v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Playa Santa Catalina — the wide sandy beach that is literally the village’s living room: sun, surf, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and the best spot for long sunsets and a swim after a morning surf session.
- La Punta (the Point) — the iconic rocky point and world-class right-hand surf break that puts Santa Catalina on the map; even if you don’t surf, watching the line-up and the swell peel around the rocks is unforgettable.
- Fishermen’s Dock / Pier — where local boats land and depart (including Coiba trips); go early to see crews unload fish, haggle with the catch, and get a real feel for the village’s fishing rhythm.
- Main Street & Local Market — a compact strip of tiendas, cafés and stalls where locals trade produce and seafood; your best place to taste real Panamanian home cooking
- Playa Santa Catalina — the wide sandy beach that is literally the village’s living room: sun, surf, fishermen hauling in the day’s catch, and the best spot for long sunsets and a swim after a morning surf session.
- La Punta (the Point) — the iconic rocky point and world-class right-hand surf break that puts Santa Catalina on the map; even if you don’t surf, watching the line-up and the swell peel around the rocks is unforgettable.
- Fishermen’s Dock / Pier — where local boats land and depart (including Coiba trips); go early to see crews unload fish, haggle with the catch, and get a real feel for the village’s fishing rhythm.
- Main Street & Local Market — a compact strip of tiendas, cafés and stalls where locals trade produce and seafood; your best place to taste real Panamanian home cooking and pick up supplies without the tourist gloss.
- Iglesia de Santa Catalina — the small parish church at the heart of town; simple, community-focused, and a good place to see local life quiet down for mass or village events.
- Hilltop Viewpoint above the Cove — a short walk up from town leads to a lookout with sweeping views of the bay, surfers below, and the Azuero coastline — great for sunrise photos and to orient yourself to the landscape.
- Tide Pools and Rocky Shoreline — explore at low tide for little marine ecosystems: crabs, shells, and tiny fish; it’s an easy, free nature activity right at the village edge.
- Local Surf Schools and Rental Shacks — small, community-run outfits offering lessons and boards; they’re the best way to get into the water safely while supporting local guides and meeting other travelers.
- Dive & Boat Outfitters — the cluster of dive shops and boat operators in town are the practical hub for snorkeling, diving, and island trips; the on-the-ground guides here know the currents, wildlife, and best spots for a day out.
- Community Soccer Field & Evening Hangouts — the village field is where locals and visitors collide: pickup matches, music drifting from nearby restaurants, and casual nightlife that’s social and authentic rather than staged for tourists.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.