Santa Catalina, a small, laid-back town known for having one of the best surf breaks in Central America, is located 300 km northwest of Panama City, about one hour from Santiago. The scenery and natural environment are breathtaking. World-class fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities are found all along the coastline and around the surrounding islands. Coiba National Park can be seen from Catalina. From 1912 to 2002, Coiba Island was used as a penal colony, and Panama’s worst criminals were sent here. Nowadays the prisoners have gone, but the prison remains, and makes for an interesting visit. Moreover, the recent declaration of Coiba as a UNESCO World Heritage site prohibits any development on the island, so the wildlife here is simply spectacular. The enormous island is home to a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles. The surrounding marine park comprises 38 other smaller islands including Cebaco and Gobernadora and is the site of the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. Coiba’s amazing variety of underwater life makes fishing and diving here incredible. Santa Catalina is a great base for exploring the islands and coastline. The town itself is small, with few attractions, but a surprising number of foreigners have moved to Catalina to start tourist-related businesses, creating an eclectic mix of people. Restaurants offer a good variety of food including authentic Tuscan Pizza and Argentinian style meats. Needless to say, the seafood in this area is to die for.

The Hamakua Heritage Corridor takes you on a scenic day trip along the Hamakua Coast. Drive 45 miles along sea cliffs, through lush valleys and tropical rainforests with ample opportunities to explore old plantation towns, see amazing waterfalls and take scenic detours.

When Tommy Bartlett came through the Wisconsin Dells in the 1950s with his traveling thrill show, his immediate success led to the local area becoming his home. Professional water skiers enhance the show and continue to be a very popular attraction. Enjoy 90 minutes of daring waterskiing stunts, wholesome comedy and Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics.

Only 70 metres of the Western Wall are visible from the outside, but the shrine continues underground for half a kilometre more. To visit this part, join a guided tour of the tunnels. You will reach the segment of the Wall which was closer to the Holy of Holiest, the most sacred part of Solomon's Temple. Praying here has a particularly deep meaning for Jewish people, and there's a small synagogue for this purpose. Other notable sights are houses and pools from the Second Temple era, imposing stone arches, and an aqueduct from the 2nd century BC.