Is Panama Safe? What You Need to Know for Visiting the Pacific Coast
Why the Question “Is Panama Safe?” Matters
The phrase “Panama safe” is a common one among travellers… and for good reason. Whether you’re arriving in bustling Panama City, making your way to the surf village of Santa Catalina on the Pacific coast, heading as a solo traveller, a family, or someone 40 + seeking a retreat like Waluaa Surf & Yoga Retreat, knowing how safe Panama is matters. This post breaks down the real picture, gives practical tips, and explains why Santa Catalina can feel so secure compared to big‑city travel.
Safety in Panama City: The Usual Precautions
When you first arrive in the country, (most travellers land in Panama City) you’ll quickly see modern skyscrapers, the Panama Canal and a lively tourism scene. But large cities come with their own safety considerations. The U.S. State Department lists Panama under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory. According to travel guides, property crime (pickpocketing, bag‑snatching) is more likely than violent crime in tourist areas.
Top tips for Panama City:
Use reliable taxi services or ride‑share apps rather than unmarked cabs.
Avoid lesser‑known neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo, San Miguelito, or Curundú at night.
Keep valuables secure, avoid flashing expensive items, and withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
If your itinerary is mostly coastal and nature‑based (like for a retreat), city time can be short—and it often gets better from there.
Getting to Santa Catalina: Travel Logistics & Safety
One of the questions we hear at Waluaa is: “How do I actually get from Panama City to Santa Catalina—and is that safe?” The short answer: yes, when you plan it right.
How you get there:
Fly into Panama City (PTY) or Tocumen International.
From Panama City to the Pacific coast, you’ll either drive or fly to the regional airport nearby and then transfer to Santa Catalina by car—roads are mostly safe during daytime.
For your Waluaa retreat you can expect an organised transfer or trusted shuttle service.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming How to get to Santa Catalina blog that gives all the details to make your trip easy!
Key safety notes:
Avoid late‑night drives on remote roads whenever possible.
Traffic may be heavy; road conditions outside major highways can be quite rustic, so travel during daylight is advisable.
Once in Santa Catalina you’ll find a smaller village, fewer crowds, and a simpler pace of life.
Santa Catalina & Why It Feels Safe
Picture this: a small surf village (population under 1,000) with excellent waves, lush jungle, and a laid‑back tourism rhythm. In terms of “is Panama safe?” for retreat‑travel, Santa Catalina often ranks highly due to its community‑oriented vibe and remote nature.
Why many visitors feel safe here:
Lower population density equals fewer crowds and fewer opportunities for petty crime.
Most of your time is spent in organised activities with trusted local guides (surfing, yoga, meals).
The rhythm is slower, the environment is natural, and the community supports one another.
For solo travellers, couples or families travelling with Waluaa, the infrastructure is set up with guest‑care, shared meals, group excursions and supervision.
That said, no place is risk‑free. Even small villages require standard travel awareness: secure your belongings, observe your surroundings, and respect local culture.
Travelling Smart: Solo, Young, 40 + or Family
For solo travellers (younger or older):
Panama can offer both adventure and ease, but readiness matters. For younger solo guests, motivate yourself with structured retreats (smaller groups, daily activities). For those 40 + seeking calm and growth, the retreat model at Waluaa offers extra support and community.
For families:
While Santa Catalina isn’t a large resort town aimed at children, families under the Waluaa umbrella benefit from guided activities, safe transfer logistics and time in nature. Always confirm child‑friendly amenities and medical access.
For travellers 40 + or wellness‑focused guests:
Asking the question of whether or not is Panama safe often connects more to comfort and support than traditional notions of risk. The retreat structure, accommodation by the surf beach, coordinated transport and group experience make it highly suitable for this demographic.
Practical Travel Support & Health Considerations
Insurance: Always purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and evacuation.
Emergency numbers: Dial 104 for National Police, 911 for general emergencies.
Health: Stay hydrated, use reef‑safe sunscreen, and check if you need vaccinations (especially if you travel to remote jungles or border zones).
Weather: Be mindful of rainy or hurricane‑influenced seasons, roads can be affected.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Stay Open, and Experience the Real Panama
When it comes to safety in Panama, the reality is simple — it’s about awareness, not fear. Like anywhere in the world, staying mindful of your surroundings and making smart travel choices goes a long way. What travelers discover, again and again, is that Panama’s warmth, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality far outweigh any hesitation.
From the energy of Panama City to the calm of Santa Catalina, this country welcomes travelers with open arms — whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or joining one of our surf & yoga retreats. At Waluaa, we make sure every step of your journey is supported, so you can relax, explore, and feel truly at ease.
✨ Ready to experience it for yourself? View our upcoming retreat schedule and start planning your trip to paradise!
