Beach Break Hotel & Surf Camp de Playa Venao

*This is long--sorry* We couldn't have asked for a better trip! We came to Beach Break Playa Venao wanting to learn how to surf for our 20th anniversary. We weren't expecting much from this tiny town of 800 people that takes 6 hours to get to from the airport, but it has everything and more! Our flight was delayed 7 hours but the driver of our airport transfer was still cheerful and friendly. We didn't arrive at Beach Breack until 1:30 AM but we were greeted with an immaculately clean room, soft bed, large rain shower, comfy hammock, all just steps from the pool and beach. Morning brought a perfectly relaxing yoga class, delicious breakfast at Pizza Gavilan, and meeting Brent the surfing instructor. Brent was great! We had 5 days of instruction where he not only got us up consistently with his help, but he also taught us how to catch waves on our own. I was incredibly impressed since we were two 45 year olds from the middle of the US with zero surf experience. On day 6 we were able to swing by the shop, pick up boards, and actually catch a few waves! We did the inclusive package which included breakfast every morning (we tried every option at least once, it was all great). Paddling through the Mangroves was peaceful plus visiting the town of Isla Canas wasn't a weird, awkward tourist thing like we've experienced in Mexico and St. Lucia. We did yoga every morning, each class was just unique enough to be fresh and the instructors were kind and knowledgeable. We took one jiu jitsu class (everyone there was kind and and knowledgeable also). Jiu jitsu is a full body workout and much harder than it looks and we know our limits so one class was enough! We hiked to the waterfall and lookout at Eco Venao. It's completely worth the effort. We went in the middle of the day do no monkeys on that hike. They are active early morning and later afternoon. We took the "path" (also a hike) at the end of the beach past the Villa Marina Condos to Playita at 4ish and saw tons of monkeys! And the food! Everywhere we at was delicious and very reasonably priced. My favorites were La Hummuseria and Coleos Cafe. El Sito was beautiful and a perfect place to enjoy our last night with great drinks and relaxing upscale atmosphere. Almendro was a cute little restaurant tucked away in Selina River resort that has amazing vegan pizzas. We went during "rainy season" which meant everything was quiet and peaceful. Many times we were the only people in a restaurant, or at the pool, or walking along the shore. Rainy season meant mostly clouds or partial sun, and tiny patches of rain that passed quickly. The temp was still 80-85F so cloudy days were perfect to walk around and hike and not get too hot. With just enough sun to tan and not burn. This place is truly paradise. It's definitely being "discovered" with new construction all over. I hope on 5 years Beach Break is still a quiet little resort in a quiet little town that has everything you cou

I was looking for a surfing vacation to celebrate my son's high school graduation, I did a lot of research and landed on Beach Break Surf Resort This hidden gem exceeded all of our expectations. It had the relaxing beach vibe where you could find the balance of adventure and relaxation. Brent was our surfing instructor and amazing. He would spend an hour with our two teenaged kids in the morning on lessons. They could then spend the rest of the day with a surfboard as long as they wanted! Brent was also a very good instructor for beginners and if he got us parents in their 50's to surf, he can help anyone! We stayed in the Casa del Mar apartment and the decor and comfort of accommodations were excellent. My favorite part was the deck overlooking the ocean. The food was phenomenal at the Beach Break Pizza Gavilian. Best breakfasts I've ever had! There was a nice assortment of food for dinner. The wait staff was very friendly. Playa Venao is a vibrant place at night with many beach front bars offering everything from karake to club style dancing. People were very friendly and it was awesome to meet people from all over the world. While Playa Venao is a long drive for Panama City it is worth it once you arrive. We also went off site one day for a kayak to iguana island. Other activities include turtle conservation, zip lining, and fishing. My son utilized the gym on site. I also appreciated the close proximity of the supermarket and some cute little shops. I hope to someday return to this little sliver of paradise!

