Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with other travelers. Options include birding, snorkeling, a visit to the former penal
colony or hiking. A native English speaker with good local knowledge.
Surfing
The best waves are generally from December to April, though there's surf here year-
round. Unlike the Caribbean, the Pacific offers fairly consistent sets, though a good swell
will r eally give a boost to the surfing here. Be advised that many of the breaks in the
area are over rocks, and can easily snap your board if you don't know what you're doing.
Most of the accommodations in town rent boards and offer surfing lessons.
Santa Catalina Surf Shop
SURFING
( 6963-0831;
www.santacatalinasurfshop.com
; 8am-3pm & by appt)
Run by a friendy
Southern California couple, this surf shop specializes in getting good gear to those loath
to travel with extra baggage. Rents buys and sells quality boards and accessories. Across
from La Buena Vida.
Surf and Shake
SURFING
(
www.surfandshake.com
; 9am-6pm)
On the road to the beach just 150m in from the main
street, Surf and Shake rents boards and sells leashes, boards and surf wear. Run by a duo
of German surfers, it's also a good spot for surf info in English and German. If it's after
hours you can try knocking.
Fishing
The area is famous for big fish, including yellow-fin tuna, wahoo, snapper, Spanish
mackerel, jacks and rooster fish. Though there's no major sportfishing operator in town,
many local fishers rent their boat and services for the day. Prices depend on the number
of people in your party and your destination since gasoline is very expensive. Cabañas
Rolo arranges half-day trips (US$30 per person, minimum two) to Isla Cébaco with a
knowledgeable local captain.
If you'd prefer to go after reef fish including snapper and grouper, there are some hid-
den spots along the coast that are perfect for spear fishing. Plenty of rocky ledges serve
as hideouts for lobster, though be sure to only harvest adults - lobster are in danger of
being overfished throughout Panama. Scuba Coiba can set you up with the gear you
need, and the local fishers can help you get your feet wet.
If you are sportfishing in Parque Nacional Coiba, you must obtain a fishing permit
(US$60) from any mainland ANAM office (the nearest is Santiago).
Diving & Snorkeling
