Panama

Why Panama

Santa Catalina is the reason to come: a powerful, long right-hand reef point that holds real size, sitting in an otherwise sleepy fishing village on the Pacific. It has stayed low-key largely because it is awkward to reach.

Crucially for a mixed-ability trip, Playa El Estero — a sandy beach break a short walk away — is where every lesson happens. So a beginner and an experienced surfer can genuinely share a week here, which is rare at a reef destination.

When to go

• **Apr–Oct:** the south-swell season and the most consistent surf. Also the wet season.Apr–Oct: the south-swell season and the most consistent surf. Also the wet season.
• **Dec–Mar:** dry, windier, smaller.Dec–Mar: dry, windier, smaller.

Getting around

Fly into Panama City, then it's a long haul — roughly seven to eight hours by road, or a short flight to David plus a drive. Nearly everyone books a transfer. Once you're in Santa Catalina it's a walking village, and boats run out to Coiba and Cebaco.