Town in Veraguas, Panama
Santa Catalina for solo travelers
Is Santa Catalina good for solo travel?
A small Pacific fishing and surf village that is the gateway to Coiba National Park diving. Remote, basic and relaxed, with limited banking and healthcare.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | A relaxed place for solo women. Use common sense on isolated beaches and at night. |
How to meet people in Santa Catalina
Surf camps and hostels, dive shops, communal dinners and Coiba boat trips. It is small, so travelers are easy to meet.
Good things to do alone
- Dive or snorkel at Coiba National Park
- Surf a beginner lesson at Santa Catalina point
- Watch sunset from Playa Estero
- Hike to a nearby waterfall
- Join a hostel dinner and local seafood night
Solo travel across Panama
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Bocas del Toro | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Boquete | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Santa Catalina | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pedasí | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Blas Islands | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Santa Catalina good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). A small Pacific fishing and surf village that is the gateway to Coiba National Park diving.
How do you meet people in Santa Catalina?
Surf camps and hostels, dive shops, communal dinners and Coiba boat trips. It is small, so travelers are easy to meet. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Santa Catalina?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Santa Catalina safe for solo female travelers?
A relaxed place for solo women. Use common sense on isolated beaches and at night.
More about Santa Catalina
Going to Santa Catalina solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santa Catalina meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.