How to Get to Santa Catalina, Panama – Flights, Car and Bus
Coiba Dive Center is based in Santa Catalina, your gateway to Coiba National Park.
Flying to Santa Catalina via Lago Bay Airstrip
If you want to spend less time on the road and more time in the water, flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Santa Catalina, Panama. Instead of a 6–8 hour drive, you can take a private flight from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip, a small coastal airstrip located about 10–15 minutes by car from Santa Catalina.
From Lago Bay Airstrip, a short ground transfer brings you directly to Santa Catalina and to Coiba Dive Center in about 15 minutes, where you can check in, relax and get ready for your Coiba diving or snorkeling trip. This option is especially convenient if you have limited vacation time, are traveling with a group, or simply prefer a smoother journey than the long bus or car ride.
Driving from anywhere Panama
Download the app, Waze, if you have access to internet signal with your smartphone. Here is the link.
http://www.waze.com/download/
This will help you with directions and also any traffic, construction or police check points along the way.
Driving from Panama City to Santa Catalina will take about 6-6.5 hours and cover a total distance of approximately 250 miles/400 kilometers. Your major directional cities are Santiago, Soná and then Santa Catalina.
An alternate option is to use Google Maps and download the route to your phone.
Click the button below and enter your location to receive detailed directions.
A private shuttle from Panama City to Santa Catalina is a great option if you don’t mind the drive time but want a more intimate and comfortable experience for your group. Shuttles usually include air-conditioning and WiFi, so you can get some work done, rest, or enjoy the scenery while someone else handles the road.
The drive from Panama City to Santa Catalina is officially listed at around 6 hours, but that doesn’t account for traffic or stops. In real conditions, you should plan on 6–8 hours of travel time. If you expect 8 hours, you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you arrive earlier.
For a medium-sized group of about 4–6 people, prices generally work out to around $100 per person. Smaller groups will pay a bit more per person, while larger groups can sometimes reduce the cost by 10–20%.
Private shuttles are flexible: your driver can stop when the group wants to stop, making it easier to grab food, stretch your legs, or take photos along the way.
Below you’ll find different companies, departure times and price options for private shuttles between Panama City and Santa Catalina, including services like Transporte Santa Catalina.
Private Shuttle – Panama City to Santa Catalina
Plan Your Route with Rome2Rio
If you are still deciding how to get to Santa Catalina, tools like Rome2Rio can help you compare different routes and transportation options. By entering “Panama City” and “Santa Catalina, Panama”, you can see an overview of possible combinations of flights, buses and driving, along with estimated travel times and price ranges.
The bus option will cost approximately $15-$20 and it takes seven to ten hours if you leave early. Leaving Panama City later than 9 am, will likely turn this journey into an over-nighter.
The first step is to take the subway, local bus, taxi or Uber from your location to the Albrook Bus Terminal. It is a huge terminal where all buses, local and country-wide, arrive and depart.
By Bus from Panama City
Panama City - Santa Catalina FAQ
What is the fastest way to get to Santa Catalina, Panama?
The fastest way to get to Santa Catalina is to fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then take a short 10–15 minute ground transfer to town and Coiba Dive Center. This saves you several hours compared to driving or taking the bus.
How long does it take to drive from Panama City to Santa Catalina?
Driving from Panama City to Santa Catalina usually takes around 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops. You follow the Pan-American Highway toward Santiago and Soná, then continue on the paved road to Santa Catalina.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Santa Catalina?
You do not normally need a 4x4 to drive to Santa Catalina. The main road from Soná to Santa Catalina is paved, but you should always drive carefully, especially in heavy rain or at night, and watch out for potholes, animals and slow vehicles.
How does flying to Lago Bay Airstrip work?
Private charter companies offer flights from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip on the Pacific coast. From there, a short transfer brings you to Santa Catalina and Coiba Dive Center in about 10–15 minutes. Flights are usually scheduled according to your arrival time in Panama City, so it’s best to book in advance and coordinate them with your Coiba tours.
How much does a private shuttle to Santa Catalina cost?
For a medium-sized group of about 4–6 people, prices usually work out to around $100 per person. With fewer passengers, the per-person price will be higher. With larger groups, the price per person may decrease by roughly 10–20%, depending on the provider and season.