Page 212 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

210 Chiriquí and Veraguas Península de soná and Isla CoIba
5 Península de Soná and Isla Coiba
Though dwarfed by the Azuero Peninsula to the west, the hilly Península de Soná
does attract its own share of tourists. Small cattle farms cover the interior and fishing
communities dot the rocky coastline, which protrudes into the Golfo de Chiriquí;
meanwhile, Panama’s surfing capital, Santa Catalina, is expanding. More and more
visitors are using the mellow fishing village as a launch pad for excursions to the
rainforests and coral reefs of Isla Coiba, which offers some of the world’s finest scuba
diving, snorkelling and sport fishing.

Santa Catalina
At the southern end of the peninsula, the sleepy fishing village of SANTA CATALINA reels
in visitors for its internationally renowned surf spots and as a jumping-off point for Isla
Coiba. As a result, the village has developed into a pleasantly bohemian tourist centre,
with mostly foreign-owned small-scale operations scattered along the main road in, or
spilling off the paved road that leads to the main beach, Playa El Estero.
arriVaL and deParTure sanTa CaTaLina
By bus There are direct buses from Panama City to Soná (6 By taxi Taxis, found hanging round Soná bus terminal,
daily; 5hr), an unendearing town 47km southwest of charge $30–35 for the trip to Santa Catalina.
Santiago, and 63km north of Santa Catalina; most visitors, By shuttle Hola! Panama (Whellopanama.com) runs a
however, use the more frequent buses to Santiago (see p.207), daily shuttle service between Boquete and Santa Catalina
where they change onto Soná-bound services (daily (leaves Boquete 7am, leaves Santa Catalina noon; 5hr; $35).
6am–9.40pm; every 20min; 50min). Buses from Soná to By car Whether you come from the east via Santiago, or
Santa Catalina are sporadic (Mon–Sat 7 daily; 4.30am–6pm, from the west, turning south off the Interamericana at
returning 7am–6pm; Sun 3 daily). Check Wlabuenavida.com Guabalá, the road is tarred all the way to Santa Catalina.
for the latest timetable. Note that the last bus from Santa Note that there is no petrol station in Santa Catalina – fill
Catalina sometimes does not run, or may only go as far as up in Soná. Detailed driving instructions are given on
Guarumal, where there are other bus connections with Soná. various accommodation websites.
geTTing arOund and inFOrMaTiOn
On foot Once in Santa Catalina, you’ll be on foot unless Tourist information Wvisitsantacatalina.com and
you’ve your own transport, but nowhere is further than a Wsantacatalinabeach.com both have plenty of useful
20min hike from the bus stop. information, are reasonably up to date, and have maps and

SANTA CATALINA ACTIVITIES AND TOURS
The most popular day-tours from santa Catalina are to Parque Nacional Coiba (see pp.212–
215), and Isla Cébaco, noted for its sparkling clear waters and good coral; at both you’ll be
sharing the sea with colourful schools of snappers, jacks, tunas, butterfly, angel and puffer fish
alongside moray eels and white-tip reef sharks. at certain times of year, you’re likely to have the
company of even more impressive marine life such as whales, sharks and rays, especially near Isla
Coiba. Most day-trips (specialist dive trips aside) involve a look around the Miambiente ranger
station and the interpretive centre, a short rainforest walk and a couple of snorkelling stops.
Experienced surfers should head for santa Catalina’s most famous surf break, La Punta,
which boasts an international reputation, with waves often topping 5–6m in the season
(april–aug); novice surfers will be happier at Playa El Estero. Oasis, Sol y Mar, Rolo’s and Fluid
adventures, among others, all offer beach-based lessons for beginners at varying rates ($20–35
for a 1–1hr 30min class, including board rental). In addition to the above, various other places
rent out surfboards ($15/day).
While the santa Catalina website mantra of “surf, dive, fish and chill” just about sums up what
the village is about, it doesn’t do justice to an array of other activities that includes yoga and
massage (at La Buena Vida hotel), horseriding (at Hibiscus Garden or Oasis Surf Camp hotels),
kayaking and birdwatching (see p.211), and suP ($40/half-day tour; Wsupsantacatalina.com).

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