Is Santa Catalina worth it? 5 reasons surfers prefer El Palmar
- abDieL aDameS
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Planning a surf trip to Panama and wondering if Santa Catalina is really worth the long journey? While Santa Catalina is the gateway to Coiba Island, many travelers are now choosing a different kind of experience. One that’s easier to reach, more relaxed, and surprisingly versatile for surfers.
If you’re looking for consistent waves, a grounded community, and conditions that work for both beginners and intermediate surfers depending on the season, El Palmar might be exactly what you’re looking for.
5 reasons you can skip Santa Catalina and choose El Palmar instead
1. Getting there: A full travel day vs 90 minutes
Let’s start with the reality most blogs don’t emphasize enough: travel time matters.
Getting to Santa Catalina usually means:
7+ hours of travel (if there's no accidents/traffic jam)
Multiple bus transfers
A full day lost on the road
Getting to El Palmar is simple:
90 minutes from Panama City
$4 by bus
No complicated logistics
You can leave the city in the morning and be in the ocean before lunch.
2. Surfing in El Palmar: Beginner friendly year round, fun for intermediates in winter
Santa Catalina is known for powerful waves. That’s great if you’re experienced.
But it also means:
Heavier conditions
Competitive line-ups
Less room to learn
El Palmar offers something different:
A forgiving beach break
Consistent, rideable waves
Space to actually enjoy your surf
If you’re learning or improving, this makes a huge difference.
3. Fewer crowds, more connection
In Santa Catalina, you’ll often share waves with a growing crowd of travelers chasing the same “hidden gem.”
In El Palmar:
The line-up stays relaxed
The pace is slower
People recognize each other
It’s not just quieter, it feels more human.
You’re not just visiting. You’re part of something, even if only for a few days.
4. Affordable local food (yes, $5 meals still exist)
Travel costs add up quickly in popular destinations.
In El Palmar, things stay refreshingly simple.
At local spots like El Parque, you’ll find:
Fresh, homemade meals
Generous portions (you can easily take half of it away for later)
Prices around $5 for menu del día
No inflated menus. No tourist markups.
Just real food, made for locals and shared with whoever shows up.
5. More than surf: A place that feels like home
El Palmar isn’t only about waves. On your rest days, you can:
Swim in the San Carlos river
Take a day trip to Valle de Antón for hiking
Slow down without feeling like you’re missing out
For many travelers, that balance becomes the highlight of the trip.
And if you’re looking to go deeper, working with a holistic surf academy in El Palmar can help you progress in a more intentional, supportive way.
🤔 Is Santa Catalina still worth it?
Yes, especially if visiting Coiba Island is high on your list.
Santa Catalina is the main departure point, and for that experience alone, it can be worth the journey.
But if your focus is:
Surfing consistently
Avoiding long travel days
Finding a calm, grounded atmosphere
Staying somewhere that feels more personal and like home
Then El Palmar is often the better choice.
Santa Catalina vs El Palmar: Quick comparison
Feature | Santa Catalina | El Palmar |
Travel time | 7+ hours from Panama City | ~90 minutes from Panama City |
Surf level | Intermediate to advanced | Beginner year round, intermediate in winter |
Wave type | Point break, powerful | Beach break, forgiving (stronger in winter) |
Crowds | Busy when swell hits | Relaxed, even on better days |
Main highlight | Coiba Island | Surf, lifestyle, and accessibility |
Which one should you choose?
👉 Choose Santa Catalina if you:
Want to visit Coiba Island
Are an experienced surfer looking for powerful waves
Don’t mind long travel days
👉 Choose El Palmar if you:
Want to surf more and travel less
Prefer a calm, grounded atmosphere
Are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for uncrowded waves
Value affordability and local experiences
FAQ: Santa Catalina vs El Palmar
Is Santa Catalina worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want to visit Coiba Island. For surfing and a relaxed stay, El Palmar is often the better choice.
Is El Palmar good for beginner surfers?
Absolutely. The beach break is forgiving, consistent, and far less crowded than Santa Catalina.
How do you get to El Palmar from Panama City?
El Palmar is about 90 minutes from Panama City and easily accessible by bus, making it one of the most convenient surf destinations in Panama.
Which is better: Santa Catalina or El Palmar?
It depends on your goal. For Coiba Island, choose Santa Catalina. For surf, ease, and community, El Palmar is often preferred.
Ready to experience El Palmar?
If you’re looking for a place where surf, simplicity, and community come together, El Palmar might be exactly what you’re searching for.
Explore:
Our accommodation in El Palmar (private rooms & dorms)
The holistic surf academy in El Palmar for guided progression
…and see why so many travelers end up staying longer than planned.
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