Surf and Flight: Surf Santa Catalina in the Morning and Be in Panama City by Lunch

Santa Catalina - Panama City. The fastest way.

There’s a magic in Santa Catalina—that surfers, divers, and adventurers have quietly known for decades. The powerful breaks, relaxed beach culture, and unspoiled setting make it Panama’s top surfing destination.

Now, thanks to Lago Bay Airstrip and convenient charter flight connections, reaching the magic wave—or getting back to the city—has never been easier.

Imagine this: you wake up to the sound a swell rolling into Estero Beach, catch a few morning sets, grab a smoothie at the beach bar, and by lunchtime, you’re flying above the Pacific coastline toward Panama City. No traffic. No stress. Seamlessly easy—between surf and sky.

The Surf Scene: Santa Catalina’s Legendary Waves

Santa Catalina’s consistency and variety make it a magnet for surfers worldwide.

Estero Beach offers a sandy bottom and mellow waves—perfect for beginners and longboarders—while La Punta delivers world-class right-hand barrels for seasoned surfers.

At Estero, the post-surf hangout is the beach bar, a relaxed spot where you can grab a snack and a cold beverage. The scene at Oasis is friendly, barefoot, and authentic—it's beach life.

And now, it’s also incredibly connected. Lago Bay’s new charter flight options mean you can surf Santa Catalina in the morning and be back in the city before the lunch crowd hits Cinta Costera.

The New Flight Connection: Lago Bay Airstrip

Minutes from the wave, the Lago Bay Airstrip is a smooth tropical runway—that makes an impressive part of the journey. Surrounded by lakes and gardens, you'll be landing into a setting that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City.

Travelers can now charter direct flights between Panama City and Santa Catalina with flexible schedules, experienced pilots, and comfortable aircraft for 1–9 passengers.

No long drives. No transfers. Just smooth skies.

From Surfboard to Runway — The Seamless Shuttle

Lago Bay makes getting to your flight simple. The Lago Bay Shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation and bring you directly to the airstrip in just 10–15 minutes.

The Flight Experience: From Surf to City

A Lago Bay flight to Albrook Domestic Airport in Panama City takes roughly 45 minutes with the Aztec or Kodiak or about an hour with the Cessna.

During your flight you'll ascend over the Gulf of Montijo, fly past the shrimp farms of Agua Dulce, see the windmills around Penonome, then start descending over the Panama Canal.

Arriving at Albrook Airport you'll be met by the charter flight staff to help with your gear and any connection moving forward.

Board Storage & Surf Logistics

There are surf board options on the Aztec and Kodiak, but if you're a weekend surf warrior, or at least plan to make a habit of ditching the city for the waves, you may consider talking with one of the accommodations near Estero or The Point.

Leave your board safely at Mama Ines, Surfer’s Paradise, Hotel Santa Catalina, or Oasis—then simply return and...repeat.

It’s an easy solution for surfers who live in the City and know that the best wave is in Santa Catalina.

Ready to Fly?

Charter Flight Info

• Departure Points: Lago Bay Airstrip & Albrook Domestic Airport

• Flight Duration: ~45 minutes to 1 hour depending on aircraft.

• Transfer: Lago Bay provides 10–15 minute shuttle service to/from Santa Catalina

• Surf Extras: Optional surf board on flight and storage at Santa Catalina hotels

✈️ Book your flight: Lago Bay Airstrip