Being a small fishing village located on the Pacific coast of Panama, Santa Catalina offers a wonderful, tranquil atmosphere.
Santa Catalina has excellent surf spots. And, it is near Coiba National Park.
The rocky reef near the shore gives the area a unique appearance. Plus, Santa Catalina offers many beautiful spots. Among them are Surfers Paradise and Playa El Estero. But, for the best sunset, nothing beats Playa Santa Catalina to see the sun sink into the ocean.
Surfing spots often provide yoga classes.
Despite Santa Catalina, Panama, being small, you can find good restaurant options. From local and affordable food to pizza and homemade ice cream.
Santa Catalina draws joyful, relaxed people, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Surfing
Santa Catalina is one of Panama’s best surfing destinations and the waves here compare with anywhere in the world.
You’ll find that these tropical water waves are suitable for all standards, from beginner, up to the professional.
There are three main breaks, Estero which is a river mouth break, La Punta which is strictly for advanced surfers and Punto Brava which is a reef break and also for advanced surfers.
Surfing lessons are available at Playa Estero with board hire to get you up and running.
The spots with the better waves are more difficult as they break over volcanic rocks, unforgiving on boards and bones. You can hire a boat to take you to Isla Coiba or a few other secret spots around the area.
The biggest swells arrive between March and August and a few Santa Catalina surf spots can hold over 20ft waves.
Scuba Diving And Isla Coiba Tours
Santa Catalina has some of the best Scuba Diving in Panama. Instructors offer a full range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses from beginner through to expert, and the chance to become a fully certified diver.
While you can dive throughout the Santa Catalina area, Isla Coiba is by far the most popular spot to dive. Boats leave Santa Catalina in the morning, take you out to Isla Coiba, and return in the evening.
The underwater world here is spectacular. You can see reef and nurse sharks, dolphins, turtles, devil and sting rays, jacks, barracudas, snappers, and a host of other tropical fish species.
From January to April you might see a whale shark, and from July to September you have the chance to see humpback whales who come looking for the warm tropical waters to raise their calves.
Isla Coiba used to be a high security prison and is now a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During your visit, expect to see huge crocodiles as well as iguanas and plenty of birds and butterflies. This is a wildlife lovers paradise due to having incredible biodiversity.
Sport Fishing
Hire a boat and head out to sea where you can take advantage of Panama’s best fishing waters.
Day trips usually include all equipment as well as food and a cold beverages. Ice filled coolers are provided for any fish you catch and wish to cook and eat when you return to shore.
Yellowfin Tunas are a popular fish and there are plenty to be found. They can reach up to 300 pounds.
Food and Drink
The restaurant scene is growing in Santa Catalina, Panama. Different cuisines are available, but the Panamanian food is especially good.
Most importantly, there is some excellent, freshly caught, sea food available including some great ceviche with hot sauce.
Surprisingly, Santa Catalina is one of the few Panamanian small towns where you can safely drink the tap water.
