At Oasis Surf Camp every cabin is a beach front cabin. Located on Estero Beach it is the only accommodation in Santa Catalina actually on the beach. Estero beach is a 15 minute walk from the bus stop in Santa Catalina (and there are no taxis). The Oasis is a shady coconut grove with a row of brightly coloured cabins each with their own hammock hanging out front. You need not be a surfer to enjoy staying at Oasis Surf Camp. They welcome everybody and have plenty of spots for just chilling by the beach. Though, if you want to learn to surf you will be in the right place. Estero Beach is the only beach suitable for beginners in Santa Catalina.

Their beach front location comes with beach front complications. You have to cross a tidal river to get there, which can be done with ease unless it’s high tide. The camp has a restaurant on-site and in summer they open a beach front bar so you can happily pass days without needing to cross the river.

Oasis Surf Camp closes every year for the month of October.

Oasis Surf Camp has private rooms in clean and simply decorated cabins, as well as 2 large bungalows for rent. In the cabins, a double room (double bed or 2 singles) costs $35. They come with a private bathroomwith hot water and a fan, add $10 if you use the a/c. A room with 3 single beds is $40, add an extra $10 for a/c. One large bungalow serves as a dorm with beds for $10 in low season or $12 in high season. The other large bungalow is available for groups of 4 to 6 people and costs $60-$80. Camping is permitted for $5 per camper or $7 if they lend you the equipment.There is no kitchen for guest use. Fresh water comes from a well on the property. The water is clean and clear but bottled water is recommended for drinking.

OasisSurf Camp has surfboards for hire and surf lessons available. A 1 hour surf lesson costs $25 or $35 for a lesson and all day board hire. To hire a longboard for half a day costs $10 and for a full day $15, a shortboard is $8 for half a day or $10 for a full day.

Boat tours can be arranged for surfing, fishing or visiting Isla Coiba. A trip to Isla Coiba for 7-10 people costs $100 per person and includes snorkeling equipment and a cooler with ice for your own food and drink. Not included is the national park entrance fee which is $10 for residents and $20 for foreigners. Surf trips may include visits to secret spots, if you are lucky. Horse riding along the beach can also be organized by the staff,prices depend on group size but are around $25 per person for one hour with a guide.

The restaurant at Oasis offers a European style breakfast for $3.50-$4.50, Panamanian lunch for $7-$15 and an Italian dinner for $8-$17. No Italian dinner would be complete without wine,which by the bottle is $12-$15, cocktails are $4 and a Panamanian beer will set you back $1.50. The beach front bar is open in summer time (Dec-April).

Oasis Surf Camp is on Estero beach. When you arrive in Santa Catalina at the “center” of town there is a phone box, a pink hotel/shop and one road leading off to the left (east). Take this road and follow it all the way to the end. Do not turn off, there is a few forks in the road, stick to the left side and you will end up at Estero Beach after about 15 minuteswalking. Cross the river and you will see a painted surfboard for Oasis Surf Camp.

A few notes on crossing the river:
In the dry season, Dec-April, the river can be walked across at any tide. You will get wet but not too much.
In the wet season, March-Nov, crossing the river at low tide is easiest; the river will wet you ankles or maybe your knees. Crossing 1hour either side of the high tide is not advised. At this time there is a strong current and the river will be at least chest deep.Remember this if you plan to leave the camp at night.