Coiba National Marine Park
Discover Coiba National Marine Park
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.
What to Experience in Coiba National Marine Park
Taste of Coiba National Marine Park...
Not available
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Coiba National Marine Park into what it is today.
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 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. 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. All this must be arranged in advance. The price may vary if camping inside the park....
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsCoiba 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. 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. 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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. 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.
Where to Stay
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.