Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest way is a 45-minute charter flight with Lago Bay Aviation, landing at the local airstrip near Santa Catalina. Private shuttles with WiFi take 5–6 hours and run daily. You can also rent a car and drive the Pan-American Highway through Santiago, or take a public bus with one transfer in Soná. See our Getting Here page for schedules and booking links.
Bliss Beach is about 355 km (220 miles) by road from Panama City, or about 373 km (232 miles) from Tocumen International Airport. By car or private shuttle the trip takes 5–6 hours via the Pan-American Highway, Santiago and Soná. The public bus takes 7–8 hours, and a charter flight with Lago Bay Aviation takes about 45 minutes.
Check-in is from 3:00 pm and check-out is by 12:00 pm. If you are arriving early or leaving late, message us on WhatsApp at +507 6395 5979 to ask about options.
Yes — our villa rooms offer a range of bed configurations. Kids enjoy horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling in calm coves, and exploring tide pools on Playa Lagartero. The resort is gated and walkable, and Kokodrilo Bar & Grill serves kid-friendly meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Several families visit during dry season for extended stays.
Not at all. Santa Catalina has waves for every level. Beginners start on the mellow beach breaks in town, while experienced surfers head to La Punta for world-class barrels. Our surf lessons include board rental and are available daily. Instructors match you to the right break based on your skill level, so first-timers and advanced surfers both get the most from every session.
Yes! Kokodrilo Bar & Grill is open to everyone — hotel guests and visitors alike. We serve breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12–3 pm) and dinner (5–9 pm) every day, featuring fresh-caught seafood, wood-fired pizza, tropical cocktails, and vegetarian options. The restaurant sits on an open-air deck overlooking the pool and garden. Reservations are welcomed but not required.
Santa Catalina is a year-round destination. The dry season from December through April offers the most sunshine and calmest seas, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving in Coiba National Park. The green season from May through November brings bigger surf swells, lush jungle scenery, and fewer crowds — plus lower rates. Water temperatures stay warm (80°F+) all year.
We provide free WiFi throughout the property, including rooms, the restaurant, and common areas. Cell service (Movistar and Claro networks) is available but can be spotty in remote parts of the coast. We recommend downloading offline maps and any essential content before arriving. The private shuttles from Panama City also offer WiFi on board.
Yes — we host custom yoga retreats, surf camps, creative workshops, and corporate offsites. Retreats include accommodation at Hotel Hibiscus Garden, daily meals at Kokodrilo, and access to our yoga deck, pool, and private beach. We work with you to build a schedule around your group's goals. Contact us via WhatsApp at +507 6395 5979 for packages and pricing.
Charter flights cost $975 for a Cessna (up to 3 passengers) and can be booked on your schedule with guaranteed departure. Empty legs are discounted return flights at $150 per person, but they operate on a 5-day booking window based on existing charters — ideal for flexible travelers and backpackers, but not suited to fixed itineraries. Charters booked more than 5 days ahead include free landing fees and ground transport.
Kokodrilo offers vegetarian and vegan options. Tell our team about dietary needs before your visit.
Bring cash for travel and local purchases. Ask our team about current payment options before arrival.
Ask reception about drinking water and refills during your stay.
Bring insect repellent for the tropical garden and coast, especially around dawn and dusk.