Activities in Santa Catalina
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Scuba Coiba
Run by an experienced Austrian dive master, Scuba Coiba offers divers a chance to experience some of the spectacular marine life around Isla Coiba. Two-tank dives start around US$70 per person, though diving in the park costs more since the distance is much greater.
Scuba Coiba also offers day trips (around US$130) as well as two-day trips (around US$320) to Isla de Coiba, which include entry into the national park, lodging at the ANAM station on Coiba and meals; there's a two-person minimum for these trips. You can also get PADI-certified here for around US$230, and snorkeling gear is available for hire (around US$6 per day). The dive shop is located on the main road int…
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Fishing
Fishing is a popular local activity. The area around Santa Catalina is famous for its big fish, including yellow fin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, Spanish mackerel, jacks and rooster fish. Although there isn't a major sportfishing operator in town, there is no shortage of local fishermen willing to rent their boat and services to you for the day. Prices vary depending on the amount of the people in your party and the distance you want to go - remember that petrol is very expensive these days.
If you'd prefer to go after reef fish including snapper and grouper, there are some hidden spots along the coast that are perfect for spearfishing. There are also plenty of rocky ledges in t…
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Surfing
The best waves for surfing are generally from December to April, though there is surf here year round. Unlike the Caribbean, the Pacific offers fairly consistent sets, though a good swell will really give a boost to the surfing here. Most of the accommodations in town rent boards in addition to offering surf lessons. Be advised that many of the breaks in the area are over rocks, and can easily snap your board if you don't know what you're doing.
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