Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is the best surfing spot in Panama, with one of the most consistent breaks in Central or South America. There’s something to ride here every month of the year. While Santa Catalina is of great interest only to serious surfers, it’s a pretty place even for those who just want to watch the rollers from a distance. However, much of the beach is strewn with rocks and boulders, and it’s a remote and isolated spot west of the Azuero Peninsula at the tip of sparsely settled farmland. It’s a long, rough road away from anything approaching civilization. It’s definitely a get-away-from-it-all kind of place. Lodging and dining options are basic. Those who just want some beach time have many better, more accessible options elsewhere. The best time for really big waves is February to August, when wave faces get as high as 6–9 meters. At other times the average is 2–3 meters. There are several other breaks, some within walking distance, some requiring a boat ride to reach, that have breaks that can get even bigger. The nearest sizable settlement on the drive down to the beach is Soná, an unattractive crossroads town with nothing to offer travelers. You can get some provisions here, but you’re better off stocking up back in Santiago, on the Interamerican Highway a two-hour drive from the beach.
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