Coiba Dive Center
Scuba Dive the Pacific Coast of Panama
Coiba Dive Center S.A.
Calle Principal
Santa Catalina, Veraguas
Panama
ph: (507) 6565-7200
alt: (507) 6897-8711
info
Santa Catalina is a small fishing village with a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. Many people visit the village for its popular surf break and easy access to Coiba National Park, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing.
- Is there a bank?
The closest bank is in Sona, a hours´ drive away, with one ATM machine available. If you are driving, we recommend stopping in Santiago on the way down for cash, as more banks are in that town.
- Is there a gas station?
There is now a gas station in Santa Catalina, regular gas only, no diesel as yet.
- Are credit cards accepted in Santa Catalina?
Coiba Dive Center presently accepts credit card payments for tours. At this time no other service in Santa Catalina accepts credit cards. Make sure you bring sufficient cash for your trip.
- What about telephone communications, internet, etc.
There are two phone booths in the village; telephone cards (for local or international calls) can usually be found at the nearby store. If you have a laptop, wifi is available across the street from the phone booths.
- Any supermarkets?
We have 2 small food stores here. They carry basic staples, so it is always a good idea to purchase whatever you need in Santiago on the way down.
- Anything I should make sure I bring?
Batteries for your camera, as replacements may only be found in Panama City. Enough sunscreen so you don’t go home too fried. We have no pharmacy in the village, so any medical supplies you may require. Sense of adventure. Sense of humor.
- What about bugs, should I be really concerned?
Santa Catalina is the least buggy tropical place we have been so far, but it is always a good idea to bring bug spray.
- What about restaurants?
- There are currently 5 restaurants in the village, with a couple that may open before the end of 2007. They are Tropical Paradise, The Corner Restaurant (for want of no sign and it is located on the corner), Donde Vianca, Pizzeria Jammin and Los Pibes. Some of the surf camps have their own restaurant for their clientele,
although outside guests are welcome. Donde Vianca, Pizzeria Jammin and Los Pibes are open 6pm to 10pm only. Tropical Paradise and The Corner Restaurant are open from breakfast through dinner and offer a variety of local fare.
- Drinking Only
Bars, locally called ¨Cantinas¨, consist of a blasting jukebox and cheap beers. There are three in the village. There is also “The Dive”, a small sports bar, good drinks, great company.
Most of the areas that we dive are either World Heritage Sites and/or National Parks. There are specific rules that must always be adhered to under the guidance and auspices of the National Park regulations. You may not touch animals, remove fauna, flora or marine plants. Even taking dead coral is heavily frowned upon. We take great pride in our backyard and are not the type of dive operator to turn a blind eye.
Coiba Dive Center S.A.
Calle Principal
Santa Catalina, Veraguas
Panama
ph: (507) 6565-7200
alt: (507) 6897-8711
info
