Page 213 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

Península de soná and Isla CoIba Chiriquí and Veraguas 211
directions for driving. They only include a selection of busy weekends, so pick up cash in Santiago. 5
accommodation or tour options, though. Communications There are still no land lines in the
Money There is no bank or ATM in the village, and very few village and erratic internet and mobile phone connections,
places take credit cards, so bring sufficient cash. The plus frequent power cuts, so you may have to wait several
nearest ATM is in Soná, but it often runs out of money on days for a response when booking anything.
TOur OPeraTOrs
For specialized trips you’re best off going with one of the tour operators listed below, whose offices are spread along the
200m of main road from the junction to Playa Santa Catalina. For general snorkelling, surfing, fishing or jaunts to Isla
Cébaco or Coiba you may pay less by organizing things through your accommodation or by negotiating directly with the
fishermen hanging out on the beach by their pangas (small flat-bottomed metal boats) or advertising outside their
houses. Make sure you agree on exactly what the fee will cover. Expect to pay $40 (in a boat carrying up to six) for a full day
of snorkelling, surfing or fishing, excluding food and drinks; budget more for Parque Nacional Coiba ($60) since it involves
extra fuel. Note that park fees ($20) are not usually included in tour prices (see p.215).

BIRDWATCHING AND HIKING Panama Dive Centre Main street, by the junction
Bird Coiba On the right, just after the junction on the T6665 7879, Wpanamadivecenter.com. A newish outfit
road down to Playa Santa Catalina T6544 1806, and a five-star PADI resort, offering courses from three-day
Wbirdcoiba.com. Bilingual (English/Spanish) Javier regular Open Water ($410 plus park fees and accommodation)
Elizondo specializes in safety-conscious birding tours to to Divemaster, as well as the regular Coiba trips.
Coiba and surrounding islets ($110/person for one day to Scuba Coiba Playa Santa Catalina T6980 7122,
$275 for three; assuming six people), including park fees, Wscubacoiba.com. Run by pioneering Austrian Herbie
meals, snacks and lodgings. Also local guided walks. Sunk. Rates are $65 for two-tank trips close to Santa
Catalina, $125 for Coiba national park. Multiday trips with
DIVING AND SNORKELLING three-tank dives to Coiba are also available ($675 for a
There are several dive shops in Santa Catalina; while the three-day all-inclusive tour). Gear rental ($15/day) and
operators are generally of high quality and the diving can park fees extra. Also offers PADI certification.
be superb, there have been occasional complaints of failing
to satisfy all clients when mixing day-trippers with those SURFING AND KAYAKING
on overnight excursions, combining novices with Fluid Adventures Playa Santa Catalina T832 2368,
experienced divers, and mixing divers with snorkellers Wfluidadventurespanama.com. Acclaimed Canadian
(with divers prioritized). Make sure your needs are likely to outfit specializing in surfing and kayaking – lessons, tours
be fully met when making enquiries. and equipment rental. Kayak tours range from an easy
Coiba Dive Center Main road between Brisas del Mar paddle and snorkel round Isla Santa Catalina ($75), or the
and the police station T6565 7200, Wscubadivecenter coastal mangroves, to three- or six-day kayaking and
.com. Established dive shop operating day- or multiday camping adventures in Coiba that offer wonderful access to
tours to Coiba at similar rates to Scuba Coiba (see below). wildlife ($555/$1208).
aCCOMMOdaTiOn
Boarder’s Haven Main road, managed by La Buena Rolo’s is one of the few locally owned operations, and is the
Vida (see below). This cosy self-catering hostel is an top choice for backpacking surfers. Its brightly painted,
excellent budget choice. Three cheerily painted rooms (with clean dorm rooms sleep two to four, with comfy beds, fan
a/c and fans) share two hot-water bathrooms, and open and shared bathrooms. There’s a kitchen for guest use, and
onto a communal lounge. Shared kitchen and outdoor space a pleasant dining and social area. Neat pine-furnished
front and back. Three-night minimum stay. $30 doubles with a/c, cable TV and fridge also available. Cheap
★ La Buena Vida Main road T6635 1895, kayak and board rental. Dorms $12, doubles $55
Wlabuenavidahotel.com. Laden with original mosaic Coiba House Off the main street, near the beach
and wrought-iron work, these variously sized, charming T6962 6388, Wcoibahouse.com. Three spotless,
mid-range villas (with a/c, hot-water private bathrooms comfortably furnished rooms (with a/c but shared
and patios) were designed by the artistic owners, who bathroom) open out onto a spacious communal balcony
continue the theme on the terrace café. Yoga and massage with armchairs and hammocks, overlooking the beach,
also available. $66 with steps down to the sand. You’ll receive warm
★ Cabañas Rolo Main road, by the beach T6494 hospitality, and breakfast is included. Minimum two-night
3916, Wrolocabins.net. A Santa Catalina institution, stay. $59

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