Travel advisory · PanamaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Panama.The warnings cover only these areas: Mosquito Gulf, Colón, Curundú, El Chorrillo, San Miguelito.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Mosquito Gulf · avoid all travel · Canada, France, New Zealand, US
- Colón · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Curundú · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- El Chorrillo · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- San Miguelito · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
Also named by one government: Darién border zone with Colombia (France), Darién Gap south of Yaviza (New Zealand), Darién south of Metetí to Colombian border (Canada), Parts of Darién Region (US), Arena (Canada), Arraiján (France), Calidonia (France), Colombian border zones (Spain), Cristobal (France), Darién Province (France), Eastern Darién Province (Italy), Eastern part of Guna Yala (San Blas) (France), El Cacao (Canada), Isla de Cusapín (Spain), Juan Díaz (France), La Chorrera (France), Pedregal (France), Quebro (Canada), San Felipe (France), Santa Ana (France), Tocumen (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Remain vigilant, follow local authorities' advice after earthquake | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise increased caution due to crime (regional advisories) | Aug 19, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs) | High Degree of Caution | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Niveau de sécurité globalement satisfaisant, vigilance renforcée dans certaines zones (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Santa Catalina
A small Pacific fishing village in Veraguas, Panama, where surfers come for the waves and boats leave for Coiba National Park.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Santa Catalina is a former fishing village on the Pacific coast of Veraguas province, in western Panama. Surfers come for its waves, and boats leave from the village for Coiba National Park, a marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plan at least three or four days so there is room for both surf and at least one day on the water. The village is small and quiet, so it suits travelers who want simple surroundings and beach time more than nightlife or city sights. The drive from Panama City takes a long time, so allow a full day for the trip. Check surf and sea conditions before you book a boat, because the Pacific side changes from day to day. Staying in the village keeps early boat departures short.
Santa Catalina in five
- Allow a long day for the roadThe tourism authority puts the Veraguas coast about 5 hours from Panama City, and gives about 3.5 hours to Santiago de Veraguas plus about 2.5 more to Santa Catalina. Plan for 5 to 6 hours.
- Book a Coiba day trip with an operatorTours run from the beach to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO natural World Heritage site with pristine beaches, reefs, whale sharks and giant turtles. Ask the operator to handle the park permit and what the price includes.
- Match the wave to your levelPunta Santa Catalina has powerful tubes, Punta Brava suits experienced surfers, and Playa Estero has smaller sand-bottom waves that the tourism authority singles out for beginners, with schools and board rentals.
- Plan for whale season from July to OctoberHumpback whales pass between July and October, and the tourism authority points to that season for the park and the coast. Ask operators which departures cover whale watching.
- Stay in cabins or small hotelsThe tourism authority lists simple cabins, rental homes, boutique hotels and larger hotels, some on or near the beach. Choose by distance to your surf break and to the boat departure point.Where to stay
Need to know
- Coast
- Pacific coast of Veraguas, central Panama
- Getting there
- 5–6 h by road from Panama City via Santiago de Veraguas
- Gateway to
- Coiba National Park, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Surf
- Punta Santa Catalina, Punta Brava, Playa Estero
- Whale season
- July to October
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, sunny
- FebruaryDry, hot
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilDry, last month
- MayRains begin
- JuneGreen season
- JulyGreen, humpbacks
- AugustGreen, humpbacks
- SeptemberWhale season
- OctoberWet, whales
- NovemberWet, easing
- DecemberDrier, hot
Right now in Santa Catalina
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 81%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Santa Catalina
04:22 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today28°24°100%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue29°23°96%Tuesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Wed28°24°95%Wednesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Thu27°24°93%Thursday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 93%.
- Fri28°24°92%Friday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Sat28°24°95%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Sun30°24°77%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 77%.
Updated 03:03 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Coiba National Parka boat tour from the beachBeaches, reefs, snorkeling and diving in a former prison island turned wildlife refuge.
- Gulf of Montijoa kayak or boat tourA Ramsar wetland of mangroves and estuaries where tours look for caimans and seabirds.
- Cebaco Islanda sport-fishing tripOne of the islands reached from Santa Catalina by sport-fishing boats.
Before you go to Santa Catalina
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for Santa Catalina, checked
- Canada's advice: you need a permit from Panama's environment authority to enter Coiba National Park; your tour operator arranges it.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
Plan around Santa Catalina
The next coast east, with Venao and Pedasí
Read the guideBoqueteChiriquí highlands, further west
Read the guidePanama CityWhere the long drive starts
Read the guideRenting a car abroadInsurance checks before the road
Read the guideTours and ticketsBooking boat trips the safe way
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for diving and surf days
Read the guideAll of PanamaRegions, entry basics and money
Read the guideSanta Catalina FAQ
How far is Santa Catalina from Panama City?
The tourism authority gives about 5 hours to the Veraguas coast, or about 3.5 hours to Santiago de Veraguas plus about 2.5 hours more to Santa Catalina. Allow 5 to 6 hours and avoid arriving after dark.
Is Santa Catalina good for beginner surfers?
Playa Estero has smaller, sand-bottom waves that the tourism authority singles out for beginners, and the town has surf schools and board rentals. Punta Santa Catalina and Punta Brava are for experienced surfers.
How do you visit Coiba National Park from Santa Catalina?
Book a boat tour from the beach for snorkeling, diving or a beach day. The park is a UNESCO natural World Heritage site, so ask operators about park rules, the route and what is included.
When can you see whales near Santa Catalina?
Humpback whales pass between July and October, according to the tourism authority. Operators can say which Coiba or coastal departures include whale watching.
Where should I stay in Santa Catalina?
The tourism authority lists simple cabins, rental homes, boutique hotels and larger hotels, some on the beach. Pick by distance to the break you plan to surf and to the boat departure.