Panama City to Santa Catalina Flights
Skip the 6–9 hour drive and fly from Panama City to Santa Catalina in about one hour. Our private Panama City to Santa Catalina flights land at Lago Bay’s private airstrip, just 10–15 minutes from Santa Catalina town – the gateway to Coiba Island.
Whether you are coming to surf, dive, snorkel or simply relax by the ocean, flights to Santa Catalina Panama are the fastest and most comfortable way to get here.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Flight time: approximately 45 minutes from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip
- Free Shuttle to Santa Catalina: about 10–15 minutes by car
- Starting price: from +US$875 per flight for a Cessna 172 (1–3 passengers)
Request a Panama City to Santa Catalina Flight
Tell us when you would like to fly to Santa Catalina from Panama City and how many people are in your group. We will send you a custom quote with aircraft options, prices and available times.
Information to include in your request:
- Preferred flight date from Panama City to Santa Catalina
- Number of passengers
- Preferred departure airport: Albrook Domestic (PAC), Tocumen International (PTY) or “not sure yet”
- Any special details: Coiba tours, surfboards, dive gear, luggage size, preferred time of day
Once you submit the form, we will reply as soon as possible with availability, aircraft suggestions and total prices for your Panama City to Santa Catalina flight.
Why Fly from Panama City to Santa Catalina?
If you’re comparing all your options, see our full guide on how to get to Santa Catalina and Coiba from Panama City.
Save 6–8 Hours on the Road
Driving or taking the bus from Panama City to Santa Catalina usually takes between 6 and 9 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and connections. That is a full day of your trip spent on the highway or in a bus.
With a 45-minute charter flight to Lago Bay Airstrip, plus a short 10–15 minute shuttle, you can arrive in Santa Catalina the same morning and be in the water by lunchtime.
Instead of losing a day on the road, you gain an extra day in Santa Catalina and Coiba.
Skip Bus Connections and Travel Stress
The public bus route typically involves multiple departures, changes at busy terminals and uncertain arrival times. If you are traveling with children, carrying surfboards or dive gear, or arriving late in Panama City, this can be stressful and tiring.
With charter flights from Panama City to Santa Catalina, you avoid crowded terminals, long lines and complicated connections. You travel on your own schedule and arrive feeling rested instead of exhausted.
More Time in Santa Catalina and Coiba
Flying gives you more time for sunsets in Santa Catalina, snorkel and dive trips in Coiba National Park, surf sessions, beach walks and slow mornings.
Instead of adding “travel days” to your itinerary, you simply fly, land and start enjoying the Pacific coast.
Flight Options and Prices
We operate private charter flights from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip, the closest runway to Santa Catalina. All flights are priced per aircraft, not per person, which makes them ideal for families and groups sharing the cost.
Cessna 172
- Capacity: 1–3 passengers
- From: +US$875 one-way per flight
A great option for solo travelers, couples and small groups on short escapes and surf trips.
Aztec
- Capacity: up to 5 passengers
- From: +US$1,250 one-way per flight
Ideal for families or small dive teams, with a balanced cost per person when you share the aircraft.
Kodiak
- Capacity: up to 9 passengers
- From: +US$2,200 one-way per flight
Perfect for dive groups, retreats and large families who want to travel together.
Prices shown are starting prices per flight, not per seat. Final quotes depend on travel dates, aircraft availability and total weight (passengers plus luggage, including surfboards and dive equipment). Round-trip flights and multi-leg itineraries can be arranged on request.
Watch How the Panama City to Santa Catalina Flight Works
See the route from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and how easy it is to connect to Santa Catalina and Coiba tours.
How the Panama City to Santa Catalina Flight Works
Flying from Panama City to Santa Catalina is straightforward. Here is how the journey usually works, from takeoff in the city to arrival in town.
Step 1: Depart from Panama City (Albrook or Tocumen)
Most Panama City to Santa Catalina flights depart from Albrook Domestic Airport (PAC), which is close to downtown and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare.
In some cases, flights may be arranged from Tocumen International Airport (PTY), depending on your arrival time and aircraft availability. If you are landing at PTY and would like to connect directly, mention this in your flight request so we can advise you.
Before your flight, you will receive clear check-in instructions, the meeting point, suggested arrival time and contact details for day-of-flight coordination.
Step 2: 45-Minute Flight to Lago Bay Airstrip
From Panama City, you fly west along the Pacific coast to Lago Bay Airstrip, a private runway located near Santa Catalina.
During the flight you may see Panama’s coastline and islands from above, rivers, hills and forested countryside, and the Pacific Ocean stretching out toward Coiba.
The flight usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on the aircraft and conditions.
Step 3: 10–15 Minute Shuttle to Santa Catalina
When you land at Lago Bay, a shuttle or private vehicle takes you the rest of the way to Santa Catalina.
- Typical drive time: 10–15 minutes
- Drop-off: your hotel, vacation rental or a central meeting point in town
If you already have a Coiba tour booked, we can help coordinate with your operator for an easy handoff. From takeoff in Panama City to arrival in Santa Catalina, you normally travel in about one hour instead of most of the day.
