Women-Only Panama Surf and Yoga Camp in Santa Catalina

Day one is in Panama City, where you meet the other women on the trip. Day two is the group transfer to Santa Catalina, a small surf village on the Pacific coast, and you settle into the beachfront accommodation. From day three to day seven, the routine is surf lessons, yoga, excursions and free surf time. Day eight is the return to Panama City, or you can extend your stay.

Surf Sister has been running women's surf lessons since 1999, starting in Tofino, Canada, and now teaching worldwide. All instructors meet the British Columbia Association of Surf Instructors (BCASI) safety and training requirements and hold Standard First Aid, CPR and Lifesaving certificates. Surf Sister is also the only surf school in Canada accredited by the National Surf School and Instructors Association (NSSIA).

Santa Catalina is an off-grid surf village. There are white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere. Playa Estero, where the lessons take place, has consistent beginner-friendly waves. The trip includes a snorkel excursion to Coiba Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with the option to dive if you are PADI certified (diving is extra).

Equipment is provided: surfboards, snorkels, stand-up paddleboards, bikes and kayaks. Non-alcoholic drinks are included with meals. Alcohol, laundry and personal expenses are not included. International flights, travel medical insurance and cancellation insurance are also not included, but Finisterra Travel can help arrange flights and insurance.

The trip is operated by Finisterra Travel, a travel agency that specialises in small group adventures and custom trips. They describe themselves as international travel designers with firsthand experience of the destinations they sell. The retreat is priced at $2995 USD per person for the January 9-16, 2027 departure.

What's included

- 1 night hotel in Panama City upon arrival - Round-trip group transfer to Santa Catalina - 6 nights beachfront accommodation (double occupancy) - 5 progressive surf lessons with Surf Sister instructors - Guided afternoon free surfs - 4 yoga classes with a certified instructor - Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) - Non-alcoholic drinks with meals - All equipment: surfboards, snorkels, SUPs, bikes & kayaks - Snorkel trip to Coiba Island (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

What's not included

- International flights - Mandatory travel medical insurance - Optional cancellation insurance - Services not specified - Meals not specified - Accommodation on departure day - Expenses due to mishaps - Tips for surf instructors, local guides, service staff, drivers, housekeeping - Alcohol, laundry or other personal expenses - Departure taxes (if applicable)