Last updated on January 14th, 2024 at 05:07 pm
If you plan to surf in Santa Catalina, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer’s tips, and the best surf spots in Santa Catalina, Panama.
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About Surfing in Santa Catalina, Panama
Surfing in Santa Catalina is a must for any surfer traveling on Panama’s Pacific Coast. In fact, this is one of the best surf spots in Central America and is considered a world-class break.
The town itself is located on the West Coast of Panama, only a few hour’s drive from the border with Costa Rica. Due to its remoteness, many people choose to avoid coming here. Therefore, if you make the effort and come to surf Santa Catalina, you will find yourself riding spectacular waves with only a few surfers in the water.
Surf Season in Santa Catalina
Unlike Bocas Del Toro in the Caribbean side of Panama, on the Pacific Coast, the surf is up year-round. Therefore, you can surf in Santa Catalina on almost any given day. That being said, the summer months, between May and October, are the prime surf season. During this time of year, the swells are consistent and range between 3 to 10 feet. Of course, when a big swell hits, it can even get up to 20 feet, but usually, the conditions suit surfers of all skill levels.
Luckily, the water is always warm, so there is no need for a wetsuit when surfing Santa Catalina.
Surf Spots in Santa Catalina
As mentioned, Santa Catalina is an outstanding surf destination. Moreover, it offers several breaks to suit different swell conditions and surf levels. In detail, these are the main ones:
Santa Catalina Main Reef:
This reef break is the most famous surf spot in Santa Catalina. It breaks pretty far from shore and opens up to both the left and the right sides. It provides a big open wall to ride on, which works best during mid to high tide.
Punta Brava:
This is the most consistent break in the area and can be perfect for the smallest days. Moreover, it has 3 different peaks, all breaking over a reef, so you can choose your favorite one depending on the day’s conditions. To reach this spot, you must walk on the beach about 25 minutes south of Santa Catalina.
El Estero:
This is a perfect beginner spot. It is situated right in front of town and breaks over a sandy bottom to both sides. For that reason, many surf lessons take place here.
Punta Roca:
This fast reef break tends to barrel pretty often. Since it is a left-hand break, goofy surfers love this spot.
San Pedrillo:
Unlike the other surf spots in the Santa Catalina area, this one is a beach break with massive power crushing over a sandy bottom to both sides. To reach this wave, you must take a boat from Santa Catalina.
Cimarron:
This left-hand break is located on a small island close to shore. Although it is not easy to get here, at least you will be alone in the water.
So, these are the main surf spots you can visit when surfing in Santa Catalina. However, there are many other secret ones, and if you ask the locals, they will tell you about them. Some are located at Isla Cabeco and Isla Coiba, requiring a boat ride and guaranteeing an isolated surf adventure.
Can Beginners Surf in Santa Catalina?
There are several surf spots in Santa Catalina, so surfers of all skill levels can find suitable waves. For instance, beginners can learn and practice in El Estero. In contrast, more experienced surfers can find challenging waves in spots like Santa Catalina Main Reef, Punta Brava, and Punta Roca.
Santa Catalina Surf Camps
As a beginner, the best way to explore Santa Catalina’s surf scene is at a surf camp. In fact, most of them will not only teach you to surf but also take care of accommodations, food, and basically everything you need. In detail, these are the main ones to choose from:
1. Rancho Estero Surf Camp Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
2. Waluaa Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat – For more details, please click here.
3. Vista Coiba – For more details, please click here.
4. Oasis Surf Camp Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
5. Hotel Santa Catalina – For more details, please click here.
Find everything you need to know about surf camps in Santa Catalina in BookSurfCamps.
Surf Hotels in Santa Catalina
Since Santa Catalina’s surf scene has developed pretty fast in the last few years, it now has many accommodation options. Depending on your budget, you can choose the best one for you.
When surfing in Santa Catalina, you want to ensure the hotel is situated as close as possible to the break. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Vista Coiba Villas & Restaurant– Hotel Vista Coiba Villas & Restaurant is set close to the popular surfing spot of La Punta. It is a 15-minute walk from Playa Estero, the sandy beach in Santa Catalina.
2. Hotel Santa Catalina Panama– Free surfboards, kayaks, bicycles, and skateboards are provided at the Hotel Santa Catalina. The hotel’s tour desk can also help you arrange activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing trips.
3. Mama Ines– This property is situated right on the beach. Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Mama Ines offers a lovely vibe, hammocks, and a bar.
4. Hotel Oasis & Surf Camp– Set in Santa Catalina, 50 m from Estero, Hotel Oasis & Surf Camp offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. With a garden, the 3-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hostel features family rooms as well.
For more surf hotels in Santa Catalina, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Other Fun Activities in the Santa Catalina Area
Sure, you are here to surf Santa Catalina, and that will be your main focus. However, this town has a few nice things to offer between your surf sessions; these are the main ones:
Hang out in a Bar- even though Santa Catalina is far from being a party town, there are several good places to hang out in the evenings. Check out Surfers Point Bar, Jardin Brisas Del Mar, and Bannaba.
Diving & Snorkeling- Check out Panama Dive Center or Coiba Dive Center. Coiba Island has some spectacular diving spots.
Rent a Sup, Bike, or Kayak and explore the area.
Book a horseback riding tour.
Take a yoga class at Las Olas.
Visit Coiba National Park.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
Santa Catalina is a high-quality surf spot with perfectly shaped waves to satisfy any surfer. Whether you are a solo surfer, a group, or even just a beginner, Santa Catalina is a surf paradise, and you will absolutely love it.
Finally, when you are done surfing in Santa Catalina, you can head south to surf Playa Venao or north to Costa Rica and surf the long left-handers at Pavones.
