Playa Venao (Vena'o)

Things to do in Panama

Playa Venao is a great year round surfing spot very popular for its consistent beach breaks.It is also very attractive for its great view of the surroundings hills, and the laidback beach atmosphere.
 
Playa Venao or Vena'o (as the locals pronounce it) is located in Los Santos province, 25 minutes away (30km) from Pedasi.
 
Playa Venao is a 4km (3 mile) long beach with great right and left breaks perfect for surfing. You can get pretty much every swell direction at this amazing surfing spot and it is rarely under 4 feet and with faces getting as big as 15 feet. Vena'o is at its best when it hits 6 to 8 feet waves at medium to high tide. Low tide normally gets somehow shallow and hollow with steep drops but you will be able to get some cool tubes during the low tide if the break is over 6 feet.
 
This is a very popular surf spot for people from Panama City, Los Santos and Chitre so it can get a little crowded on the weekends. But no worries, the beach is quite long and with several peaks so you can almost always find one to yourself.
 
Playa Venao has been host of many international surfing events organized by the International Surfing Association (ISA).
 
If you are not a surfer, the beach also offers a big sand space for you to sunbathe and relax. There is even a small waterfall close by that ends up in a river that meet Vena'o beach right in the middle where you can enjoy a swim.
 
There are a couple of restaurants, beach bars and accommodation in this area, but make sure to have cash as there is no ATM close by.