How to Get to Santa Catalina, Panama: The Complete Travel Guide
Santa Catalina, Panama is a remote and beautiful beach town on the country’s Pacific coast — a gateway for surf, yoga, wellness retreats, and adventures like Coiba National Park dives and snorkeling. Because it’s off the beaten path, planning how to actually get here can be overwhelming. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide covering every transportation option from major locations, including time estimates, cost ranges, and booking insights.
Whether you’re planning a retreat, booking your first surf getaway, or mapping out your 2026 travels, this is your source for all travel options to Santa Catalina.
✈️ 1. Fly to Panama First — Gateways
Before you reach Santa Catalina, most travelers enter Panama through one of the country’s major airports:
Panama City — Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
This is Panama’s largest international airport, with frequent flights from:
North America
Europe
Central/South America
Tocumen serves major airlines like Copa, American, United, and more. It’s the most common starting point for visitors heading to Santa Catalina.
From PTY to Santa Catalina:
Short taxi/Uber to Albrook Domestic Airport (PAC) — about 20–30 minutes (~$15–$30).
Domestic travel options (below) begin from here.
This setup makes Panama City the most common and flexible launch point.
✈️ 2. Fly Directly to Santa Catalina by Charter (Fastest Option)
If saving travel time is your priority, flying directly to Santa Catalina is the quickest way to get here.
Charter Flights to Lago Bay Airstrip
Private charter flights from Panama City to Santa Catalina land at Lago Bay Airstrip, just about 10–15 minutes from Santa Catalina town. This is not a commercial flight service but a private charter option.
Key Details
Flight time: ~45 minutes ✈️
Departs from: Albrook Domestic Airport (PAC)
Landing: Lago Bay Airstrip (MPLY)
Price: From approximately:
• Cessna 172 (1–3 people): ~$875 one‑way
• Aztec (1–5 people): ~$1,250 one‑way
• Kodiak (up to ~9 people): ~$2,200 one‑way
After landing, you’ll take a short shuttle/taxi into Santa Catalina.
Pros:
Saves hours of travel time
Scenic flight
Great when you have limited days and want to start your trip fresh
Cons:
It’s the most expensive way to travel here
Booking Tip: Routes and aircraft vary — always request quotes early, especially in high season.
🚗 3. Drive Yourself — Rental Car
Driving to Santa Catalina gives you freedom, flexibility, and control over stops and timing.
Panama City ➝ Santa Catalina (Approx. 6–8 hours)
Route: From Panama City, head west on the Pan‑American Highway toward Santiago and Soná, then head south to Santa Catalina.
Fuel + Cost:
• Car rental: ~$50–$100+ per day
• Fuel: ~$50–$80 (depending on vehicle size and stops)Travel Time: ~6–8 hours (allow extra time for breaks & traffic)
Tips for Driving:
Use Waze or Google Maps for real‑time navigation.
Fill up gas in Santiago before heading south — gas stations become rarer near Santa Catalina.
Roads are generally paved, but after dark conditions can be slower due to local traffic and occasional livestock or potholes.
Good For: groups, flexible itineraries, road trip style travel.
🚐 4. Private Shuttle or Transfer (Comfort, No Driving)
A popular middle ground — comfortable and less tiring than DIY driving.
Shared or Private Shuttles
Companies such as Shuttle In Panama run shuttles between Santa Catalina and major hubs like Panama City, Boquete, Santiago, Pedasí, Bocas del Toro, and more.
Example Pricing (one‑way):
Panama City to Santa Catalina — ~$60 per person
Boquete to Santa Catalina — ~$35 per person
Santiago — ~$20
Pedasí — ~$40
David — ~$35
(Prices may vary, always check the provider directly.)
Pros:
You’re dropped directly in Santa Catalina
No driving stress
Shared options save money
Cons:
Less flexible than driving yourself
Schedule dependent
Booking Tip: Reach out early to secure seats, especially for popular routes like Panama City ↔ Santa Catalina.
Heading to Santa Catalina for a Waluaa surf and yoga retreat? Choose the shuttle option during check out and we will handle all the details for you for your private shuttle to and from Santa Catalina from Panama City!
🚌 5. Public Bus – Budget Option
The cheapest way to reach Santa Catalina, but it’s a longer, more involved journey.
Panama City → Santa Catalina by Bus
Albrook Bus Terminal (Panama City) → Soná Bus Terminal
Soná Bus Terminal → Santa Catalina
Today’s buses from Albrook to Soná run daily and require transfers.
Typical Schedule & Costs
Albrook to Soná: ~6–7 hours
Soná to Santa Catalina: ~1.5 hours
Cost: ~US$15–$25 total per person (very approximate)
Schedule changes seasonally — check at the terminal or with local contacts.
Notes:
Buses from Soná to Santa Catalina usually stop at a central point — you can take a taxi (~$30–$40) if needed to your final destination.
This is an all‑day journey — plan accordingly.
Best For: Budget travelers, flexible adventurers.
🚆 6. Connecting From Other Panamanian Destinations
From Boquete
Use a shuttle provider such as Shuttle In Panama (~$35) for direct ride to Santa Catalina.
Bus + multiple transfers is possible but less comfortable.
From Bocas del Toro
There’s no direct transport — typical options include ferry to mainland + long bus/shuttle combo.
Charter flights from Bocas to Panama City then charter on to Santa Catalina is an option but expensive.
From Pedasí or El Valle
Best option is rental car, private transfer, or connecting via Santiago/Soná by bus and taxi. Local forums recommend driving for ease.
🚕 7. Local Arrival & Final Legs
Once you’re in the Santa Catalina region:
Taxi / Local Shuttle: Typically short and affordable from the airstrip or bus drop‑off.
Self‑arranged pickups: Let your accommodation know your arrival time — many will arrange pickups (often for a small fee).
📊 QUICK COMPARISON — TIME & COST
💡 TRAVEL TIPS
For charter flights: book early, especially in peak season.
Always confirm bus schedules locally; they can change.
If driving, fill gas in Santiago — remote sections have few stations.
Santa Catalina roads are paved but can have potholes — safe daytime driving is recommended.
📍 FINAL THOUGHT
Getting to Santa Catalina is part of the journey — whether you choose a quick flight, scenic road trip, relaxed shuttle ride, or adventurous bus route. Each option has tradeoffs in time, cost, and comfort, but the destination — surf, yoga, wellness, and community — makes it all worth it.
