Dry Season (December to April): Best for beach weather, surfing, and boat trips.
Green Season (May to November): Fewer tourists and lush landscapes — ideal for diving and jungle adventures (afternoon showers common).
Surfing is best year-round, but December to March brings bigger swells.
From Panama City:
🚗 By Car: ~6 hours via Pan-American Highway → turn off at Santiago → Soná → Santa Catalina (well-paved until the last stretch).
🚌 By Bus:
Panama City → Santiago (~4 hrs)
Santiago → Soná (~1 hr)
Soná → Santa Catalina (~1.5 hrs by local bus)
Santa Catalina is one of the best surf spots in Central America.
La Punta: World-class point break for advanced surfers.
Estero Beach: Wide sandy beach for beginners and longboarders.
Snorkeling & scuba diving paradise — often called the “Galápagos of Central America”.
See manta rays, whale sharks (Dec–April), turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, and vibrant coral.
Tours depart daily from Santa Catalina.
Visit nearby islands like Isla Cébaco and Isla Gobernadora.
Playa Arrimadero and Playa Santa Catalina are peaceful beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
Paddle through coastal waters or join a local fishing trip with village guides.
Several retreat centers and eco-lodges offer daily yoga classes and wellness packages.
Santa Catalina is one of the best surf spots in Central America.
La Punta: World-class point break for advanced surfers.
Estero Beach: Wide sandy beach for beginners and longboarders.
Snorkeling & scuba diving paradise — often called the “Galápagos of Central America”.
See manta rays, whale sharks (Dec–April), turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, and vibrant coral.
Tours depart daily from Santa Catalina.
Visit nearby islands like Isla Cébaco and Isla Gobernadora.
Playa Arrimadero and Playa Santa Catalina are peaceful beaches for sunbathing and swimming.
Paddle through coastal waters or join a local fishing trip with village guides.
Several retreat centers and eco-lodges offer daily yoga classes and wellness packages.
Luxury/Eco-luxury:
Villa Coco – Stylish, serene boutique hotel
Santa Catalina Retreats – Yoga, wellness, and surf retreats
Hotel Santa Catalina – Oceanfront with pool and surf view
Mid-range:
Mama Ines – Beachfront with restaurant
La Buena Vida Hotel – Comfortable bungalows with good service
Budget:
Rolo’s Surf House – Basic, laid-back hostel
Hostel Villa Vento Surf – Affordable and social
Surfer’s Paradise – Near Estero Beach for beginners
Fresh seafood and international fusion dominate the scene.
Top spots:
Jammin’ Pizzeria: Great pizza and vibes
Los Pibes: Argentine grill (steak and empanadas)
La Vieja Panadería: Bakery, coffee, and breakfast
El Encuentro: Creative seafood and cocktails
Chill and Surf: Vegan-friendly and smoothies
Tip: Bring some snacks or basics — there are few small markets, and supplies are limited.
Santa Catalina is a quiet, laid-back fishing village turned surf mecca.
Friendly locals and expats live side by side.
Despite tourism, it maintains a rustic charm — dirt roads, no banks or ATMs.
Local festivals and soccer games in the village are low-key but authentic.
Most locals speak Spanish, but English is understood in tourist areas.
Bring cash — no ATMs in Santa Catalina; the nearest is in Soná.
No gas stations in town — fill up before arrival.
Bring essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes, headlamp.
Great for off-the-grid travelers — Wi-Fi is slow, and cell service can be spotty.
Eco-conscious travelers appreciated — many lodges use solar power and support conservation.