A Day in the Life at a Surf and Yoga Retreat in Panama: What to Expect at Waluaa

Please note: Daily schedules at Waluaa may vary based on tides, weather, and other natural factors. Each day is designed to flow with the conditions, ensuring the best possible experience for every guest.

When most people picture a surf camp, they think packed schedules, high-energy coaching, and long days chasing waves. Yoga retreats, on the other hand, tend to conjure up slow mornings, mindful movement, and quiet moments of reflection.

At Waluaa, we believe you don’t have to choose one or the other, and you definitely don’t have to burn out to feel transformed.

Our surf and yoga retreats offer a softer rhythm: one where powerful moments happen between effort and ease. You’ll paddle out with intention, move your body with care, and still have time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with what matters.

Here’s what a day in that kind of flow really looks like.

Wake to the Sound of the Ocean and the Jungle

Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll wake up to garden views with the ocean nearby, the sounds of the jungle with waves in the distance, or in a private beachfront suite just steps from the shore. Most mornings start with a fresh cup of coffee, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature before you start your day. After coffee, guests usually prepare for the day ahead with a quiet moment to settle in before a peaceful morning surf.

Whether you're here to catch waves or take your time, each day begins with space to meet it your own way.

Depending on where you’re staying, each wake-up feels a little different, but all of them start slow and soft.

In our Classic Oceanfront rooms, you’ll open your eyes to garden views and the sound of the sea just beyond. A short stroll brings you to the oceanfront for that first breath of salt air, and, of course, a fresh cup of locally roasted coffee.

Tucked deeper into nature, our Jungle Villas offer a serene start to the day. You’ll wake to the hum of the jungle and the ocean whispering in the distance, wrapped in quiet that feels restorative before you’ve even left your bed.

And for those in our Luxe Beachfront suites, the day begins in your own private garden, where luxury meets the earth in the gentlest way. Coffee in hand, just steps from the shore, you’ll feel the pace of the world shift before your first adventure.

However you wake, the start of each day here is intentional. No rush, no noise. Just presence.

sunrise surf sesh, party wave incoming!

Fuel Up, Then Paddle Out

Mornings start with fresh fruit and coffee to get you ready for the surf session ahead. Depending on your level, you’ll head to either Playa Estero or La Punta—both spots offer waves suited to every skill level at Santa Catalina.

Before hitting the water, join the team for a fun warm-up to get your body moving and prepared. Then it’s time to paddle out for waves, laughs, and personalized coaching. Whether it’s your first time standing up or you’re refining your turns, the small group sizes mean you’ll get plenty of one-on-one guidance. And with warm water year-round, wetsuits aren’t needed, making every session comfortable and refreshing.

After surfing, you’ll return for a nourishing breakfast, local fruit, homemade granola, eggs, fresh juice, and more, to refuel and get ready for the rest of the day.

fresh fruit, granola and yogurt, and sourdough french toast topped with a mango and papaya smoothie.

Lounge, Lunch, and Learn

After breakfast and your morning surf session, the afternoon begins with some well-deserved downtime. Whether it’s relaxing in a hammock, getting a rejuvenating massage, taking a dip in the pool, journaling, or simply resting, this time is yours to unwind and recharge.

After a morning of surfing and relaxation, it’s time to refuel with a fresh, vibrant lunch featuring local ingredients and tropical flavors, perfect for replenishing your energy. Trust me, you’ll be hungry!

relaxing massage in a jungle, ocean paradise

Following lunch, we dive into surf theory and video analysis sessions. This is your chance to break down your waves, understand the mechanics behind each move, and learn strategies tailored to your level. Reviewing your own footage with expert guidance helps you see what’s working and where to focus next, turning every session into meaningful progress.

Flow and Restore

Yoga at Waluaa is designed to support your surfing and how you’re feeling each day. Some sessions focus on restorative yin or gentle meditation to help you recover and relax. Others are more active, with strengthening vinyasas to build power and flexibility.

All classes take place in our oceanfront yoga shala, with the occasional poolside or beach yoga, where you can enjoy the sounds of the jungle and the ocean breeze as you move. The timing varies, sometimes mornings, sometimes afternoons as tides change, but it will always tailored to complement your energy and the day’s flow, ending in a relaxing meditation.

yoga class at our luxe beachfront location

Community Dinner + Connection

Evenings at Waluaa are a chance to come together, slow down, and connect. Dinner is served family-style, featuring fresh, local ingredients and flavors that reflect the region. It’s a time to share stories from the day, swap surfing tales, or simply enjoy the company of new friends.

Many guests arrive solo and leave as part of a community, bonded by shared experiences and the relaxed pace of retreat life. Some nights might end with music, laughter, or quiet conversations beneath the stars, creating moments that feel both simple and unforgettable.

This is where the spirit of Waluaa truly shines, through genuine connection, openness, and the joy of being present together.

guests enjoying a meal at our Classic Oceanfront property

Rest & Repeat

After a full day of movement, fresh air, and mindful presence, you’ll find yourself naturally ready for rest, without the usual distractions or restless thoughts. The combination of surf, yoga, nourishing food, and time in nature helps your body and mind settle deeply.

This kind of rest isn’t just sleep, it’s a reset. A chance to recharge so you can wake up refreshed and ready to move through the day with clarity and calm. At Waluaa, this rhythm of activity and rest creates space for lasting renewal, both on and off the board.

And then? You do it all again.

Please note: Daily schedules at Waluaa vary based on tides, weather, and other natural factors. Each day is designed to flow with the conditions, ensuring the best possible experience for every guest.