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.

Beachfront Hostel for Slow Travelers & Beginner Surfers in Panama

Slow down, surf & feel at home

Stay 20 steps from El Palmar’s beginner-friendly waves. A cozy, local-feeling hostel by the ocean. Calm mornings, friendly people, soft sunsets, and the perfect spot to learn how to surf.

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

Warm, local, beachfront

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

20 steps from perfect waves

Walk barefoot to El Palmar’s mellow, beginner-friendly surf beach.

Peaceful, personal & affordable

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

1.5 Hours from Panama City

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

Outdoor showers of our hostel in el palmar in Panama

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

Stay

People walking along El Palmar beach near our relaxed hostel in Panama

Stay close to nature, far from the rush

Life slows down here. You fall into the rhythm of the sun, share easy moments with people who appreciate the same quiet energy, and slip into a pace that feels soft and grounding. With simple comforts and a warm, local team, the hostel becomes a place where you can truly unwind and feel completely at ease.

Discover the hostel

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

Learn to surf in a calm, friendly way

At Popote’s Surf Academy, surfing is more than catching waves. With a holistic approach that blends body, mind, and technique, you’ll learn to read the ocean, build confidence, and enjoy every moment in the water, just steps from your room.

More about surf

Surf lesson nearby our hostel in El Palmar in Panama

Girl after surf lesson, staying at our hostel in el Palmar in Panama

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

Location: El Palmar

Panama Beach Lodge is located in El Palmar, a little over an hour from Panama City. Surrounded by palms and laid-back beach life, El Palmar offers mellow beach breaks for beginners and nearby point breaks like Punta Palmar and Hawaiicito for more experienced surfers. A local surf community, board rentals, and daily lessons make it the perfect place to surf, relax, and connect.

How to get there