{"id":10101084,"date":"2023-05-24T04:29:54","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T04:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hb4thbbsfl.onrocket.site\/?post_type=travelguides&#038;p=10101084"},"modified":"2025-02-04T18:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T18:52:13","slug":"things-to-do-in-santa-catalina-panama","status":"publish","type":"travelguides","link":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/blog\/unternehmungen-in-santa-catalina-panama\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 8 things to do in Santa Catalina, Panama"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Get your bucket list ready. In this guide, we&#8217;ll show you the best things to do in Santa Catalina, Panama and how to experience them. Need help planning your trip? Check out our tips for visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/travelguides\/santa-catalina\/\">Santa Catalina<\/a> \u2014 you&#8217;ll find the best restaurants, where to stay, how to get around and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to expect in Santa Catalina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Santa Catalina is the kind of destination where you arrive and can\u2019t believe that the rest of the world hasn\u2019t discovered it yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a small fishing village, word of this hidden gem is slowly spreading. Whispers of some of the best surf spots in Central America are attracting avid surfers, and those wanting to try their hand at surfing. Santa Catalina is a great spot for pros and beginners alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now more than ever Santa Catalina is worth visiting, if you want to see it before it hits everyone&#8217;s radar. Once this happens, the laid back charm that makes Santa Catalina so enchanting might not be the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to explore untouched national parks, surf awesome waves, eat delicious food and lounge on empty beaches then Santa Catalina is worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 Surf some of the best waves in Central America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3.-Surfing-Santa-Catalina.jpg\" alt=\"Surfing in Santa Catalina\" class=\"wp-image-10100953\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Take on the waves in Santa Catalina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First and foremost, Santa Catalina is a surf town. The cherished secret of some of the best waves in Central America is slowly spreading. So if you\u2019re visiting Santa Catalina, you should probably at least try to catch a wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The great thing about Santa Catalina\u2019s surf is that there\u2019s something for everyone. Whether you\u2019ve never stood on a surfboard before or you practically live amongst the waves, Santa Catalina has got you sorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the best time to surf in Santa Catalina?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can surf pretty much all year round in Santa Catalina. The swells remain consistent all year, ranging between 1.5-3 metres. If you want to catch the big boys, head to Santa Catalina between February and August. Waves can reach as high as 6-9 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And what all surfers love to hear \u2014 the water is always warm, so there\u2019s no need to wear a wetsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to go surfing in Santa Catalina?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of surf spots in the area, but here are a few to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/YitoPEBjRRibHWd6A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Santa Catalina<\/a> \u2014 this is the famous break that has given Santa Catalina its reputation. It breaks pretty far from shore, and opens up to both left and right sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/dp3EUZHTk8kZbqsh7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">El Estero<\/a> \u2014 you should head here if you\u2019re a beginner. It\u2019s situated right in front of town and where you\u2019ll find most surf lessons happening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Punta Brava \u2014 a 30-minute walk southeast, Punta Brava tends to have bigger and more consistent waves than Santa Catalina. It also has three breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking to catch your first wave? <a href=\"https:\/\/waluaa.bookinglayer.com\/en\/product\/introduction-to-surf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Waluaa<\/a> is a reputable surf school that will get you standing up on that surfboard in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Dive, snorkel and hike around the biodiverse Isla Coiba<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1.-Isla-Coiba-Panama-World-Heritage-site.jpg\" alt=\"Isla Coiba\n\" class=\"wp-image-10100950\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Isla Coiba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A close second of must-do things in Santa Catalina is visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/Bs5cF5yMqtp2K5BQ7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Isla Coiba<\/a> \u2014 one of the most biologically diverse places in Panama and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s so beautiful and precious that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, Isla Coiba managed to remain largely untouched as it was previously a penal colony \u2014 a place where exiles or prisoners are sent to keep them separate from the general population. Access to the island was limited, which thankfully means that we get to see it in its full glory today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you do on Isla Coiba?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2.-Snorkelling-with-the-fishes.jpg\" alt=\"Coral and fish with snorkeller\" class=\"wp-image-10100952\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snorkeller enjoying the coral and fish at Isla Coiba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of ways to explore Isla Coiba and its stunning turquoise waters \u2014 hiking, snorkelling and, best of all, scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isla Coiba is a world-class diving destination, given that the underwater world has been preserved and it sits in the same corridor as the Galapagos Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diving here brings the chance of seeing manta rays, whales, hammerhead sharks and dolphins. Not to forget the Bahia Damas reef which will keep you captivated for as long as your tank allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you visit between December and April, you may be lucky enough to see the magnificent whale sharks as they pass through. And don\u2019t worry, all of this isn\u2019t restricted to just divers. Snorkelers you\u2019re in luck too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to visit Isla Coiba?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Santa Catalina is the gateway to Isla Coiba and the best place to visit from. The journey isn\u2019t short, but it\u2019s the best you\u2019re going to get. The boat ride takes 1.5 hours and you\u2019ll need a permit to visit the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These can be obtained by going with a tour operator. The best way to book a tour is to shop around when you get there. Speak to the different tour operators and dive shops to try and negotiate the best price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For two dives in Coiba, you\u2019re looking at around $150. Snorkelling trips start from around $60 per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Laze on the beach all day long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Santa-Catalina-beach.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Catalina Beach\" class=\"wp-image-10100959\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden sands of Santa Catalina Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re staying in a beach town, what better way to spend your time than lazing on the beach. In between surfing, of course!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Playa Santa Catalina and Playa El Estero are the two most popular beaches in Santa Catalina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to be at the heart of the activity in Santa Catalina, head to <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/tvH4JdEw8CGRcMGE8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Playa Santa Catalina<\/a>. It\u2019s directly in front of the town and where most people spend the day. It\u2019s a beautiful black-sand beach, backed by palm trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/dp3EUZHTk8kZbqsh7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">El Estero<\/a> is also a black-sand beach, but a lot less busy than Playa Santa Catalina as it\u2019s slightly further from the town. If you\u2019re lucky, you might get the whole beach to yourself. Now that\u2019s what we call paradise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Escape from the world on Cebaco Island<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/6.