Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina, Veraguas, Panama
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–September
Santa Catalina is a small fishing village on the Pacific coast of Veraguas, in western Panama, and the main base for trips to Coiba National Park. Its best-known wave, La Punta, breaks off a rocky headland next to the village.
The main wave is a powerful right that breaks over a flat volcanic rock reef, with a shorter left on some swells. It needs south and south-west swell, which is most consistent from about March to September, and it handles big swells. The dry season, roughly December to April, brings northerly offshore winds; in the rainy season winds are lighter and more variable. Tide is important: the reef becomes shallow at low tide, so most surfers go out from mid to high tide. The wave suits intermediate surfers on small days and advanced surfers when it is bigger; Playa Estero nearby has a sandy beach break that is gentler. The line-up gets crowded on good swells. The water is warm all year, so boardshorts are enough; booties help on the reef.
Spots near Santa Catalina
- Playa Venao (119 km)
- Punta Chame (206 km)
- Pavones (224 km)
- Bocas del Toro – Playa Bluff (225 km)
- Matapalo – Osa Peninsula (239 km)
- Playa Cocles (277 km)
- Puerto Viejo – Salsa Brava (280 km)
More: All spots in Panama · Surfing in Panama