Santa Catalina is located on the Chiriqui Gulf in the state of Veraguas. In 1970s this little fishing village was discovered by adventurous surfers from all over the world.
The world class surfing in Santa Catalina was the best kept secret by the surfers for quite a long time!
Now Santa Catalina is well-known by professional and hard-core wave-seeking surfers. Early morning surfers take advantage of the tides during Dawn Patrol and study the winds and the waters while paddling out towards their swelling ride.
Panamanian locals have recognized the strong calling of Santa Catalinas consistent waves to international surfers and have jumped at opportunities to please the increasing numbers of surfing tourists. Small businesses in the relaxed tropical town offer surfing lessons, surfing shops, surfing charters and expeditions, and of course, surfing resorts. Surfers and Surfboards are catered to everywhere.
Although the beach of Santa Catalina, Playa Santa Catalina and its surrounding islands are the most attractive to professional and advanced surfers. Beginning surfers can find their ocean turf at the Playa Estero, where the waves are much more relaxed.
Relaxation is what Santa Catalina is all about. The temperature is warm all year round. Surfers in Santa Catalina are generally not distracted by beaches full of tourists, and wont have to share their waves, especially during the rainy season.
The rainy season in Panama is between May and November. Just before the season starts The Pacific Coast swells and waves begin picking up strength and energy.
Waves in Santa Catalina have been known to be anywhere from 4 feet to 25 five feet, and the surfing waves have been described as consistent easy-to-line-up, rock-bottom point break.
Rocky reefs and ocean floors laden with corals and volcanic rocks can make surfing in many areas dangerous, but the swells of the Pacific plunging into the rocky reefs are what makes the challenging hallows and giant barreling waves that hard-core surfers live for.
Santa Catalinas waves and reefs are considered as world class. While the science of surfing is developing in other nations while they plan for artificial world-class reefs to appeal to surfers, Panamas Santa Catalina already has them place, along with the surfing world leaders of Australia and Hawaii.
Santa Catalinas powerful rights and lefts, reef breaks and warm waters filled with challenging hallows and barrels, all roll in and out of Santa Catalinas Pacific Coast. The relaxed Santa Catalina locals are at tune to the needs of the surfers. Surfing supplies, surfing products and surfing charters are easy to find.
This is the paradise for hard core surfers. Catch the wave at Santa Catalina and be prepared for some world-class fun!