Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is a village at the end of a long road on the Pacific coast of Veraguas, and it exists for two reasons. The first is the wave: a right-hand point break over rock that holds size and shape in a way few breaks in the region do, working best on a southwest swell and drawing surfers who plan trips around it. The second is Coiba, since this is the departure point for the national park and the dive boats. Beyond that the village is small, sandy-streeted and quiet, with a scattering of hostels, dive shops and restaurants, no bank worth relying on and a pace that suits people staying a week rather than a night.

What you actually see

• The point break - the main right-hander over rock, best at mid to high tide.
• Playa Estero - the beach break where beginners learn.
• Boats to Coiba - dive and snorkel trips to the national park.
• Playa Santa Catalina sunsets - the village beach at the end of the day.

When to go

April to October brings the biggest and most consistent swell, along with the rainy season. December to April is drier with smaller waves and calmer crossings to Coiba. Tides matter enormously for the point break.

Honest expectations

The road in is long and the bus journey from Panama City takes most of a day. Facilities are basic: limited banking, patchy power and internet, and few options if you are not surfing or diving. The main break is over rock and shallow at low tide, and is not a beginner wave; the beach break is where to start.

Nearby

Coiba National Park is offshore; the Azuero peninsula lies east along the coast.