Coiba National Marine Park Voyage Tips and guide

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Coiba National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Coiba) is a park in the Gulf of Chiriqui in the Pacific West of Panama that is frequently called the "Galapagos Islands of Central America" for its abundance of rare species in the water and on land. Coiba is known for its superior diving.

The park consists of the island of Coiba (the largest island in Central America) and 37 surrounding islands and islets, all of which are about 50 km off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Coiba is home to various endemic species and subspecies. The Coiba spinetail (Cranioleuca dissita), a small bird, and the Coiba agouti (Dasyprocta coibae) only occur on Coiba island. The Coiba howler monkey (Alouatta coibensis) occurs on Coiba and in the Cerro Hoya National Park. Coiba island is also home of the last population of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) in Panama.

From 1919 to 1991 this island was a penal colony and quartered political prisoners and some of the most dangerous criminals in Panama. Known as Panama’s Devil’s Island, the government closed the penal colony in 1991, and turned it into the largest marine park in Central America. Some of the central offices and cell blocks have been resurrected and can be visited. Others are crumbling away rather rapidly. Nearby, a coast guard station has been built.

UNESCO named Coiba National Marine Park a World Heritage Site in 2005 [1] identifying more than 800 marine species in the waters surrounding the park.

Coiba Island is a remote destination whose limited accessibility has helped preserve its rich biodiversity. This remoteness has also made some travelers think twice before visiting.

• From Santa Catalina (Veraguas): This is the most common departure point. From Panama City, the drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Once in Santa Catalina, the boat ride to Coiba Island takes about 1 hour. Most visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation, snorkeling gear, and meals.
• From Boca Chica (Chiriquí): Ideal for those arriving from the province of Chiriquí or David Airport. The boat ride from Boca Chica to Coiba can take between 2 and 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
• From Mariato or Malena (Azuero Peninsula): Although less common, it is possible to hire boats from these communities on the western coast of the Azuero Peninsula. The boat trip will be longer, but the land journey from Santiago is shorter.

For those looking for a faster and more comfortable option, private charter flights are available from Panama City to Coiba Island. These flights, operated by companies such as Aero Albrook and Blue Skies Panamá, offer an exclusive experience and significantly reduce travel time.

There are no roads and only a few trails on the island. To reach the trails, dive sites, and snorkeling areas from the only campsite, you’ll need a boat. So, you’ll have to hire one for the duration of your stay.

• Nationals and residents: B/. 6.00
• Foreign adults: B/. 20.00
• Retirees (nationals and residents): B/. 3.00
• All children under 12: free

All this must be arranged in advance. The price may vary if camping inside the park.

No special permit is required to enter Coiba National Park for recreational daytime visits, such as hiking on marked trails or sightseeing tours. However, for specific activities such as scientific research, audiovisual production, organized events, or institutional educational visits, prior authorization must be obtained from the Panamanian Ministry of Environment.

The implementation of these activities is subject to regulations that seek to minimize environmental impact and may require the submission of a work plan, schedule, and justification of objectives. Applications must be submitted in advance and are subject to technical evaluation.

Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have proclaimed Coiba an unparalleled destination for discovering new species. Rachel Collin, a Smithsonian project coordinator said, "It's hard to imagine, while snorkeling around a tropical island that's so close to the United States, that half the animals you see are unknown to science.” Its unique location protects it from the damaging winds and other effects of El Niño, allowing it to sustain the uninterrupted evolution of new marine species including whale and tiger sharks, sperm whales, sea turtles, angel rays and giant schools of fish. Coiba is home to several endemic species and subspecies. The Coiba agouti is distinctly different from its counterpart on the main land. Whether the Howler monkey that occurs on Coiba is a separate species, subspecies or variety is still debated by taxonomists. The park is gaining a reputation for being what the Moon travel book calls a “Garden of Eden”; touting the second largest coral reef (Bahia Damas Reef) in the Pacific.

To get a good impression of Coiba, you should plan to stay there for at least two days. Snorkel at Granito de oro with White-tipped reef sharks and turtles, walk de Sendero de monos to get an impression of the forest on the island, visit the rehabilitated prison and the mangrove forest nearby and you will have an idea of what Coiba is about. On your way back, stop at Wahoo rock to see of the whale sharks are around. August is a good time to visit because during this period, humpback whales visit Coiba waters. The females give birth here and mother-calf pairs can be seen frequently.

Meals are usually included in the tours, but it's a good idea to bring extra snacks and water. You can try getting them in Santa Catalina, Boca Chica, Boca Brava, or at one of the resorts in the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park.

Accommodation on Coiba Island is limited due to its status as a protected national park. However, some tour operators offer campsites within the park. There are also accommodation options on Santa Catalina and on the nearby islands of the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, such as Boca Brava and Boca Chica islands, from where boat trips to Coiba are organized.

• Use insect repellent.
• Be careful in wet weather.
• It is recommended to hire a certified guide.
• Bring a basic first aid kit.
• Bring a flashlight.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Bring water.
• Do not leave trash; all waste must be transported back.
• Respect the flora and fauna. Extracting plants, feeding, or hunting animals is strictly prohibited.
• Avoid unauthorized campfires.
• Respect signs and prohibited areas.
• Register for entry at the MiAMBIENTE offices (in advance).
• Smoking is prohibited inside the park.
• Excessive noise is prohibited inside the park.

• Santa Catalina