TRAVEL to/from panama
WHERE TO FLY? AND WHERE TO STAY IN PANAMA CITY IF MY FLIGHT DOESN'T FIT THE RETREAT DATES?
The pick up & drop off are from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City (about 5 hour drive to Playa Venao). Two pick up times will be scheduled on the arrival day & one departure times from Playa Venao on the check out day - depending on flight times of the group (the departure time is usually early morning - around 7am - as the drive is long).
If your flight doesn’t fit the pick up or drop off time at the airport you can always spend a night in Panama City, to get into the shuttle the following day. Our favorite: Riande Airport Hotel (with free airport shuttle & great breakfast!).
Most of our guests opt to be picked up from the airport, however if you wish to come to Panama on an earlier date, we are happy to arrange your pick up where ever you are, as long as we can pick you up on the way to Playa Venao.
DO I NEED A VISA OR ANY VACCINATIONS?
Citizens of all countries are required to have: Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your entry). Onward ticket out of Panama and valid documents or visas to enter the country you are leaving from. No tourist visa is required for most countries but if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Yellow fever vaccine is required for passengers entering from countries with endemic yellow fever only.
Is Panama a safe country to travel?
Panama is a safe country to visit. During your visit, you can count on friendly people offering you help with anything you need, especially in rural areas. Like many Central American countries, some areas are not recommended to travel to but traveling to and staying in Playa Venao is extremely safe with little to worry about, except for the random pot hole on the road!
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Is there a specific cancellation policy for covid?
In case of any local travel restrictions, instated by the Panamanian government, that will not allow the retreat to go as planned, we will give a full refund or travel credit.
In case you receive a positive COVID-19 test or were to develop any COVID-19 symptoms prior to departure, and cannot travel or participate in the experience, the deposit will be non-refundable.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to have all documents needed to travel and to be aware of the country requirements. We are NOT responsible if a document is missing to embark on your flight or for any flight schedule changes or cancelled flight.
What if I need to get tested to go back home?
We can organize Antigen or PCR tests at the house for you. The cost of the test is NOT included in the retreat.
The Retreat
What will be the schedule for the week?
Everyday, the schedule will be announced & published during dinner. As Playa Venao is really tide dependent & surfing will always be the priority, we will pick the best time for you to be in the water and then work around it with the other activities.
To give you an idea of a typical day in paradise:
8AM - Breakfast
10AM - Surf (1.5 hours)
12PM to 3PM - Free Time
3PM - Surf Theory & Video Analysis
5PM - Yoga
7PM - Dinner
Where are we eating all our included meals?
Breakfasts will be prepared and served at the house every morning and dinners will be either served at the house or out in local restaurants. Lunches are not included but plenty of options are available around the beach and you will also be able to use the house kitchen if needed.
GETTING READY FOR MY STAY
WHAT CURRENCY DO THEY USE IN PANAMA?
The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa but the US dollar is used everywhere. 1 Balboa = 1 US Dollar.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Panama is warm and humid year-round. In Playa Venao you will live feet in the sand and in a boardshort or bikini all day long. Don’t forget the essentials; flip flops, rash guard, sunscreen, bug spray, sport shoes, hat, sunglasses & active wear.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
As the trip is almost all inclusive, you will need money only for your lunches, personal expenses, drinks, tips… For lunch, Playa Venao has ample restaurant options from a $7 “Comida del día” (traditional daily lunch special) to $20 if you are getting fancy! We recommend to bring cash with you as the ATM charges high fees (some places accept payment by card as well).
IS THERE WIFI?
Wifi is available throughout the house.
IS THERE A PLACE TO BUY GOODS?
Super Venao (super market) is walking distance from the house and will likely have anything you would need.
booking my trip
HOW DOES THE BOOKING PROCESS WORK?
When you confirm that you would like to come, we will email you confirming that we are holding a temporary reservation for you, for the next 3 days. To confirm the reservation you will then need to pay a 50% deposit.
The other 50% is payable one month before your travel dates.
Does my stay have to be on the exact retreat dates?
As we are focusing on a 6 days learning program, the group and creating an experience, we are unfortunately not able to alter the dates.
If you would like to come earlier to Panama, we can work with you on a pick up on the retreat arrival day (as long as the pick up will be between Panama City & Playa Venao). And if you would like to stay longer after the retreat, we can recommend places to stay in Playa Venao.
Do I need Travel insurance & where can I get it?
You never want to think about the “what can go wrong?” but you should always be prepared. Travel insurance is mandatory at Ride The Wave and our provider of choice is World Nomads. They are a company that was designed by travelers for travelers. With 24/7 emergency assistance, cover for 200+ adventure activities and affordable rates this is the ideal travelers insurance company for this retreat (when purchasing your travel insurance, make sure that surfing is an activity covered).
Cancellation policy
You will be able to cancel your trip up to 45 days before the retreat for a full refund of your deposit. Unfortunately after the full payment is received, there will be no opportunity for a refund.