Santa Catalina (Panama) Voyage Tips and guide

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Santa Catalina is a small coastal village on the Pacific side of Veraguas Province, Panama. Known for world-class surfing, scuba diving, and access to Coiba National Marine Park, this peaceful town has evolved from an anonymous fishing community into a low-key travel destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Santa Catalina has around 400 residents, including a small expat community. The local culture emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and a close connection to nature. Historically isolated, the village began gaining attention in the 1970s and 80s when international surfers discovered its powerful waves.

Spanish is the primary language, though basic English is commonly spoken in hostels, dive shops, and some restaurants.

The climate is tropical with two well-defined seasons: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C year-round. The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities.

An ATM is available next to the Farmacia, making it possible to withdraw cash in town. However, it is strongly recommended to arrive with enough cash, as the ATM can run out of funds or experience connectivity issues, especially during high season or long weekends. Most small shops and eateries do not accept credit cards, although some hotels and dive centers do.

Santa Catalina is accessible by a single paved road from Soná. Although a 4x4 vehicle was once necessary due to rough conditions, the road has been improved and now an economy rental car is usually sufficient. Despite being only about 50 km from Soná, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes because of numerous potholes along the route.

A local bus runs between Santa Catalina and Sona for a cost of $4.65 and takes around 2 hours. From there you can connect to Santiago. The bus leaves somewhat promptly from outside the Farmacia. Below are the departure times as of October 2024, but it maybe be worth checking at any of the local businesses for up to date information.

The San Isidro bus line connects Sona to Panama City, at a cost of $10 and another 5 hours of travel time.

Note: If you're traveling with a tour agency or private transport provider, departure times may vary and are often more flexible.

Taking a taxi from Soná to Santa Catalina is faster than the bus and costs between $30–$40, depending on the time of day and negotiation. It can be a convenient option if you arrive late or with luggage.

On foot, one can walk the entire town including both beaches in about 2 hours. There are two major roads that intersect at the town center which allow access by car.

Both beaches, Playa Estero and the smaller one at the end of the major road through the town are idyllic.

As one may gather from the hammocks strung up on nearly every piece of property, the primary pastime in Santa Catalina is chilling out.

• Scuba Coiba. The oldest diving and snorkeling shop in Santa Catalina, run by an Australian expat named Herbie Sunk. This shop is so laid-back the only thing they take seriously is minimalism. 

Santa Catalina has one tiny store in the middle of town which sells toiletries, canned goods, alcohol and random produce. Now accepts credit cards.

Typical dishes include:

• Arroz con mariscos.
• Fresh fish ceviche.
• Fried fish with patacones.
• Sancocho panameño.
• Fried corn tortilla or puff pastry (Panamanian-style fried flour dough) served with sausage stewed in tomato sauce.

Beverages:

• Natural fruit juices (pineapple, passionfruit, watermelon).
• Fresh coconut water.
• Local coffee or tea.
• Panamanian beers.

• Restaurante Donde Vianca: +507 6441-2667.
• Parrillada los pibes: +507 6727-8503.
• Restaurante "AI MAMITA": +507 6858-3330.
• Pescao Restaurant: +507 6378-6277.
• Sasy: +507 6727-8019.
• Restaurante Oceans Santa Catalina Panama: +507 6583-8398.

• The Santa Catalina Inn, ☏ +507 6872 3117. Adrian, the hotel manager, is possibly the most hospitable person in the world. This hotel is near the center of the town and has five rooms available with AC, showers, and hot water. The restaurant on-site cooks fresh local food but is closed one day during the week. The hotel is affiliated with Scuba Coiba. $45. 
• Hotel Sol y Mar, Calle Principal (at the entrance of Santa Catalina, the cabins on a hill overlooking the ocean), ☏ +507 69202631. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. It has spacious, comfortable cabins spread on the slope of a hill overlooking the ocean and surrounded by tropical trees. The rooms have air conditioning, private bath with hot shower, satellite TV, mini-fridge, terrace with hammocks. The restaurant offers food, drinks, pool table, billiards and internet service. Credit cards accepted. US$60-90. 

There is no hospital or clinic in town, only a small pharmacy. Medical emergencies should be directed to Soná or Santiago.

• Use strong insect repellent; mosquitoes and sandflies (chitras) are common.
• Avoid swimming in strong currents unless you are experienced.
• If diving or snorkeling, wear a wetsuit to avoid jellyfish stings.
• Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
• It is not essential, but it is always a good idea to carry a personal first-aid kit in case of an emergency.

Santa Catalina is generally a safe place. However:

• Do not leave valuables on the beach.
• Be cautious at night if traveling on trails or rural roads.

Telephone coverage is stable, and internet access is available in most accommodations.

• Santiago de Veraguas
• Coiba National Marine Park
• Humedales del Golfo de Montijo.

Your only way out of town via land is back to Sona from which you can take another bus, usually toward Santiago or Panama City.