Introduction

Santa Catalina is beautiful because it has remained beautifully wild.

There are no giant resorts dominating the coastline, no crowded beaches and very little mass tourism. Life here still follows the rhythm of the ocean, the tides and the seasons.

As visitors, we all have the opportunity to help keep it that way.

Traveling responsibly doesn’t mean giving up comfort or adventure. Most of the time, it’s simply about making thoughtful choices that protect the incredible environment we came here to enjoy.

Here are a few simple ways to help preserve Santa Catalina for future generations.

Respect Coiba National Park

Coiba is one of the most important marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Every visit is a privilege.

When snorkeling or diving:

• Never touch turtles, rays, sharks or any other marine wildlife.
• Keep a respectful distance of at least 1.5 to 2 meters from animals.
• Avoid chasing wildlife for photographs.
• Never stand on coral.
• Never collect shells, coral or marine life.
• Speak quietly on the boat and avoid unnecessary noise around wildlife.

The less we disturb nature, the more natural and unforgettable every encounter becomes.

Choose Reef-Safe Sun Protection

Whenever possible, wear a long-sleeve rash guard instead of relying only on sunscreen.

If you do use sunscreen, choose a reef-safe, zinc-based formula that helps protect fragile coral ecosystems.

Many tour operators also provide rash guards, making it easy to reduce the amount of sunscreen entering the ocean.

Small choices like these make a big difference over time.

Leave Every Beach Better Than You Found It

Santa Catalina’s beaches remain beautiful because visitors care for them.

Take all your rubbish with you, even small items like bottle caps, cigarette butts or food wrappers.

If you happen to see a piece of plastic on the beach, picking it up is a simple way to give something back to this incredible place.

Nature notices.

Respect Wildlife

Santa Catalina is surrounded by tropical forests, mangroves and ocean ecosystems.

That means you’ll occasionally see monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, crabs, butterflies and many other fascinating creatures.

Remember:

You’re visiting their home.

Observe them from a respectful distance.

Never feed wild animals.

Never try to touch them or move them for a photograph.

The best wildlife encounters happen when nature behaves naturally.

Living With Nature

Because Santa Catalina is located in the tropical rainforest, seeing insects is completely normal.

Even beautiful boutique hotels such as Nukumi Club occasionally welcome tiny ants, butterflies or harmless geckos.

They’re simply part of living in one of the most biodiverse regions of Central America.

Rather than seeing them as a problem, many travelers quickly realize they’re part of what makes Santa Catalina feel authentic.

Water & Energy Matter

Fresh water is precious.

Although many hotels have their own wells, responsible use benefits everyone.

Simple habits make a difference:

• Turn off the air conditioning when leaving for the day.
• Take shorter showers after the beach.
• Reuse towels when possible.
• Switch off unnecessary lights before going out.

These small actions help preserve local resources without affecting your comfort.

Support Local Businesses

One of the easiest ways to travel responsibly is by supporting the local community.

Eat at family-owned restaurants.

Buy handmade souvenirs.

Book activities with local guides.

Choose locally roasted coffee.

Hire certified instructors.

Every dollar spent locally helps families continue building the welcoming community that makes Santa Catalina so special.

🌴 Sustainability at Nukumi Club

At Nukumi Club, sustainability isn’t a marketing slogan.

It’s part of our everyday philosophy.

We’ve chosen an intimate adults-only concept with just six private casitas, helping us maintain a quieter atmosphere and reduce our environmental footprint.

Our swimming pool is treated using a CO₂ purification system, allowing guests to enjoy crystal-clear water without the strong smell or irritation often associated with chlorine.

We encourage slow travel, support local businesses whenever possible and love introducing our guests to authentic experiences that benefit the community as much as the traveler.

For us, luxury isn’t about excess.

It’s about creating meaningful experiences while respecting the place we call home.

🌴 Clara’s Local Tip

If you leave Santa Catalina exactly as you found it…

You’ve already done something wonderful.

If you leave it a little cleaner than you found it…

You’ve become part of its story.

Travel isn’t only about discovering beautiful places.

It’s also about helping them remain beautiful for everyone who comes after us.

Quick Summary

Sustainable Action	Why It Matters
🌊 Respect Marine Life	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪸 Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗑️ Leave No Trace	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💧 Save Water	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⚡ Save Energy	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🛍️ Support Local Businesses	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌿 Respect Wildlife	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌴 Travel With Purpose

Every destination leaves a mark on us.

The question is:

What mark do we leave on the destination?

At Nukumi Club, we believe the most memorable journeys are the ones that create a positive impact, both for travelers and for the communities that welcome them.

Come for the waves.

Stay for the wildlife.

Leave knowing you helped protect one of Panama’s most beautiful corners