Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is a small fishing village turned surf town on Panama's Pacific coast. It's the gateway to Coiba National Park and home to one of the country's best surf breaks at Playa Estero.

The town has no bank, no pharmacy, and limited cell signal in places — what it does have is direct access to some of Panama's best surf breaks and the boat route to Coiba National Park. This guide is kept current by people who know the area, since conditions here change with the Pacific swell more than with the calendar.

From world-class surfing at Playa Estero to diving with sharks at Coiba National Park, Santa Catalina is an adventure lover's base camp on Panama's Pacific coast.

Everything you need to eat and drink in Santa Catalina — from beachfront seafood to sunset bars and morning coffee.

Santa Catalina is a small fishing village turned surf town on Panama's Pacific coast. It's the gateway to Coiba National Park and home to one of the country's best surf breaks at Playa Estero.

Getting to Santa Catalina means a bus or private transfer from Santiago — about three hours on a winding road. There's no domestic airport. Once in town, walking or a short taxi ride covers everything. Surfboards can be rented at a couple of shops near the beach, and boat operators depart directly from the main launch.

Santa Catalina is a remote town — bring cash, as the ATM often runs dry. Here's what you need to know about essentials before you arrive.