-Cebaco-Santa-Catalina-Panama.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees on Cebaco Island\" class=\"wp-image-10100955\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">White-sand and palm trees on Cebaco Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a secluded island getaway, you can\u2019t get much better than <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/nNrGXskVD2Jq8Ds67\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cebaco Island<\/a>. The third biggest island in Panama, it\u2019s entirely solar powered and you\u2019ll struggle to get internet there. Sounds perfect if you\u2019re looking to disconnect from the outside world, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With only one accommodation option on the island, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pa\/cebaco-sunrise-lodge.html?aid=1340785\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cebaco Sunrise<\/a>, you\u2019ll get a truly local experience, rather than a tropical island flooded with other tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And only 300 locals live here, so you\u2019ll feel like you have the whole island to yourself. What a unique and authentic experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only downside of there being only one accommodation is that it\u2019s pretty expensive \u2014 $100\/night. However, this room can fit four people, so if you manage to split it between four, it doesn\u2019t work out too bad. Plus all three meals are included!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Cebaco Island?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be glad to hear that it\u2019s only a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland to Cebaco Island. Speak to Cebaco Sunrise and they\u2019ll help you to arrange transportation there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 Explore Santa Catalina&#8217;s water by Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/7.-Kayak-Santa-Catalina-Panama.jpg\" alt=\"Two kayakers in the water\" class=\"wp-image-10100956\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kayak around Isla Coiba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A great way to spend a few hours is kayaking along Santa Catalina\u2019s coastline or joining a kayaking trip to Isla Coiba. It\u2019s a peaceful way to see the surrounding area and get a workout at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is plenty to explore around Santa Catalina \u2014 coastline, mangroves, river estuaries, islands and areas that remain untouched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t worry, the waters are warm all year round, so falling in won\u2019t be too bad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can book a kayaking tour with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluidadventurespanama.com\/sea-kayak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Fluid Adventures Panama<\/a> or scout out a kayak\/tour when you get to Santa Catalina. That way you can haggle on the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 Get a panoramic view of Santa Catalina on the Crest Trail hike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/8.-Crest-Trail-Santa-Catalina-Panama.jpg\" alt=\"View from Crest Trail in Santa Catalina\" class=\"wp-image-10100957\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful view from Crest Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re tired of all the lazing around on the beach and want to give your legs a good old stretch, why not take on the Crest Trail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a short but steep hike that will get the calf muscles working. At the end, you\u2019ll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hike shouldn\u2019t take more than an hour from the centre of Santa Catalina and the trail begins next to <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/2Hv2N1kW15NHyCnNA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brisas del Mar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail is a loop, which you\u2019ll see on the map at the beginning of the trail. Great news, it\u2019s an easy to follow hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wcl-insider-tip\">\n    <div class=\"wcl-image-holder\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\" height=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Kate_GeckoRoutes.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Kate writer - Gecko Routes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Kate_GeckoRoutes.png 300w, https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Kate_GeckoRoutes-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Kate_GeckoRoutes-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 96px) 100vw, 96px\" \/>    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"data-content-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"data-title\">\n            Kate&#8217;s insider tip        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"data-description\">\n            <p>Take on this hike at sunset if you want to have incredible views with a golden glow.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 Relax your body with some yoga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/9.-Yoga-by-the-beach-sunset-Santa-Catalina.jpg\" alt=\"Yoga by the beach at sunset\" class=\"wp-image-10100958\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yoga on the beach at sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Wherever you find surfing, you normally find yoga too. They seem to go hand-in-hand and that\u2019s exactly the case in Santa Catalina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yoga is the perfect way to improve your strength, flexibility and balance, whilst taking the time to relax and focus on your breathing. And it can\u2019t get much better than doing it to the sound of waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelsantacatalinapanama.com\/en\/yoga-retreats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hotel Santa Catalina<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/waluaa.bookinglayer.com\/en\/product\/yoga-classes-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Waluaa<\/a> both offer drop-in yoga classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 Watch the sunset from the beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no better way to end your day than beer in hand, sand underneath your butt and the sun setting over the sea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Playa Santa Catalina and El Estero offer spectacular views of the sunset. If you fancy sitting in a beach bar to watch the sunset then stick around Playa Santa Catalina.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those that want to save a bit of money by buying their own beer, and have a more intimate sunset, go to El Estero. Fewer people go here for sunset, so it will feel like a private showing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rounding it up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you&#8217;ve picked the best things to do in Santa Catalina, it&#8217;s time to start ticking off that bucket list. Not sure how to plan your trip? Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/travelguides\/santa-catalina\/\">Santa Catalina guide<\/a> is here to help! You&#8217;ll find out how long to stay in Santa Catalina, where to eat, how to get around and more. Happy planning!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get your bucket list ready. In this guide, we&#8217;ll show you the best things to do in Santa &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9026,"featured_media":10101124,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[800269,900281,2000922],"travelguides_tag":[],"class_list":["post-10101084","travelguides","type-travelguides","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-panama","category-santa-catalina"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides\/10101084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/travelguides"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9026"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10101084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides\/10101084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10101124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10101084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10101084"},{"taxonomy":"travelguides_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travelguides_tag?post=10101084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}