As the real surfing season starts in Panama, book accommodation early
There's an interesting phenomenon happening in Panama right now. Even as you read this, surfers have boarded planes and are heading off to enjoy the best surfing in Panama on Santa Catalina. This season is best typified by the Punta Break, a secret long held by local surfers that only became public within the last few years and has attracted a surfing crowd from around the world. It has also made obtaining great accommodations, such as those at the recently renovated and updated Rancho Estero, almost impossible to obtain.
For many years few people knew of the active surfing community that exists on Panama's Santa Catalina Island, where the Punta Break presents surfers with the challenge of figuring out just how waves will break, left or right or not at all. It's quite a challenge, and if you are lucky enough to have obtained accommodations at Rancho Estero, you will also gain access to some of the most knowledgeable staffers in this area, who are helpful and know which small islands contain interesting breaks of their own. Although, with the start of the season getting accommodations at the Rancho are extremely doubtful, since it recently upgraded its rooms, bathrooms, electricity and other facilities, including restaurants and Internet access.There are, however, alternatives that were recently renovated and have facilities that may not completely match those of Rancho Estero, but they're a good alternative. These other Santa Catalina hotel options can provide you with all of the modern conveniences and cuisine that you would have found at Rancho Estero, so if your first choice is already booked solid for the season, don't give up!