Step 1: Panama City to Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is about 360 km (224 mi) west of Panama City, in the province of Veraguas. Plan to arrive the day before your tour: boats leave at 8:00 AM.
By car
Count on 5 to 6 hours of driving. Take the Pan-American Highway (Interamericana) west to Santiago de Veraguas, then head south through Soná to Santa Catalina.
By bus
From the Albrook bus terminal in Panama City, take a bus to Santiago (3.5 to 4 hours), then a bus to Soná (about 1 hour) and a local bus to Santa Catalina (1.5 to 2 hours). With connections, the trip takes about 6 to 7 hours.
By shuttle
Shared and private shuttles connect Panama City with Santa Catalina. Ask us on WhatsApp if you need a contact.
Step 2: Santa Catalina to Coiba
Our tours leave Santa Catalina at 8:00 AM. The boat ride to the national park takes about an hour, and you are back on the mainland at about 3:50 PM. We send you the exact meeting point on WhatsApp when you book.
Tips for your trip
- Arrive in Santa Catalina the day before your tour.
- Santa Catalina is a small village: bring the cash you'll need, including the park entrance ($20 for foreign visitors, $10 for Panamanians).
- Book ahead in the dry season, from December to April, and on Panamanian holidays.
- Travel light on the boat: a small bag, swimwear, a towel and sun protection.
Where to stay
Santa Catalina has hostels, guesthouses, surf camps and small hotels. The village is small, so most places are a short walk from the beach.
Ready to see Coiba?
Tell us your date and how many people are coming. We confirm availability and the price on WhatsApp.
