Santa Catalina
Among Central America's top surf spots, Santa Catalina is still somewhat remote with limited development and home to some seriously wicked surf. Life here is pretty tranquil, in a fishing village where skateboards rip down main street and kids go barefoot but clothing is required to walk to and from the beach. Most non-surfers discover the area as the main springboard for day and overnight trips to Isla de Coiba and its national park, where there's outstanding scuba diving and snorkeling.
Kristina Vackova / Shutterstock
Take your Panama trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Time to book that trip to Panama
Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Santa Catalina
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.