A guide to Playa Venao, Panama
A paradise digital nomad destination: Playa Venao
Everything you'd like to know as a remote worker joining our workation in Playa Venao, Panama. This laid-back beach destination is one of Panama's prime spots for surf, work, yoga & fun. Come with us to get to know the magical vibes & extraordinary community!
Where to work, eat & play in Playa Venao
Besides our onsite jungle cowork space, you can find a few other nice places to work from around the beach. There are many good restaurants in Playa Venao that take into account various dietary needs. We're happy to reccommend our favorites! Activities such as surfing, yoga, creative workshops, sunset chill sessions and dancing parties are part of daily life here. This place is the perfect combination of work & chill.
What's the climate like in Playa Venao?
Playa Venao is located in one of the driest areas of tropical Panama. Temperatures are warm year round and there are only 2 seasons: dry season and green season. Our workation takes place during the green season, which is when rainfall brings the lush greenery fully to life. This doesn't mean it rains non-stop and you can still get lots of sunny days! It's a beautiful time to visit and generally less busy with other tourists.
Discover Playa Venao
Where to work
- Selina Playa and Selina River both have airconditioned cowork spaces and offer day passes
- Micaela has Starlink and comes with a nice view on the surf break
- Wao Venao is great if you like to be surrounded by hustle & bustle
Where to eat
- Natural Venao for the best smoothie bowls
- Coleos does incredible hummus and Asian dishes
- Gatto Blanco serves traditional Italian food
- Oleajes de Sabores if you want to try local Panamanian
- Cantina Venao makes wonderful cocktails and sharing plates
- Motek is there for any sweet cravings
& many more options! You can find vegetarian, vegan, local and international cuisine.
Fun things to do
Surfing for beginners, intermediate & advance
Yoga for different levels & styles
Eating (there are so many good restaurants for all diets!)
Skateboard rental & classes
Horseback riding
Fishing & snorkeling trips
Massage for relaxation & recovery
Ice baths to cool down
Creative workshops such as pottery
Walking to playita for swims
Watching beautiful sunsets
Soundhealing meditation
Guided breathwork sessions
Latin dancing & techno nights
Brazilian jiu jitsu
We’re happy to arrange weekend trips to beautiful destinations in the area such as Isla Iguana (crystal clear waters amazing for snorkeling) or Cambutal & Guanico (low key surfer paradises).
How to thrive in a tropical climate
Nature & wildlife
Panama has a tropical climate, so you can expect tropical weather! November temperatures are warm, with daytime highs typically around 28-32°C (82-90°F) and nighttime lows around 23-25°C (73-77°F). The humidity is high, typical of tropical climates, which can make it feel warmer than the actual temperature.
November is also the transition month from the wet green season to the dry season. You can expect occasional rain showers, which are often heavy but short-lived. The landscape is lush and green due to the recent rains. November generally offers good waves, as the wet season swells begin to taper off, providing consistent surf conditions.
The surrounding area is rich in wildlife and natural beauty: there’s a wide range of animals you might spot during your stay!
Howler Monkeys are very common and are often heard before they are seen, with their distinctive calls echoing through the forest. Both green iguanas and black spiny-tailed iguanas are commonly seen basking in the sun. If you’re a bird spotter, you have good chances to see toucans, parrots and parakeets, hummingbirds, hawks and eagles.
If we’re lucky, we’ll see some dolphins and humpback whales further out in the bay! November is also the nesting season for sea turtles, so you might witness turtles coming ashore to lay eggs or hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
Although most wildlife is completely harmless (and best to be left alone, please always admire at distance), some of these tropical animals might be perceived as ‘scary’. Insects such as ants and mosquitos are around but usually not that bad. Sandflies (chitras) can be annoying around sunrise and sunset: oil-based repellent or clothing covering skin is the best option if you’re going to be outside during this time. It is possible to encounter a snake or spider, most of the time non-venomous ones. Keep calm, stay at distance and remember that this is part of a tropical experience!
