Activities in Santa Catalina
Beaches & SURFING
Catch the world-renowned waves of Santa Catalina! Expert surfers will love "La Punta," Central America's best point break, while beginners can enjoy the friendly waves at Playa Estero. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, our surf spots promise an unforgettable experience.
Town Beach (Playa Santa Catalina) Hour hotel sits near Playa Santa Catalina, at the intersection of the two main roads, and is flanked by restaurants, tour operators, dive shops, a mini market, and an ATM. As a beach, it's less of a dedicated surf break and more of the social and logistical hub of the village. It's also the best spot in town to watch the sun sink into the ocean at sunset. The vibe is relaxed and authentically Panamanian. Also all Coiba Tours start and end at Town Beach.
Playa Estero Playa El Estero is a long, forgiving beach break with a sandy bottom, making it ideal for learners and those progressing through the intermediate stages. It's a river mouth break, which gives it a gentler, more rolling character than the reef breaks nearby. The beach is uncrowded with a soft sand bottom and no dangerous rips — a rare combination on the Pacific coast. You'll find Oasis Beach Bar, where you can enjoy a drink after surfing or play Volleyball.
La Punta La Punta has built a reputation as one of the best waves in Central America due to its year-round offshore winds and a consistency seen almost nowhere else in the region. The main wave is a right-hander that can run 400 meters on a good day, and also offers a short left that's a lot of fun. It works between 3–15ft depending on the swell. The wave breaks over volcanic rock, which means care is needed, but the payoff is some of Central America's most exhilarating surf. The best surf here is between high and mid-tide; at high tide the bay covers the rocks completely and you can paddle out from anywhere, but as the tide drops, you need to watch out for the rocks when paddling in and out. Strictly one for experienced surfers.
Santa Catalina
Playa Estero
the perfect place for surf lessons, relaxing afternoons, and sunset cocktails
Surf Lessons
Ask us to book your surf lessons with local instructors
Free Surfing
Several surfboard rentals are available around Playa Estero
Sunsets
Townbeach and Playa Estero will surprise you with a colorful spectacle
Palmtrees
Enjoy your vacation surrounded by Palmtrees
FISHING
Experience the thrill of fishing in the abundant waters around Santa Catalina or Isla Cebaco. Join local fishermen for an exciting private day-trip or camping tour where you can catch a variety of fish in our beautiful Pacific waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, our fishing tours offer a fantastic adventure and unforgettable memories.
SPA TREATMENTS
Coming soon...
DIVING & SNORKELING
Dive into the stunning underwater world of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join daily boat trips and explore the best dive sites in Central America. Experience vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters that make Santa Catalina a diver's paradise.
SNORKEL Coiba National Park Day Tour from Playa Santa Catalina
Coiba National Park — often called the Galápagos of Panama — is a magnificent UNESCO-protected marine jewel made up of 38 islands, sitting within a perfect marine corridor teeming with humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and countless other species.
On this full-day tour departing from Playa Santa Catalina, you'll visit 4 of Coiba's islands with 3 snorkel stops, diving into a natural aquarium where daily sightings include reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and a dazzling variety of tropical fish.
The tour includes a stop at the main Coiba Island ranger station, a short hike up to a scenic lookout, and the chance to spot monkeys in the jungle. You'll also visit Isla Ranchería (Coibita), one of the park's most beautiful beaches, where a small river behind the island is home to impressive crocodile sightings. Dolphin encounters are a regular bonus, often spotted on the way to or from Coiba. And depending on the season, the tour naturally incorporates humpback whale watching (June–October) or whale shark sightings (December–March)
SUBA DIVING
At Panama Dive Center the instructors strive to take experienced divers to an unforgettable journey through the fabulous underwater world of Coiba National Park, Panama’s premier scuba diving location. Whether you’ve been diving for years or are one of the many curious adventurers looking for their first introduction to scuba, you’ve come to the right place!
They are the first 5-Star PADI Dive Resort in Santa Catalina and they pride themselves on providing the best Isla Coiba diving trips possible. They run daily dive trips to Coiba National Park for certified divers, as well as offering a wide range of PADI courses from entry to professional level.
Panama Dive Center is rated the No. 1 thing to do in Santa Catalina on TripAdvisor, and while constantly aspiring to provide our divers with life-changing experiences, they also make a point of always keeping your safety in mind, which is why our trips are all led by PADI-certified instructors.
Coiba National PARK
Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Panama's Pacific coast, encompassing 38 islands including the largest in Central America, with extraordinary biodiversity both on land and underwater — from whale sharks and hammerheads to howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. Santa Catalina is the closest access point, just about an hour and 15 minutes by boat, making it the natural base for day trips into the park.
Lunchbreak
Surrounded by cristal clear waters and palm trees you'll have a relaxing lunchbreak
Snorkel Tour
Y0u'll snorkel at 3 different snorkel sights
Whalesharks
One of Coibas' magical encounters
Horseback riding
For small groups a romantic ride along the beach could be a memorable experience. Contact us to organize a tour
through the Panamanian countryside with a local farmer as your guide — visiting local fincas, enjoying panoramic views of the town, and finishing the ride at Estero Beach. It's a great way to interact with locals and get a taste of rural life.
Your perfect escape is just a click away!
NEED HELP?
Let us know if we can help you with booking enquiries, personal request or any further information.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
