Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Playa Santa Catalina
As good as it gets. Sharp rock bottom, right and left break.
Main wave is the right. Incredible tubes, long rides with lots of power. Surfed
mostly medium to high tide.
Estero Beach Break
A 15-minute walk from Santa Catalina. A long beach break,
has lefts and rights over sand bottom. Popular with beginners at low tide.
Punta Brava
Just west of Estero. Point breaks at low tide over sharp rock bottom.
Has lefts and rights, but the lefts are the best. Very powerful. Has a great tube sec-
tion. Booties needed.
Punta Roca
A 30-minute walk from Santa Catalina. Left point break surfed at low
tide over a rock-bottom ledge, with short rides but big hollow tubes.
Isla Cébaco
Island near Santa Catalina. Four breaks, with rights and lefts. Area
known for sharks.
Playa Mariato
Faces Isla Cébaco. Soft rock-bottom break with lefts, rights.
Sleeping
Santa Catalina has frequent water shortages, so mind your usage. A flashlight is handy
for power outages. Also, the internet is slow and spotty.
4
In & Around Town
Hibiscus Garden
LODGE $
( 6615-6097;
www.hibiscusgarden.com
;
Playa La Gartero; dm/s/d without bathroom US$10/18/
30, s/d with bathroom from US$25/40; )
On Playa La Gartero (10km before
Santa Catalina), these relaxed German-run lodgings fuse modern with rustic, with stylish
installations and minimal fuss. There are playful mosaics throughout. Rooms have re-
cycled driftwood beds and private hammock terraces. An open-air dorm catches the
breeze and views. Unlike the beaches of Santa Catalina, this gulf beach is calm, secluded
and very swimmable.
For some, the distance from town is a drawback, though a shuttle (round trip US$5) is
offered. You won't get bored: horseback riding (three hours, US$20), wakeboarding, surf
lessons and fishing trips are offered. Children under 14 stay free. The restaurant (mains
US$6.50 to US$15) serves wonderful salads, sandwiches on homemade German bread
and a daily special, or you can use the community kitchen.
