Coiba National Park

Coiba is the largest island to be found in Central America, and is situated right off the coast of Panama near Veraguas. Coiba is very different from other islands of Central America, mainly due to the fact that when it first separated from Panama around 18,000 years ago, the plants and the animals on the island became separated from the populations on the mainland, hence they are different in terms of appearance from their counterparts that are found on the mainland. Over 75% of the area of Coiba is covered in forestation, and the Coiba National Park, has been confirmed as a World Heritage Site. Those who are visiting Coiba are definitely in for a treat, because the number of different animals found in this region is definitely worth your time and money. Getting to Coiba is simple, but there are other areas nearby that also offer a rich experience. For instance, you can visit Santa Catalina, a small town known for its surfing activities, which is in very close proximity to Coiba National Park. Only 300 people or so live here, yet it is regarded by many as one of the best surfing locations in all of Panama.

hotel in Santa Catalina

What to expect from a quality hotel in Santa Catalina The first thing to remember when considering a visit to Santa Catalina is that it is primarily a sleepy fishing village with a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere ideal for spending long periods of time chilling out in a hammock. It is a basic place with just one convenience store to pick up any essentials and as there is no ATM for a good hours drive, make sure you bring plenty of cash to keep you going. The basic nature of the town shouldn’t cause you any bother so long as you appropriate accommodation in which to stay. For most visitors the Hotel Sol y Mar makes the ideal base as it offers friendly and professional service, comfort and great overall value for money. Another facility you should expect from a quality hotel in Santa Catalina is a good restaurant as your choices elsewhere aren’t too vast. Again the Hotel Sol y Mar is a good choice as the room rate includes a good hearty breakfast to kick start your day and is open throughout the day for lunch or dinner. There is also a swimming pool so you can relax from the comfort of your hotel or even carry out practise shallow water dives as part of a beginners Scuba diving course.

Hotel Sol y Mar in Santa Catalina

Hotel Sol y Mar is a great place to stay for people who are visiting Santa Catalina, a small beach town located near the Pacific Coast of Veraguas, Panama. Santa Catalina has a population of less than 500, making it a very viable place for those who need to spend some quiet time away from the business of the world. The main activities here include snorkeling, fishing, SCUBA diving as well as surfing and visiting the Coiba Island, where the Coiba National Marine Park is located. 

Hotel Sol y Mar has all of the latest amenities that you would expect, such as air conditioned rooms, Sky TV coverage as well as hot showers. The hotel has also built a panoramic restaurant that provides Wi FI internet access to its members. There is a swimming pool and Sol y Mar hotel also offers kayaking and horseback riding to its members as well. 

Santa Catalina is a great place for people to visit, and with beautiful beaches located within ten kilometers away, such as the Lagartero Beach or the Playa Estero make it one of the finest locations to visit on a holiday.

Click Here for more info!

Christmas and New Years in Santa Catalina Beach Panama

Looks like Santa Catalina is going to be busy as usual for Christmas and new years.If you are planning on making it down here for that time,let me tell you we are already full from the 29th trough the 1st January,only a few openings before the 29th, some availability still for January,book early and guarantee your holidays in paradise!!!Whale-sharks are here!!!!And if you are a surfer,off-shore season is starting!!!!Get on it!!!!

check our web page for more info

another beautiful day surfing and diving santa catalina

hey,everyone out there interested on what´s going on here at beautiful santa catalina in panama,

today was another lovely day,a bit of rain but mostly sunny,surf was overhead at the point,conditions perfect on the early morning.

the people that went scuba-diving to coiba came back happy and reporting lots of sharks as usual,turtles,frog-fish,big morey-eels and some big schools of barracuda,trevali-jack and others.They brought pictures and if they give me some will post them here.

hotel sol y mar and the whole village is asleep now,and its time I call it a night too,planning on another surf tomorrow!!!!

this are some photos from todays views from Hotel Sol y Mar in Santa Catalina Panama.A couple of views and one of a nice squirrel that I found eating a coconut right in front of the house,he has been there for hours and can still hear him chewing right now!!!

Beautiful sunny day with low winds,perfect for a diving trip to coiba or for surfing the point.

wish you were here?Book now and share a piece of Paradise!!!http://www.solymarpanama.com

hello everyone!!!as usual,my entries have been sporadic,with running the Hotel and restaurant,taking care of the family and trying to have some fun(my best idea of it is surfing the point,which I do as often as possible) looks like time is never enough.We do have internet,also free wi-fi for the hotel guests at restaurant area,but whenever I get the time to go online have plenty e-mails to answer,and never seem to take the time to come to the blog.Again will try to make more entries to this blog,lets see if this time i keep e1 updated on what happens in Santa Catalina Panama

so a quick update:after a slow September and October for everyone here in Santa Catalina,November has been busier,even if uts been raining,plenty people coming trough,some good waves for surfing,also the guests that have been going to Coiba for diving or snorkeling have been coming back happy with plenty shark,lots of fish,humpback and whale-shark sightings

at Hotel Sol y Mar we have had our fair share of guests even if there are now new places to stay and eat and competition is getting agressive especially on the web,but our reputation for service and comfort helps maintain a fair amount of reservations coming.We are working on several web pages to show people the activities in the area and help them plan and book this activities,7 new web pages are up and running,even as some lack more text,which I plan on adding next week.

for now let me invite you to visit the one about snorkeling www.snorkelingcoiba.com ,plenty beautiful photos of coiba ,info on the boats available,trips,etc.Hope you enjoy it!!Hope to have you visit us soon