We spent 4 full days (5-nights) at Beach Break Surf Camp, and would’ve loved to have stayed longer! Booking was super easy. The property manager, John, was super responsive throughout the booking process, and we went with the all-inclusive package. The morning after we arrived (we got in pretty late), the surf camp manager, Brent, immediately found us and got us set-up. We brought my daughter’s surfboard with us, but never needed it, as they had plenty of quality board options for her to use (we’ve had experiences elsewhere where that was not the case). The rooms were pretty basic, but were plenty comfortable; especially given that we spent nearly all of our time outside. Each room has its own dedicated hammock, there were lounges around the pool and overlooking the beach, and the property never felt crowded (at least while we were there). I thought the pool appeared small in the pictures I’d seen, but it actually feels super spacious when you’re in it, and it’s deeper than you’d expect. It was very refreshing to have as option, even though you are literally steps from the ocean! The restaurant, Pizza Gavilán, was fantastic! A wide range of menu options, and ALL of the food was delicious (and I truly mean EVERYTHING we ordered was really good)!! All-in-all, we had a fantastic holiday at Beach Break Surf Camp! But is it worth the 6 hour drive from PTY? Heck yeah it is! Without a doubt, we will return! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Spent five nights at Beach Break with my family and had a fantastic time. Rooms are simple and comfortable, with everything you need. Surf instruction was great - thanks Brent and Brent! The beach is lovely and we enjoyed hanging out in the hammocks. We lucked out and arrived during the Pan American surf competition, which brought pro surfers from all over Central and South America to Playa Venao. (Most of Beach Break was taken up by the Puerto Rican national surf team.) That meant we got an amazing show of world-class surfing, but also no partying neighbors- nearly everyone in town was a professional athlete. (They went to bed early!) We got two rooms for our family of four and were glad we did. (They are small and the double bed is tiny by American standards.) We also brought soap, shampoo etc. from home which is good to have. A big grocery store is scheduled to open soon but right now there is only a small bodega in town. The food at the onsite restaurant is EXCELLENT and we loved the staff. We mainly ate there, but the two times we ventured out in town we also enjoyed wonderful meals. Note that the shuttle van, while generally very good, has a number of broken seat belts. A taxi driver later told us that seat belts are very optional in Panama, but I did not love having non-working seat belts for my kids (and me) on the long drive to/from the camp. Overall a great experience. Hope to return someday.

This is my 5th visit to Beach Break. If you love to surf, eat amazingly good food, and to be surrounded by a wonderful vibe, please consider this place. The management and staff are spot on. The accommodations are very clean and comfortable.If you would like to try a surf lesson, Brent is a superb instructor. He will having you surfing before you know it. The food is very good and the service is always prompt. A big shout out of thanks to all the staff to insure we have a terrific experience. There is a reason we have been here 5 times. If you are looking for a great surf vacation, this is the place to come.

This place exceeded all expectations. The location is perfect, the staff competent and friendly, and the experience was perfect. The surfing instruction was ideal. Excellent overview on land and water. Ideal conditions for beginners or more experienced persons. Everyone in our group had success as a direct result of our coaches. They made surfers of us all. The Jiu Jitsu is excellent. I’ve been training with Professor John off and on for 12 years, and he brings great technique and elite teaching to the mat. And if that’s not good enough, surf board and break is right out front. One of the best weeks. I can’t recommend enough.

There's a reason why Erez and his crew get so much repeat business. They take care of their customers like they're family. Brent is the surf instructor and he is the bomb! No one is more passionate and committed to getting you up and on a wave, repeatedly. He is very hands on and makes you feel safe. John keeps the over all picture smooth and steady and Anna is there to make sure whatever you need is provided for. The food at the pizzeria is excellent and on Wednesdays they has a Salsa Night that is a cultural blast. HIGHLY recommended. I am heading back soon.

John, Brent, and the team at Beach Break Surf Camp could not offer a greater experience! The destination is amazing. Challenging to get to, which is exactly why the waves are available to you… And not a crowd. The staff is one-of-a-kind. Our group had an amazing experience learning to surf and enjoying the martial arts… In paradise. John, Brent, and team, I can't wait to see you again!