Santa Catalina has one main road, a few sandy streets and a wave that surfers cross oceans for. It is also the closest town to Coiba National Park, which is why about half of the people who board our boats start their day right here.
But Santa Catalina rewards people who plan a little. Cash, bus times, tides and the season all change the kind of trip you get. This guide covers all of it, from the drive out of Panama City to the last sunset on the beach.
Santa Catalina at a Glance
Where
Pacific coast of Veraguas, district of Sona
From Panama City
5 to 7 hours by road
From Sona
About 50 km, a little over an hour
To Coiba
About 1 hour 15 minutes by boat
Famous for
La Punta point break, diving and snorkeling in Coiba
Money
Bring cash: most small places do not take cards
Where Is Santa Catalina, Panama?
Santa Catalina sits where the road ends on the Pacific coast of Veraguas province, in the district of Sona, looking out at the islands of Coiba National Park.
Surfers found it in the 1970s and kept it quiet for years. Then the dive boats came, because no other town on the mainland is closer to Coiba. Today it is still small: a fishing village with surf shops, dive centers, small hotels and a few restaurants run by locals and by travelers who came for a week and never left.
How to Get to Santa Catalina by Car, Bus, Shuttle or Plane
Most people arrive by road, and the last hour, from Sona to the coast, is the slowest. Here are your four options:
What to Do in Santa Catalina (Besides Watching the Waves)
Santa Catalina is a base camp. The town is for sleeping, eating and watching the sunset; the adventure is out on the water.
Where to Stay in Santa Catalina: Hotels for Every Style
Lodging here goes from simple guesthouses to beachfront hotels with a pool. Book ahead from December to April and on Panamanian holidays, when the town fills up.
Where to Eat in Santa Catalina
Fresh fish is the star, but the town eats around the world. Every place on this list is one of our favorites, run by people we know and love to eat with:
- Pinguinos · Italian food on the town beach, with a terrace that faces the sunset.
- Ai Mamita at Villa Coco · Panamanian flavors with local ingredients and fresh seafood on a menu that changes with the catch, a few steps from the infinity pool.
- El Chillinguito · A thatched-roof spot that cooks seafood in many different ways.
- Los Pibes · Argentine cuts on the grill, for when you need a break from fish.
- Pescao · Caribbean and Latin dishes with an ocean view, at Hotel Santa Catalina.
- Café Panachocolat · Coffee, smoothie bowls and crepes for breakfast or lunch.
- Pizzeria Jammin’ · Wood-fired pizza in a garden, a Santa Catalina classic.
- Local fondas · Fried fish with patacones, ceviche and rice with seafood: the real taste of the coast.
Most restaurants take cash only, and opening hours get shorter in the low season.
Cash, Signal and Fuel: The Practical Stuff
Cash
Bring More Than You Think
Santa Catalina has ATMs, but they can run dry on busy weekends and holidays, and most small shops, fondas and boat captains take cash only. Sona has banks if you need a backup.
Fuel
Fill Up Before the Coast
Fill the tank in Sona or Santiago before the last stretch of road, especially if you plan to explore the coast nearby.
Phone and Wi-Fi
Good in Town, Gone at Sea
Cell coverage in town is generally good, and most hotels have Wi-Fi. Out on the water near Coiba, expect little or no signal: download your maps before you go.
Health
A Pharmacy in Town, a Clinic Nearby
There is a small pharmacy in town, and the nearest public health center, the MINSA-CAPSI in El Tigre de los Amarillos, is about 30 minutes away by car. Larger hospitals are in Santiago. Pack insect repellent for the sand flies at dusk.
Heading out on a boat? Read what to wear and bring on a boat tour in Panama before you pack.
When to Go: Santa Catalina by Season
There is no bad month in Santa Catalina, just different trips:
December to April
Dry Season
Sunny days, the clearest water for snorkeling and the best odds of whale sharks in Coiba. It is also the busiest time, so book ahead.
February to August
Big Swell at La Punta
The biggest and most consistent waves of the year. Great for experienced surfers; beginners stay at Playa Estero.
July to October
Humpback Whales
Mothers and calves from the Southern Hemisphere. Many boat days to Coiba or Cebaco come with a whale or two on the way.
May to November
Green Season
Afternoon rain is common and the town is quieter. Plan boat days early in the morning, when the sea is usually at its calmest.
Want the full calendar of wildlife? Read our guide to the best time to visit Panama for wildlife.
Santa Catalina → Coiba
You Came This Far. Don’t Skip Coiba.
Our private snorkeling tour leaves from Santa Catalina for up to 6 people, on a boat that is yours for the day. Sea turtles, quiet beaches and a barbecue on the sand. From $950 per boat.
Still planning the route? Read our guide on how to get to Coiba. One more thing: Granito de Oro, once Coiba’s most famous snorkeling spot, is now closed to protect its reef, and that is good news for the fish.
Nobody Waits for You at the Beach (On Purpose)
All our tours are private and booked in advance, so the boat, the captain and the plan are ready for your group only. Tell us your dates and where you are staying in Santa Catalina.
Santa Catalina, Panama: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Santa Catalina, Panama?
Santa Catalina is a small surf and fishing town on the Pacific coast of Veraguas province, in the district of Sona. It is about 50 km south of Sona, 5 to 7 hours by road from Panama City, and it is the closest town to Coiba National Park.
Open Santa Catalina in Google Maps →
How do I get from Panama City to Santa Catalina?
By car, drive 5 to 7 hours west on the Pan-American Highway to Santiago, then south through Sona. By bus, go from the Albrook Terminal to Sona and take the local bus to Santa Catalina; the last one from Sona usually leaves between 4:30 and 5:00 pm. Door-to-door shuttles take about 5 hours and cost around $35 to $60 per person, and charter flights reach the Lago Bay airstrip in about 45 minutes.
See every way to get there ↑
Is there an ATM in Santa Catalina?
Yes, Santa Catalina has ATMs, but they can run out of cash on busy weekends and holidays. Most small shops, restaurants and boat captains take cash only, so bring enough for your whole stay. Sona has banks.
Is Santa Catalina good for beginner surfers?
Yes, at Playa Estero, a sandy beach with smaller waves, surf schools and board rental. La Punta, the famous point break over volcanic rock, is for experienced surfers only.
How far is Coiba National Park from Santa Catalina?
Santa Catalina is the closest town to Coiba National Park, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by boat. Our private snorkeling and fishing tours to Coiba leave from Santa Catalina or from El Bongo.
Can you visit Granito de Oro from Santa Catalina?
No. Granito de Oro, once the most famous snorkeling spot in Coiba, is closed to protect its reef. Tours from Santa Catalina visit other reefs and beaches in the park, where you can still snorkel with sea turtles and reef fish.
When is the best time to visit Santa Catalina?
December to April is the dry season, with sunny days and the clearest water. The biggest surf at La Punta usually arrives from February to August, and humpback whales visit from July to October.
