Santa Catalina (Panama)
Discover Santa Catalina (Panama)
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.
What to Experience in Santa Catalina (Panama)
Famous Beaches
Taste of Santa Catalina (Panama)...
Not available
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSanta 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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. Santa Catalina has one tiny store in the middle of town which sells toiletries, canned goods, alcohol and random produce. Now accepts credit cards. There is no hospital or clinic in town, only a small pharmacy. Medical emergencies should be directed to Soná or Santiago. Telephone coverage is stable, and internet access is available in most accommodations. 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.
Where to Stay
There is no hospital or clinic in town, only a small pharmacy. Medical emergencies should be directed to Soná or Santiago. Telephone coverage is stable, and internet access is available in most accommodations. 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.
Money & Budget
Santa Catalina has one tiny store in the middle of town which sells toiletries, canned goods, alcohol and random produce. Now accepts credit cards. There is no hospital or clinic in town, only a small pharmacy. Medical emergencies should be directed to Soná or Santiago. Telephone coverage is stable, and internet access is available in most accommodations. 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.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Telephone coverage is stable, and internet access is available in most accommodations. 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.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Santa Catalina (Panama)
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
House in the rain forest