and find balance in both body and mind.You love the idea of booking once, showing up, and having every detail seamlessly taken care of.
Our Retreats ARE NOT For You If:
You’re not open to new experiences or stepping outside your comfort zone.
You’re looking for a boozy surf camp or late-night party scene—our vibe is wellness, early mornings, and intention.
You’re seeking ultra-luxury; our retreats are down-to-earth, welcoming, and comfortable, not five-star resorts.
You dislike travel—Santa Catalina is a 5.5-hour scenic drive from Panama City (or a 60-minute charter flight if you prefer). We believe the journey is part of the adventure.
You expect a strictly adults-only bubble—our retreats are adults-only, but properties may be shared with visiting families, creating a diverse, inclusive mix of travelers.
Stories from Santa Catalina
How To Book Your Surf Camp or Yoga Retreat
EXPLORE RETREATS
Find the perfect week for you - whether it’s our Surf and Yoga Retreat or our Luxe Yoga & Adventure Retreat.
BOOK YOUR TRIP
Once you find your perfect experience, you’re a couple clicks away from an incredible experience using our easy-to-use, hassle-free booking process.
PACK YOUR BAGS
Passport? Check. Swimsuits? Check. Get your bags packed for a week of surf, yoga, and adventure.
At Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat in Santa Catalina, Panama, guests discover more than just surfing and yoga—they find transformation. From beginners standing on their first wave to travelers feeling nourished and grounded through yoga, these personal stories reveal the magic, community, and care that make Waluaa a life-changing retreat.