Is Panama Beach Lodge located near the beach?

Yes, the hostel is just 20 steps from El Palmar’s mellow, beginner-friendly surf beach.

Yes, all rooms include AC for a cool, comfortable stay.

Beach hostel in El Palmar, Panama

Surf, slow down
& simply disconnect

Panama Beach Lodge is a quiet beachfront hostel designed for travelers who seek a grounded connection to nature. Whether you're here to catch your first wave or to find a calm space to work and breathe, you'll find your own pace here.

👉 Discover the Hostel

👉 Discover the Surf Academy

Student and instructor walking on the beach after a surf lesson in el palmar in Panama

Map of Panama showing the location of our hostel in El Palmar

El Palmar: The surf town most travelers miss

Why spend half a day on a bus to crowded tourist hubs when the Pacific is just 90 minutes from the City?

El Palmar is Panama’s best-kept secret. A small, laid-back surf town that most travelers simply drive past, yet those who find it never want to leave.

What makes this place special:

🌊 Consistent waves

Gentle beginner breaks and dynamic swells for intermediates.

🌴 Uncrowded shores

Plenty of space to find your own peak without any of the stress.

🧘 Authentic connection

A quiet, grounded atmosphere where you can truly slow down.

Ready to trade the noise for space, authenticity, and a true local connection?

Welcome to El Palmar!

How to get there

El Palmar beach in Panama with mellow waves near our hostel

Your home by the ocean

Stay in a calm, friendly hostel where everyone feels at home.

20 steps from perfect waves

A consistent beach break that works year-round

Peaceful, personal & affordable stay

Simple comforts: AC rooms, fast WiFi, full kitchen, cozy shared spaces.

90 minutes from Panama City

Easy to reach and quiet enough to fully unwind, surrounded by nature.

Beginner surfer catching an easy wave at El Palmar beach in Panama near our hostel

Waves for every level

El Palmar provides a diverse playground where every surfer finds their rhythm.

🌱 New to surfing?
Soft, forgiving waves make it one of the best beginner spots in Panama

🌊 Intermediate surfer?
During the winter the swell becomes stronger, creating more dynamic, fun waves

🧘 Looking to improve?
Our surf academy combines coaching, ocean awareness, and a holistic approach

About the Surf Academy

Stay

Wake up just steps from the ocean

Wake up, check the waves, and walk straight into the water. At Panama Beach Lodge, everything is designed around simplicity and comfort:

✓ Private rooms for quiet stays

✓ Shared dorms for solo travelers
✓ A calm, social atmosphere (without party noise)

Just steps from the beach, no transport needed.

Discover the hostel

Local hidden gems

Life in El Palmar moves differently. Mornings start with fresh coffee and the sound of the Pacific. Afternoons slow down naturally, guided only by the tides. Evenings are quiet, simple, and real.

When you're not lost in the moment, you can:

✓ Refresh in a nearby jungle river

✓ Explore the mountains of El Valle

✓ Or just… embrace the stillness

And somehow, that becomes the best part.

Start exploring

Entrance of the hostel in El Palmar in Panama

Guest experiences

What a lovely hostel! It has a classic traveler vibe. After the hustle and bustle of Panama City, I completely wound down here. It’s a clean spot with plenty of greenery and peace. When I woke up in the morning, I walked straight into the ocean—it’s only about thirty seconds from the room. Friendly staff and excellent surf coaches. Whether you’re passing through, looking to relax, or want to learn how to surf, this is the place to be.

Bas, The Netherlands