Surfcheck from the balcony: Beach break right outside the front door, “La Punta” – reef break just around the corner!
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25° - 32°
25° - 30°
CHF 700 / EUR 600
whole year
WiFi, waves on your doorstep, snorkeling
Surfing, relaxing, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat tours and much more - the once small fishing village of Santa Catalina, on the Pacific coast of Panama, has developed in recent years and became a popular destination for surfers and divers. Perfect waves to find, both for surf newcomers as well as for absolute pros. Those who want to explore a breathtaking underwater world for a change, can take a snorkeling or diving trip to the island of Coiba, a nature reserve, which is about 1 hour away by boat.
In Santa Catalina itself are two small supermarkets, some local restaurants and various internationally oriented restaurants: Italian pizza, spanish tapas or argentinean grilled meat. The nightlife is limited to a few small bars for a leisurely sunset drink.
The Santa Catalina Surf Camp is located in front of the beach break of "Playa Estero". The perfect location in order to always have a good view of the waves. The camp consists of 4 beautifully decorated bamboo huts, including double cabins and dormitory cabins, all with shared bathrooms and a self-catering kitchen. Accommodation in an private baboo hut with a private kitchen and private bathroom or in a comforable wooden hut is possible for a surcharge.
There are a large communal area with free WiFi, a sundeck with perfect views and cozy hammocks in the camp. So there is enough space to relax and watch the waves.
Breakfast is included in the package price, for the rest of the day you can either use the communal kitchen, or visit one of the restaurants nearby.
Depending on your level there are several surf spots in Santa Catalina - there's something for everyone: from absolute beginners to advanced surfers. Beginners and less experienced surfers are very well located at the beach break "Playa Estero". Advanced surfers find an excellent shaft with world-class reef break at "La Punta". We decide depending on your level at which spots the lessons or the guiding will be held.
The beach break is always in sight from our Surf Camp and is just a few steps away. The access point to the reef break can be reached on foot in a few minutes. Surf season in Santa Catalina is throughout the year. The water temperatures are warm enough all year round to surf without wetsuit.
The Santa Catalina Surf Camps offers surf lessons for beginners and advanced surfers, surf guiding and freesurf packages, each with accommodation including breakfast and a free fruit shake every day in our surf shop "Surf & Shake". The surf equipment is also included in the price of the surf course packages. The courses and the guiding are held in english or spanish. The Surf Camp team is happy to provide you with advices and practical help throughout your stay.
Surf course-package
The surf course packages are suitable for beginners who want to surf their first wave, or surfers with some experience who want to improve their skills under professional instruction.
Included in the package price: 7 nights including breakfast, 4 surf lessons of 2 hours, surfboards during the stay (6 days).
| Surf course-package: Price per person and week (2 or more person) | ||
| Double-bed Cabaña (for 2 person), for larger groups are also multi-bed Cabanas available |
CHF 750 | EUR 652 |
| Villa with private bathroom and kitchen (min. 2 person) | CHF 895 | EUR 778 |
| Single-bed Cabaña with double bed | CHF 956 | EUR 832 |
| Shared tripple Cabana | CHF 812 | EUR 706 |
| Surf course-package: Price per person and week (single traveler, private surf course) | ||
Surfguiding-package
For all surfer who don't need lessons but want to have a guide with them to show the best spots and gives helpful advice.
Included in the package price: 7 nights including breakfast, 4 surf sessions with guide of 2 hours. Surfboards are not included in price but can be rented at the Surf Camp for an extra cost (paid locally).
| Surfguiding-package: Price per person and week (2 or more person) | ||
| Single-bed Cabaña or double-bed Cabaña (for 2 person), for larger groups are also multi-bed Cabanas available |
CHF 625 | EUR 543 |
| Villa with private bathroom and kitchen (min. 2 person) | CHF 770 | EUR 670 |
| Single-bed Cabaña with double bed | CHF 832 | EUR 724 |
| Shared tripple Cabana | CHF 688 | EUR 598 |
| Surfguiding-package: Price per person and week (single traveler, private surf guiding) | ||
Freesurf-package
Packages without lessons or guiding can also be booked at Santa Catalina Surf Camp.
Included in the price: 7 nights including breakfast. Surfboards are not included in price but can be rented at the Surf Camp for an extra cost (paid locally).
| Freesurf-package: Price per person and week (2 or more person) | ||
| Single-bed Cabaña or double-bed Cabaña (for 2 person), for larger groups are also multi-bed Cabanas available |
CHF 405 | EUR 351 |
| Villa with private bathroom and kitchen (min. 2 person) | CHF 550 | EUR 477 |
| Single-bed Cabaña with double bed | CHF 500 | EUR 435 |
| Shared tripple Cabana | CHF 355 | EUR 309 |
| Freesurf-package: Price per person and week (single traveler) | ||
Material rental
Surfboard US$ 15 per day / US$ 10 for 4 hours (to be paid on site).
Airport transfer / Arrival
Since most of the flights from Europe arrive only in the afternoon at the Tocumen Airport (PTY) in Panama City, it is recommended to stay one more night in a hostel / hotel in the city. A taxi from the airport to the city (Colectivo) for USD 15 per person. Otherwise, there are also many hotels in Panama City, offering airport transfers. On the next day from the big Albrook bus station further towards Soná. The easiest way is to take a direct bus to Soná (around 5 hours ride, Price: approx. USD 10). But it is also possible to drive only to Santiago and then from there to Soná. 4 buses drive daily from Sona to Santa Catalina at 5:00, 11:15, 13:15 and 16:30 clock (about 1.5 hours drive, Price: about USD 5).
Rental car
If you want to rent a car: Click here for the LINK!
Climate: There are only two seasons in Panama: from mid / late December to April is dry season and from May to December is rainy season, the so-called "green time". Both seasons have their charms. The dry season offers pure sunshine and hardly ever rain. The waves are rather small, but the waves are often perfectly shaped through the offshore wind. The rainy season is usually not as bad as you imagine. It rains mostly in the afternoon or late at night and otherwise it is sunny and beautiful. Because of this the landscape is especially green and nice. There are often swells with big waves in the rainy season. The air and water temperatures are above 25 ° C throughout the year; so no wetsuit needed.
Flights: From 600 Euro, for example with Condor, KLM (Amsterdam-Panama City directly), Airfrance, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Iberia; Info and booking at Sudden Rush
Boards: included in the course, board rental possible locally
Car: is not necessary, but not a problem and easy to organize at the airport (English is spokenit there), More information at Sudden Rush
Activities: SUP, diving / snorkeling, horseback riding, fishing, boat trips, yoga, massage, table tennis, shopping trips to Santiago, etc.
Health: sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, flashlights (blackouts are not uncommon) and bug spray has to be in your luggage, malaria and yellow fever are only on the Caribbean side
Airport transfers: We can arrange on request from / to Panama City
