Introducing Santa Catalina
Although lagging behind Costa Rica in terms of tourist development (there is yet to be a beachside Pizza Hut), Santa Catalina has the potential to be the next great Central American beach destination (for better or for worse). Although difficult access and a remote location have so far kept the foreign investors away, the secret about Santa Catalina’s incredible surf is out. Regarded as one of the best surf hot spots in Central America, you can choose from any number of beach breaks on Playa Santa Catalina. On a good day, the rights and lefts here are easily comparable to Oahu’s Sunset Beach.
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Santa Catalina is home to several hundred people who lead simple lives as fishers, and the town has a laid-back feel to it with one good outdoor pizzeria that forms the nexus of the dining and nightlife scene. However, the real-estate signs are starting to go up, and rumors run the gamut from constructing a mega-resort and an airstrip to establishing a protected area and a marine park. It’s hard to know what the future of Santa Catalina holds, but in the meantime, enjoy it while it still is what it is – remote, undeveloped and home to some seriously wicked surf.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Quickest way from Panama City to Isla de Coiba
by erin_zita 22 March 2011
Getting a taxi would be quickest but I think that would be about $200. We got the 8.20am bus direct to Soná (5 hours) and then took…
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RE: Quickest way from Panama City to Isla de Coiba
by wulfruny 22 March 2011
I think the quickest way would be to go by taxi - but it would cost a lot of money - don't know how much - maybe a couple hundred, but…
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RE: Santa Catalina Bus Stop to Oasis Surf Camp
by wulfruny 15 December 2010
I was in Santa Catalina a year ago, and walked from "town" where the bus stops (which is the end of the road from Sona) to Playa Estero,…
Hotels & Hostels in Santa Catalina
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Oasis Surf Camp
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Kenny's Surf Camp
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