Who These Flights Are Perfect For
These flights to Santa Catalina Panama are designed for travelers who value time, comfort and flexibility. They are especially useful if you:
- Have limited vacation days and want to avoid long, tiring drives
- Are a diver or snorkeler heading to Coiba National Park and nearby sites
- Are a surfer who prefers more time in the water and less time on the highway
- Are a couple on a short getaway or honeymoon looking for a smooth, stress-free arrival
- Are traveling as a group of friends, a family or a small retreat and can share a private flight
Once you are in Santa Catalina, you are only a boat ride away from Coiba Island tours, snorkeling, diving and remote Pacific beaches.
Request your Santa Catalina flight and we will help you match the best aircraft and schedule to your plans.
Flights vs Driving vs Bus – Quick Comparison
There are three main ways to get from Panama City to Santa Catalina. This comparison shows how charter flights differ from driving or taking the bus.
| Mode | Travel time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Charter flight (via Lago Bay) | About 45 minutes by air + 10–15 minutes shuttle | From +US$875 per flight (1–3 passengers) |
| 🚗 Private transfer or rental car | Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and stops | Private transfer or rental fee plus fuel and tolls |
| 🚌 Public bus | Approximately 7–9+ hours with connections | Around US$15–25 per person (estimate) |
For many travelers, especially those with limited time, a private charter flight from Panama City to Santa Catalina offers the best balance between time, comfort and overall trip value.
How to Book Your Santa Catalina Flight
Step 1: Send Your Dates and Group Size
Fill out the flight request form and tell us your preferred dates, number of passengers and departure airport (Albrook or Tocumen). Include any details about Coiba tours, surfboards, dive gear or luggage.
Step 2: Receive Options and a Custom Quote
We review your request and email you available departure times, recommended aircraft for your group and a detailed quote for one-way or round-trip flights.
Step 3: Confirm with a Secure Payment
Once you choose your preferred option, you receive payment instructions (for example, PayPal or card). Your booking is fully confirmed once payment is received. From there, you only need to arrive on time and enjoy the flight.
Ready to skip the long drive and fly? Request a Panama City to Santa Catalina flight quote now.
FAQ – Panama City to Santa Catalina Flights
How long is the flight from Panama City to Santa Catalina (via Lago Bay)?
The flight from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on the aircraft and conditions. From the airstrip, it’s a short 10–15 minute shuttle ride to Santa Catalina town. In total, you can typically travel from Panama City to Santa Catalina in about one hour instead of 6–9 hours by road.
What is the price of a charter flight to Santa Catalina?
Prices for Panama City to Santa Catalina charter flights start from around +US$875 one-way per flight for a Cessna 172 (1–3 passengers), from +US$1,250 for an Aztec (up to 5 passengers) and from +US$2,200 for a Kodiak (up to 9 passengers). These prices are per aircraft, not per person. Your final quote will depend on dates, aircraft availability and total passenger and luggage weight.
Can I combine this flight with a Coiba Island tour?
Yes. Many travelers use the Panama City to Santa Catalina flight specifically to connect with Coiba Island snorkeling or diving tours. Once you arrive in Santa Catalina, you can easily join full-day or multi-day trips into Coiba National Park. If you already have a tour booked, let us know the details so we can help coordinate your flight times with your operator.
How many passengers can fly on each aircraft?
Most Panama City to Santa Catalina flights use small charter aircraft. As a general guide, the Cessna 172 is ideal for 1–3 passengers, the Aztec can carry up to 5 passengers, and the Kodiak can take up to 9 passengers. The best aircraft for your group will depend on your total group size, luggage and preferred travel dates.
How much luggage can I bring on the flight?
Because these are small charter aircraft, luggage capacity is limited and weight is an important safety factor. As a rule of thumb, most travelers can bring a standard checked bag or duffel plus a small carry-on, but surfboards, dive gear and extra equipment must be counted in the total weight. When you request a quote, please tell us what you plan to bring so we can confirm what is possible for your specific flight.
Which airport do flights depart from in Panama City?
Most Panama City to Santa Catalina flights depart from Albrook Domestic Airport (PAC), which is close to downtown and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare. In some cases, flights may be arranged from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) depending on your arrival time and aircraft availability. You can select your preferred departure airport in the quote form, or choose “I’m not sure yet” if you need advice.
Do Panama City to Santa Catalina flights operate year-round?
In general, charter flights between Panama City and Santa Catalina (via Lago Bay) can operate year-round, subject to aircraft availability and weather conditions. The busiest months are often during the dry season and peak holiday periods, so it is best to request your dates early if you are traveling then.
How far in advance should I book my flight?
We recommend requesting your Panama City to Santa Catalina flight as early as possible, especially if you are traveling during high season, on weekends or with a larger group. Booking several weeks to a few months in advance gives you more options for departure times and aircraft. Last-minute flights may be possible but depend entirely on availability.
