Hotel Santa Catalina: Panama's Premier Beachfront Resort and Gateway to World-Class Surfing

Originally established in 1981 by Kenny Myers as Kenny's Surf Camp, Hotel Santa Catalina underwent a complete transformation and reopened in 2011 with a refined vision. The resort now showcases traditional Panamanian colonial architecture with Spanish colonial influences, creating an authentic yet luxurious atmosphere that attracts discerning travelers from around the globe.

The hotel's strategic location places guests directly in front of La Punta, consistently ranked among the top 10 surf breaks in Central America by Surfer Magazine. This world-class wave draws professional surfers and enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of being able to check surf conditions from their hotel room balcony.

Hotel Santa Catalina offers diverse accommodation categories ranging from standard rooms to deluxe suites, each designed to meet varying needs and budgets. All rooms feature modern amenities while maintaining the property's colonial charm through carefully selected furnishings and local artwork.

The resort's comprehensive amenities include a dedicated yoga studio, professional laundry service, high-speed internet, satellite television, and complimentary use of premium sports equipment including bicycles, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Additional services include secure safe deposit boxes, an on-site surf shop stocked with quality gear, and the property maintains a pet-friendly policy for traveling companions.

Pescao Restaurant, positioned directly oceanfront with panoramic Pacific views, specializes in fresh fish and seafood prepared with innovative techniques that highlight local flavors. Signature dishes include the acclaimed Fried Sea Bass, Fresh Fish prepared with passion fruit or coconut sauce, and the famous Patacones en Hamaca featuring calamari in house-made sauce.

The restaurant accommodates diverse dietary preferences with dedicated vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free menu options. According to guest reviews, Pescao consistently ranks as one of the top 3 restaurants in the Santa Catalina area, with 95% of diners rating their experience as excellent.

Hotel Santa Catalina's proximity to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides unparalleled access to some of the Pacific's most pristine diving and snorkeling locations. The park encompasses 270,125 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, hosting over 1,450 vascular plant species and 36 mammal species.

Daily activities include world-class scuba diving, snorkeling expeditions, horseback riding along pristine beaches, professional surf instruction, Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, deep-sea fishing charters, guided hiking excursions, comprehensive birdwatching tours, sea kayaking adventures, and therapeutic massage services. The hotel's activity coordinators arrange all excursions with certified local guides and operators.