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Amazing things to do in Santa Catalina, Panama
Santa Catalina is a small fishing village that’s become the main hub for visiting Coiba National Park and one of Panama’s best surf spots. Surfers of all levels can find a good wave there. If you’re not a surfer it’s worth a visit for the diving and snorkeling trips to Coiba National Park. The town has a very laid back vibe and even if you would just like to chill by the beach for a few days, it’s an awesome spot. Here are all my favorite things to do in Santa Catalina, Panama.
Go Diving in Coiba National Park
If you’re a diver, Coiba National Park is a must visit! In the right season you might be so lucky to see whale shark and Manta Rays. However, even if those aren’t in the area yet, it’s a very impressive spot. We saw many different types of sharks, rays, cool fish and turtle! Don’t have your diving license yet? Spend a week in Santa Catalina to get your PADI! I can highly recommend Panama Dive Center. I did a couple of dives with them and their instructors are wonderful, they have good gear and everything felt very safe.
Diving at Coiba Island is possible year-round. The rainy season runs from May to November and during that time you may see humpback whales. The dry season lasts from December to April and offers the chance of spotting whale sharks, manta rays, and Mobula rays.
Go on a day trip to Coiba National Park
For most people Coiba National Park is the main reason for visiting Santa Catalina. The national park consists of 38 islands of which Coiba island is the most famous. That island used to be a prison, but now it’s only inhabited by beautiful flora and fauna.
Coiba National Park can only be visited with a guide. You can book the day trip almost at any hotel or hostel. It’s a 1,5 hour boat trip, but you may see dolphins and whales on the way! You will stop by one of the picture perfect beaches and start snorkeling. You’re likely to see turtles, rays, reef sharks and other tropical fish. From May to November there is a chance of seeing humpback whales and from December to April you may see whale sharks, manta rays, and Mobula rays. However the chance of seeing them is higher when diving.
Go surfing at Playa Estero for beginners or La Punta for pro’s
Are you a beginning surfer? Then Playa Estero is the spot for you. If you are planning to work on your skills every day, then I suggest staying at Oasis surf camp. It’s conveniently located right on the beach and you can rent a board with them and run straight to the ocean when the waves are good. They can also advice you on the right tides and when is a good time to practice.
If you’re an advanced surfer, you may consider La Punta. This is the most famous and consistent point break in Panama. You can surf here all year-round. The biggest swell is between February to August. The best surf here is between high to mid-tide. At high tide, the bay is full of water covering the rocks completely and you can paddle out from anywhere. When the tide goes down, be careful of the rocks when paddling in and out. It’s best to ask the locals for advice.
Watch the Sunset
My favorite beach on the island was Playa El Estero. It’s a great spot for a walk on the beach during sunset. Or get a cocktail at Oasis beach camp and watch from their beach bar. Surfers paradise is another good spot, but if you are set on seeing the sun dip into the ocean you’ll have to go to Playa Santa Catalina. From Playa Estero, you’ll get nice soft light and beautiful colors, but the sun dips down behind the edge of the beach.
Kayak or SUP to Isla Santa Catalina
Need a little break from surfing? You can rent a Kajak or SUP board and paddle all the way to Isla Santa Catalina. This is a little island across from Playa Santa Catalina. I would only advice to do this in the early morning as it gets really hot during the day. One of the spots were you can rent a Kayak or stand up paddle board is: Fluid Adventures Panama located on Playa Santa Catalina.
Best Restaurants in Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is small, but there’s plenty of choice for good food! It’s an up and coming spot, so I expect more to open up in the next few years. A lot of these places were relatively new as well.
Hotel Iguanito – We really loved this place. It’s a hotel, but the restaurant is open to everyone. The owner is super friendly and happy to advice you on their dishes. They served really fresh fish and they always had a special.
Café Panachocolat – This is the place for breakfast! If you plan on eating here before your dive or snorkeling trip, come early! It’s always full in the morning. They have wonderful juices and breakfast plates
Restaurante Donde Vianca – This is the place if you’re looking for local food! Great fresh fish and ceviche.
Restaurante Ai Mamita – Limited menu, but quality food! Go for one of their fish dishes.
La Pulperia Tapas Bar- Place that serves sushi and pizza and really delicious starters as well. It’s on the pricy side, but I thought the food was great.
Panawok – You can choose your base, protein and sauce. I had some delicious noodles here. Easy, but tasty meal!
Santo Taco Taco – Great spot for an easy dinner. Taco’s were delicious.
How to get to Santa Catalina
From El Valle de Anton to Santa Catalina
by bus: From El Valle de Anton you can take the bus to Las Uvas. There you will change to Santiago de Veraguas. From there you take the bus to Sonas and in Sonas you’ll take the bus to Santa Catalina. Time: 8 hours.
Private shuttle bus: If you’d like to avoid the long bus ride with many changes, you can book a shuttle bus at your hostel. This should cost around €20 and take 5/6 hours.
Rental car: 5/6 hour drive.
From Boquete to Santa Catalina
By bus: From Boquete you take the bus to David and here you change to Santiago de Veraguas.From there you take the bus to Sona and from Sona there’s a bus to Santa Catalina. This will take 7 to 8 hours.
Private shuttle bus: €20 for a 4-5 hour drive
Met de huurauto: In Boquete there are no pickup stations for a rental car, but you can find them in David. Take a bus to David and from there you pick up a rental car.
Best places to stay in Santa Catalina, Panama
If you are planning to surf, the absolute best spot to stay is Oasis Surf Camp. It’s right on Playa Estero. Me and my partner stayed in a little bungalow on the beach and wishing seconds I could be in the water practicing. It was a little less convenient for diving, because it meant walking all the way to the other side of town early in the morning. However, staying right on the beach was totally worth it.
If you’re local for a social hostel closer to where you’d need to go for diving, then I suggest Bodhi Santa Catalina
Are you on a bigger budget and looking for something a little more luxurious, then I recommend Villa Coco.
