Santa Catalina Travel Costs & Things to Do

Stay

days

Pace

Moderate

Safety

/ 5

Popularity

/ 10

OVERVIEW

Santa Catalina is a small coastal town in western Panama, with sandy roads, guesthouses and fishing activity gathered around a rugged bay. Forested hills and offshore islands create a strong natural setting. Residential areas occupies a different part of the area from local streets, creating a clear physical contrast. Local streets occupies a different part of the area from surrounding countryside, creating a clear physical contrast.

Surfing and diving are the main draws, while village life remains simple and lightly developed. Boat trips provide access to reefs and wildlife, and road conditions can make travel slower than distances suggest. Residential areas is experienced differently from local streets, so both areas contribute separate perspectives. Routes between residential areas and local streets reveal how the destination changes beyond its principal attractions.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Season

High

Low

Precipitation

THINGS TO DO

Look for wildlife areas in Santa Catalina

Look for wildlife around Santa Catalina’s wildlife areas with attention to habitat and responsible viewing distances. Seasons affect animal movement, and wild sightings should never be guaranteed.

Wildlife

2–4 hours

Cruise Santa Catalina’s main waterways

Choose a boat trip that gives a clear view of Santa Catalina’s main waterways and the surrounding landscape. Routes and operating periods vary, so confirm the departure point and current schedule.

Cruises

1–4 hours

Find Santa Catalina’s surf beaches

Spend time at Santa Catalina’s surf beaches rather than treating every nearby beach as interchangeable. Swimming conditions, access and facilities can vary, so check locally before entering the water.

Beaches

2–5 hours

Dive at Santa Catalina’s principal sites

Dive around Santa Catalina’s principal dive sites with an operator suited to your certification and experience. Visibility, currents and access change with conditions, and particular sightings are never guaranteed.

Diving

Half day

Surf in Santa Catalina

Surf at Santa Catalina’s best-known surf break only in conditions suited to your ability. Breaks, currents and access vary by season, and unfamiliar locations are best approached with local advice.

Surfing

2–4 hours

‹

›

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Languages

Spanish

Currency

United States dollar · USD

Payments

Cards accepted

Tipping