PLAYA VENAO TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET THERE?
The best international airport in Panama to fly into is the Tocumen International Airport (PTY). From the airport there are at least three good ways to get to Playa Venao.
Rental car
Runs about $400 USD for a week / drive time from the city to Playa Venao is about 5 hours.
Fly on Air Panama
Runs about $270 USD round trip from Albrook Airport (30 minutes from PTY) / this flight goes into Chitre which is then a 1.5 hour drive to Playa Venao.
Private Shuttle
$450 USD round trip. Service will pick you up from airport and drop you off at airport (PTY).
Personally I think it makes sense for anyone coming into Panama City to stay for 1-2 nights to break up the travel time. The Casco Viejo area is amazing, and so cool to visit for a day or two. Then I would recommend renting a car and driving on your own to the beach. Then you will have wheels the entire week you are there. The phone GPS APP called “Waze” works amazingly well in Panama and can get you to Playa Venao very easy!
PASSPORT & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Your passport must have 3 months of validity from the date you arrive in country to be admitted.
Your contact details in country:
Nico Almeida (507) 6825 – 4065
USA: Tim Marsh (951) 760 – 2050
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Panama is a tropical location and being such that means it’s warm all the time. There are two distinct seasons in Panama, the wet and dry season. The wet season runs from May through Oct. and the dry season runs from November through April.
Typical temperature during the daytime ranges in the mid to upper 80 degree F or the mid to upper 20 degree C. At night, the temp dips down into the mid to upper 70 degree F or the lower 20 degree C range.
The wet season which begins in May really doesn’t rain all too much. From May through early August if we get rain it’s typically passing afternoon showers that last 30 minutes or so and cool off the jungle and then clear out for a nice evening. From September and October heavy rain should be expected, for extended periods of time.
October to May is the Dry Season. The dry season is just that; dry and dusty. There is no rain and plenty of sunshine!
The ocean is very comfy in the low 80 – 82 degree F range or the 26 – 28 degree C range.
There is no need for a wetsuit but if you get chilled easily you may want a 1m vest for those early am dawn patrols.
WHAT TO BRING?
Surfing items:
-
A surf board you’re comfortable with in most conditions
-
Tropical water surf wax
-
Boardies and a rash vest
-
Water sport sunscreen – minimum SPF 30+
-
Beach Towel
-
Surf hat – sun protection (optional)
-
Extra fins, leash and repair resin (recommended)
Non-Surfing items:
-
Hat
-
Sun glasses
-
Warm weather clothing
-
Wet weather/rain gear (if you’re coming from May through October)
-
Flashlight (There are no street lights at night for walking!)
-
Copy of your passport
-
Visa card or M/C debit card for ATM (if cash is needed)
-
Camera
-
Mosquito repellent