Coiba Island

Coiba National Park

Coiba National Park is special zone of marine protection. Is located in the Republic of Panama in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Coiba National Park is comprised of a group of 38 islands including Coiba island and the water surrounding. It is a last refuge for a number of animals and essential area for migratory species, valuable habitat for cetaceans, sharks, sea turtles and a large variety of fish. 


The park is accessible only by permit from ANAM. A number of tour operators in Panama offer ecotours, fishing, and scuba diving trips to Coiba and can assist in obtaining appropriate permits. Santa Catalina is the closest acces point with about an hour and fifteen-minute boat ride from Santa Catalina`s beach to Coiba island.  Coiba island is considered one of the ten top diving spots in the world, is home to the largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. This Island still has some 80% of its original forest cover. it owes this pristine state to the penal colony located there for 90 years, which hosted Panama's most notorious criminals.