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A thrilling surfer catching a massive wave in the open ocean, displaying incredible skill.
📷 Rosario Incandela · Pexels

Surf Dojo

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.1 12 species 15 contributors

Surf Dojo is a year-round Panama surf spot near Quebrada Gatosa in Los Santos Province, with a growing community of 3 shared videos.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Shore entry

At a glance

Activity
surf
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Surf Dojo location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.4 kn
Wave
0.9 m
Water
29.6°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SSW (32%)
Now: SW (236°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.23m

Today: High 08:00 (+1.35m), Low 02:00 (-0.1m)

+1.6 m0 m-0.6 m
▼ 02:00 · -0.1m ▲ 08:00 · +1.35m ▼ 15:00 · -0.19m ▲ 21:00 · +1.14m Now -0.1m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV7.6 · high Air PM2.53 · good 06:10 18:19
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 6.7 0.92 8 20mm
09-19 5.2 0.92 9 10mm
09-20 7.7 0.88 9 8mm
09-21 8.3 0.88 2 22mm
09-22 9.4 0.84 6 4mm
09-23 9.2 0.74 9 4mm
09-24 5.7 0.64 9 5mm

About this spot

Surf Dojo sits in Los Santos Province, Panama, near the Quebrada Gatosa watershed. The spot works throughout the year, making it accessible for travelers planning a Panama surf trip without seasonal constraints. The location has attracted enough surfer activity to build a small community presence online, with 3 documented videos showing local conditions and sessions. While detailed specs like wave difficulty, swell direction, and exact beach access aren't widely published, the spot's consistency and year-round potential appeal to travelers seeking alternatives to more crowded Central American breaks. Los Santos Province offers a mix of rural coastline and small towns, so plan logistics accordingly. The area has no marine protected area (MPA) designation, which typically means fewer permit requirements for access. The 12 species observations recorded suggest diverse marine life in the region, though specific fish and conditions vary by swell and season. Visitors should research current local conditions via community videos and connect with regional guides or surf schools for real-time intel on swell forecasts, tide windows, and safe entry points.

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8652km · ~1990kg · €36

FAQ

When is the best time to surf Surf Dojo?

Surf Dojo works year-round, so there's no bad season to visit. However, regional swells and weather patterns vary by month. Check current forecast models and community videos before booking to match your skill level with live conditions.

What difficulty level is Surf Dojo?

Specific difficulty ratings aren't documented. Reach out to local guides or review the 3 community videos on the spot to gauge wave size, bottom type, and crowd dynamics. Los Santos coastline can range from beginner-friendly beach breaks to more challenging reefbreaks.

What marine life is around Surf Dojo?

Twelve species observations have been recorded in the area, indicating healthy marine biodiversity. Central American Pacific coasts typically host mackerel, jacks, rays, and reef fish. Always respect wildlife and follow leave-no-trace practices.

Do I need permits to surf Surf Dojo?

The spot is not inside a marine protected area, so standard beach access rules apply. Check with local authorities in Los Santos Province and talk to regional guides about any seasonal closures or local customs before your session.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

26 records · 19 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Chiton stokesii

Polyplacophora · Chitonidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Mar 2026
×4records

Ocypode gaudichaudii

Malacostraca · Ocypodidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Mar 2026
×2records

Calcinus obscurus

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Mar 2026
×1records

Chama coralloides

Bivalvia · Chamidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Mar 2026
×1records

Hypanus longus

Elasmobranchii · Dasyatidae
GBIF
Last seen:
12 Mar 2026
×2records

Hysteroconcha lupanaria

Bivalvia · Veneridae
GBIF
Last seen:
11 Mar 2026
×1records

Dardanus janethaigae

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
9 Mar 2026
×1records

Mitrella delicata

Gastropoda · Columbellidae
GBIF
Last seen:
9 Mar 2026
×1records

Cypraecassis coarctata

Gastropoda · Cassidae
GBIF
Last seen:
8 Mar 2026
×1records

Callinectes arcuatus

Malacostraca · Portunidae
GBIF
Last seen:
22 Feb 2026
×1records

Goniopsis pulchra

Malacostraca · Grapsidae
GBIF
Last seen:
28 Jan 2026
×1records

Nerita scabricosta

Gastropoda · Neritidae
GBIF
Last seen:
27 Jan 2025
×2records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

SURF DOJO "The new generation of surf training center" Panama, Playa Venao.

Surf Dojo Panama

Surf Dojo Competitive Training & Surf Coaching

Surf Dojo Panama

Aerial skill Coaching with Surf Dojo surf & Skate Camp Panama Playa Venao

Surf Dojo Panama

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