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Light sandy beach with palms and vegetation beside the sea.

Panama · Coiba and Santa Catalina

Surfing in Santa Catalina

A reef break for experienced surfers, a sandy beach to learn on and a point for experts, all close to the village.

4 places

  1. 1

    AdventureOpen

    La Punta surf break

    Point south of Santa Catalina village.1 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
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    Booking
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    Reef break next to the village, mainly a right. It has hosted national and international contests, including the ISA World Surfing Games.

    Source: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources

    Tip: For intermediate and advanced surfers; best at mid to high tide (local operator). There are waves all year; one operator gives 4–8 ft from May to November and 2–4 ft from December to April, but sources disagree on the biggest-swell months. Lessons about US$25 per hour and boards US$5–10 (2025).

    Nearby: Playa El Estero (0.9 km) · Santa Catalina village (1 km) · Scuba diving Coiba from Santa Catalina (1.1 km)

    Sources: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP) · Surfing Santa Catalina – santacatalinabeach.com · Santa Catalina, Panama – Premier Coiba Tours

  2. 2

    BeachOpen

    Playa El Estero

    East of the village, along Vía El Estero.1.3 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
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    Booking
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    Wide sandy-bottom beach by the mouth of the El Estero river. Its small waves make it Santa Catalina's learning beach.

    Source: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources

    Tip: Visit Panamá recommends it for beginners in the dry season. There are surf schools and board rentals in the village.

    Nearby: La Punta surf break (0.9 km) · Punta Brava (1.3 km) · Santa Catalina village (1.3 km)

    Sources: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP) · Surfing Santa Catalina – santacatalinabeach.com · Santa Catalina, Panama – Premier Coiba Tours

  3. 3

    AdventureOpen

    Punta Brava

    Southeast of Playa El Estero.2.7 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
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    Booking
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    Point southeast of Santa Catalina with waves for experienced surfers, according to Visit Panamá.

    Source: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP) · 2026

    Practical details and sources

    Tip: Not for beginners. If you are learning, use Playa El Estero.

    Nearby: Playa El Estero (1.3 km) · La Punta surf break (2 km) · Santa Catalina village (2.7 km)

    Sources: Santa Catalina – Visit Panamá (ATP)

  4. 4

    BeachOpen

    Santa Catalina beach

    Santa Catalina cove, west of the village.0.7 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
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    Booking
    Not stated

    Main beach in front of the village, next to the dock where boats leave. It also has surfable waves during big swells.

    Source: Santa Catalina, Panama – Premier Coiba Tours · 2025 · +1

    Practical details and sources

    Tip: Panama's beaches are not usually supervised by lifeguards and rip currents are common (Government of Canada, 2026). Ask locally before swimming.

    Nearby: Coiba snorkel day tour (0.2 km) · Scuba diving Coiba from Santa Catalina (0.2 km) · Humpback whale watching (0.4 km)

    Sources: Santa Catalina, Panama – Premier Coiba Tours · Panama travel advice – Government of Canada

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