Our Favorite Things to Do in Santa Catalina, Panama
Santa Catalina, Panama, is known for its world-class surf and as the launching point for epic dive and snorkeling trips to Coiba National Park. Every year, surfers, divers, and travelers from all over the planet come to Santa Catalina for its epic waves and world-class diving. Still, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Catalina that don’t involve paddling out on a surfboard or breathing through a dive regulator, even if those are two of our favorite things. Continue reading below to learn Our Favorite Things to Do in Santa Catalina, Panama.
Sunset at Town Beach (Santa Catalina Beach)
Sunset at Town Beach (also known as Santa Catalina Beach) is the perfect way to wrap up a day exploring our tranquil village. Watch locals play soccer, volleyball and surf as the sun dips below the Pacific, and join us for a game or two to meet members from our local community. Bring a picnic, or some cold beers and enjoy the watercolor sky backdrop and the sound of crashing waves as the soundtrack to your evening. For a delicious meal while enjoying the sunset, head to Penguino’s Cafe right on the beach. This rustic Italian Seafood restaurant owned by Luca and Popo serve up authentic Italian linguine with fresh lobster or shrimp.
Surfing at Estero Beach, Santa Catalina Panama
While Santa Catalina Panama is best known for its epic righthand point break at La Punta, Estero Beach is the best beach to learn. Our Panama Surf Camp at Waluaa, offers drop-in surf lessons and professional surf coaching at Estero Beach for complete beginner surfers up to intermediate level. Unlike the rocky point break at La Punta, Estero Beach is all sand bottom, so it’s a safe learning environment for new surfers. Intermediate surfers will have no problem finding an isolated peak to themselves at Estero, and you’ll often see our local Santa Catalina pro-surfers (most of whom are also our Waluaa surf coaches!) training at Estero, given the variety of peaks and plentiful waves on offer.
Day Trip to Coiba National Park for Diving or Snorkeling
Coiba National Park is a one-of-a-kind destination right off the coast of Santa Catalina Panama. Thanks to its unique history as a penal colony, Coiba Island’s plant, animal, and marine life were able to flourish relatively undisturbed for over 100 years. The island and surrounding national park are home to exotic endemic species like the Coiba Island Mantled Howler Monkey and the Coiba Island Agouti. Because of the island’s protected status as a nature reserve, national park, and UNESCO World Heritage site, only 60 guests are permitted on the island overnight. So, most visitors to the island make day trips to dive or snorkel in the lively waters around the island. Coiba National Park is one of Central America’s premier dive sites and one of the best locations in the world to spot and swim with Whale Sharks. For diving, talk to Camillo and Sabina at Panama Dive Center.
Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation Classes
Relax and unwind after a day in the sun with a yoga class at Hotel Santa Catalina's oceanfront yoga studio. Our Waluaa Yoga Classes are offered daily, making it easy to fit into your schedule of exploring the wonders of Santa Catalina Panama. All levels are welcome as our Yoga Alliance certified instructors will adapt classes to you level. Relieve the aches and pains of travel, surfing, and adventuring while enjoying an unforgettable ocean view. Our yoga class styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin and Restorative. We also offer Mindfulness Meditation classes where you can learn practical tools to manage stress, get better sleep and improve your health. Our Waluaa Yoga Classes were picked as one of the Best Things to Do in Santa Catalina by Travelrebels.
Sunrise Horseback Riding
Start your morning on horseback, riding through the Panamanian countryside with a local farmer as your guide. Visit local fincas, enjoy panoramic views of the town, and finish your ride at Estero Beach. A morning horseback ride is a great way to start the day, interact with locals, and get a taste of rural life in Santa Catalina Panama. Most hotels/hostels have contacts for local horse-man to arrange a tour. We recommend horse-riding at low tide, coinciding with sunrise or sunset for the best experience. It’s much less hot at this time (if you are coming in the summer months) and the views at this time are pure magic. Also, to cross the river at Estero Beach and make your way up to the local fincas you need to cross at low tide.
Kayak or SUP to Santa Catalina Island
You don’t have to boat all the way to Coiba to have an island adventure in Santa Catalina Panama. If you’re looking for a mini adventure, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding to Santa Catalina Island is a great option. Santa Catalina Island lies just offshore Town Beach and makes for a great kayak or stand-up paddle trip. The beaches on the island are secluded and well worth the trip. White sand beach, shell collecting, calm crystal blue waters and nothing but fallen coconuts surround you. You can rent a Kayak or SUP right at Town Beach from Mike at Fluid Adventures, or walk up the street to Tiki Lodge, whom will also drive the Kayak down to Town Beach for you.
