Santa Catalina, Panama: Surfing, Scuba Diving, and Coastal Relaxation

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Arrival and Initial Exploration of Santa Catalina

Journey to Santa Catalina: From Panama City to Coastal Charm

Our trip to Santa Catalina wasn't exactly a direct flight. First, a ten-dollar bus ride from Panama City deposited us in the town of Sona. Picture this: a bustling bus station, the air thick with the scent of exhaust and tropical humidity. We were ready for the beach, not another bus ride.

A five-dollar bus to Santa Catalina awaited...or so we thought. A two-hour wait loomed. Instead, we joined forces with some fellow travelers, a spontaneous act of travel solidarity. Splitting a taxi turned out to be a slightly pricier, but significantly faster, option—ten dollars each, a small price to pay for time saved.

Finally, the taxi bumped along the final stretch of road, revealing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. As we neared Santa Catalina, the anticipation built. The laid-back vibe was immediately palpable. A sense of calm settled over us, the promise of sun-drenched days and salty breezes in the air. We were here.

Exploring Santa Catalina: Lunch and a Familiar Face

Hunger gnawed at us after our arrival, so we sought out lunch. I opted for a mushroom pasta dish – a bit of an unusual choice, perhaps, but it was surprisingly tasty, though I could have done without the green peas. The portion size was generous, which was a welcome sight after our journey.

And then, a delightful surprise! Mid-meal, who should appear but Neil, a fellow traveler I'd met previously in Salento, Colombia. It's funny how these things happen; the world feels smaller when you keep bumping into familiar faces in the most unexpected places. A spontaneous reunion, a shared lunch – the perfect way to savor the laid-back atmosphere of Santa Catalina.

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Beach Day and the Allure of Coiba National Park

A Relaxing Beach Day: Surfing, Swimming, and Saving for Scuba

The beach was a short walk from our lodgings, a perfect distance for a leisurely stroll. My companions, eager to tackle the waves, signed up for a surf lesson. I, however, had other plans. Tomorrow's scuba diving excursion was going to be pricey; a relaxing beach day felt like a wise investment.

While they battled the surf, I happily swam in the warm, clear water. It was delightfully calm, a perfect contrast to the energy of the surfers. I watched them from the shore, a comfortable observer of their enthusiastic attempts to conquer the waves. The sun warmed my skin, the gentle rhythm of the ocean a soothing soundtrack to my afternoon.

Later, I simply basked on the sand, letting the sun melt away any lingering stress from our journey. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation. This wasn't just a break from the travel; it was a replenishing of my spirit, preparing me for the underwater adventures to come. The beach offered a quiet sanctuary, a place where I could recharge and anticipate the thrill of diving in Coiba National Park.

Scuba Diving Adventure in Coiba National Park

The day finally arrived for my scuba diving adventure. While I hold a license, it had been a few years since my last dive, and I’ll admit, a touch of nervousness mingled with the excitement. It's funny how even a familiar activity can feel daunting after a long break. The dive center was conveniently located—a short walk from our Airbnb, a gift from friends, which helped significantly with the budget.

The boat trip to Coiba Island was an adventure in itself. Over an hour of cruising across the Pacific, rewarded by dolphin sightings! Any pre-dive jitters dissolved the moment I slipped beneath the surface. The underwater world was breathtaking; it instantly reminded me why I love scuba diving. There's an unparalleled peace and beauty in the depths that's hard to describe—you simply have to experience it.

After our first dive, we landed on Coiba Island for a refreshing break of fruit and hydration. My biggest wish for the day was to see sharks—not the terrifying kind, but the smaller, harmless varieties Coiba is known for. And my wish came true! It was an unforgettable experience. The return trip provided yet another unexpected twist – a rather 'spirited' boat driver!