Santa Catalina is Panamas anchor away from the wave of activity found in Panama City. Miles of unexploited black sandy beaches are waiting for the divers and fishermen. The treasure of the Pacific Oceans warm current brings in fishing catches worthy. Different kind of fishes, like whales, manta rays and sharks and vibrant corals are perfect for underwater photography as well. Professional surfboarders are willing to swim far off the coastline to ride the swelling waves that offshore winds bring. Island vacationers will find hammock bearing palm trees, beach bungalows and local fare, and beachcombers will enjoy the exotic seashells washed up on the sandy shores.

Traveling from Panama City to Santa Catalina will turn the city view of skyscrapers, crowded sidewalks and traffic jams to the scenic views of Santa Catalinas character in thatched roof houses, local village pubs and eateries, and dirt roads leading to stretches of sand and water that seem to go out forever at low tide. In Santa Catalina, villagers will be riding horse along the dirt road, neighborhood boys will be playing baseball in the fields or knocking tropical fruit off the many palm trees. The beaches will be appearing secluded, except for the local soccer games and surfers waiting on the coast for the tide to roll in.

Although not obvious, tourism has touched the shores of Santa Catalina. Local resorts, hostels, and village eateries welcome and cater to tourists of all nationalities. Charter boats frequently leave Santa Catalina to explore the natural water wilderness of the many surrounding islands. Surfing and diving camps and shops can be found in the area. Many of these offer surfing and diving lessons and expeditions to Santa Catalina locals and visitors. Adventures and expeditions for eco-tours, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, big-game fishing, angling and surfing meet in Santa Catalina. These water adventurers and explorers also visit the many other islands scattered within the renowned Coiba National Park, which covers a significant portion of the Gulf of Chiriqui and the Gulf of Montijo.

Rivers running from the Gulfs provide the waters for two of Santa Catalinas primary black sand beaches - Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero. Playa translates to beach and estero translates to estuary. Playa Estero holds a reputation for gentle waves and provides ideal conditions for beginning surfers. Playa Santa Catalina is the port where most village and tourism activity occurs and is the starting point for many of Santa Catalinas charters and expeditions.

Santa Catalina and Playa Santa Catalina is an ideal Panama destination for travelers and vacationers to escape the overwhelming demands of the 21st century, twenty-four hour lifestyle. Santa Catalina will bring in waves of peace and relaxation with the opportunity to engage yourself in the beach and ocean water activities that your heart has been yearning for. Pick up a seashell and listen to the oceans roar. Take the Pacific tide in to the coastal waters of Santa Catalina and dock for awhile.

The Panama waters are calling you.