DISCOVER COIBA TRIP - what you can see

Explore pristine islands, crystal-clear waters, extraordinary wildlife, and one of the most remarkable marine ecosystems in the world.

Located off the Pacific coast of Panama, Coiba National Park is an extraordinary archipelago made up of 38 islands and surrounded by a vast protected marine area. Its remote location, pristine forests, coral reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity make Coiba one of Panama’s most unforgettable destinations for nature and adventure.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Coiba protects a remarkable combination of tropical rainforest, mangroves, beaches, coral reefs, and open ocean.

Whether you come to dive with sharks, snorkel among colorful tropical fish, watch humpback whales, explore remote islands, or simply experience nature far from the crowds, Coiba offers an adventure unlike anywhere else in Panama.

A WORLD OF WILDLIFE

One of the greatest treasures of Coiba is its extraordinary biodiversity.

The waters surrounding the park are home to hundreds of species of fish, as well as sharks, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and other marine life. On land, the islands shelter monkeys, crocodiles, scarlet macaws, and numerous other tropical species.

Coiba is particularly special because its long isolation allowed many species and ecosystems to remain relatively undisturbed.

Sharks

Coiba is one of the most exciting destinations in Panama for shark encounters.

Depending on the location and conditions, divers may encounter:

• Hammerhead sharks

• Whale sharks

• White-tip reef sharks

• Black-tip reef sharks

• Silky sharks

• Bull sharks

• Nurse sharks

• Galápagos sharks

• Tiger sharks

For many visitors, seeing sharks in their natural environment is one of the highlights of a trip to Coiba.

WHALES & DOLPHINS

The Pacific waters around Coiba are an important habitat and migration area for several species of marine mammals.

Humpback Whales

During the appropriate season, humpback whales can be seen traveling through the waters of the Coiba region.

Their spectacular size, powerful movements, and occasional displays above the surface make whale watching an unforgettable experience.

Dolphins

Dolphins can also be encountered around the islands, sometimes traveling in groups close to boats.

Possible sightings include:

• Bottlenose dolphins

• Pantropical spotted dolphins

• Spinner dolphins

• Common dolphins

• Other species of marine mammals

Keep your eyes on the horizon — you never know what might appear next.

SEA TURTLES

Coiba's warm tropical waters provide habitat for several species of sea turtles.

Visitors may encounter:

• Green turtles

• Hawksbill turtles

• Olive ridley turtles

• Loggerhead turtles

• Leatherback turtles

Seeing a sea turtle gliding through clear Pacific waters is one of the simplest and most memorable Coiba experiences.

A PARADISE FOR DIVERS

Dive Into the Wild

Coiba is considered one of the premier diving destinations in Panama and the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Its underwater world combines coral reefs, rocky formations, deep channels, schools of tropical fish, and encounters with large pelagic species.

Depending on the dive site and season, divers may encounter:

Sharks • Rays • Turtles • Dolphins • Moray eels • Groupers • Snappers • Barracudas • Tuna • Tropical reef fish

For experienced divers, Coiba offers the possibility of encountering large marine animals in a remote and genuinely wild environment.

SNORKELING IN CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS

You don't need to be a diver to experience Coiba's underwater world.

Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore the shallow reefs and coastal waters around several of the islands.

Look beneath the surface and discover:

• Colorful tropical fish

• Coral formations

• Sea turtles

• Rays

• Reef fish

• Starfish

• Marine invertebrates

Put on your mask, enter the water, and discover a completely different world.

CORAL REEFS

Coiba is home to some of the most important coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Eastern Pacific.

One of the best-known reef areas is Bahía Damas, which contains an extensive coral reef system.

These reefs provide shelter and feeding grounds for countless marine species and play an essential role in the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

For underwater photographers, divers, and snorkelers, the reefs offer an incredible opportunity to experience the biodiversity of the Pacific.

EXPLORE COIBA’S ISLANDS

The national park is much more than the main island.

Its 38 islands offer different landscapes, ecosystems, and experiences.

Granito de Oro

6

Granito de Oro is one of the most iconic locations in Coiba.

Its small tropical island, white sandy beach, clear waters, and abundant marine life make it an exceptional place for:

Snorkeling • Diving • Swimming • Photography • Wildlife encounters

The island's shallow waters can feel like a natural aquarium, making Granito de Oro a favorite stop for visitors exploring the park.

RANCHERÍA / COIBITA

5

Located close to Coiba Island, Ranchería, also known as Coibita, offers a combination of tropical forest, beaches, mangroves, and marine habitats.

It is an excellent place for exploring the island environment and observing wildlife.

Depending on conditions, visitors can enjoy:

• Snorkeling

• Swimming

• Hiking

• Wildlife observation

• Mangrove exploration

• Photography

JICARÓN ISLAND

4

Jicarón is the second-largest island in the Coiba archipelago and one of the more remote places in the park.

Its isolation makes it particularly appealing to travelers looking for untouched landscapes, tropical forests, wildlife, and a true sense of adventure.

JICARITA ISLAND

At the southern edge of the archipelago lies Jicarita Island, recognized as the southernmost point of mainland Panama's national territory.

Its remote location and untouched landscape make visiting Jicarita a unique experience for adventurous travelers exploring the Coiba region.

WILDLIFE ON LAND

Coiba's biodiversity doesn't stop at the shoreline.

Its tropical forests are home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Monkeys & Mammals

Among the species associated with Coiba are:

• Coiba howler monkey

• White-faced capuchin monkey

• Coiba agouti

• White-tailed deer

• Bats

• Opossums

• Other tropical mammals

Some species have evolved unique characteristics due to Coiba's long geographical isolation.

BIRDWATCHING

5

Coiba is also an exceptional destination for bird lovers.

The islands provide habitat for resident and migratory birds, including:

• Scarlet macaws

• Frigatebirds

• Pelicans

• Herons

• Brown boobies

• Blue-footed boobies

• Parrots

• Parakeets

• Hawks and other birds of prey

• Migratory species

The scarlet macaw is one of the most spectacular birds visitors may encounter in the region.

Bring your binoculars and listen carefully — the forest is always alive.

CROCODILES & REPTILES

The coastal environments and mangroves of Coiba are also home to reptiles.

Visitors may encounter:

• American crocodiles

• Spectacled caimans

• Green iguanas

• Boas

• Lizards

• Geckos

• Turtles

• Various species of snakes and amphibians

Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance and with respect for the animals and their habitat.

COIBA’S TROPICAL FORESTS

6

Much of Coiba remains covered by tropical forest, creating a landscape that feels remarkably wild and untouched.

Walking through the forest provides opportunities to discover:

Tropical trees • Palms • Orchids • Ferns • Epiphytes • Endemic plants • Wildlife

The forest is an essential part of Coiba's ecosystem, connecting the terrestrial environment with the surrounding marine habitats.

MANGROVES

Coiba's mangrove ecosystems are among the most important habitats along its coastline.

Mangroves provide:

• Nursery areas for young fish

• Shelter for marine species

• Habitat for birds

• Feeding grounds for wildlife

• Coastal protection

Exploring these areas by boat or kayak offers a completely different perspective of the park.

COIBA’S FASCINATING HISTORY

From Prison Island to Natural Paradise

Coiba has a fascinating and sometimes dark history.

For much of the 20th century, the island was home to a penal colony. The prison operated until 2004, when it was finally closed.

The island's isolation meant that human development remained limited, allowing large areas of forest and coastline to remain intact.

Today, remnants of the former prison can still be found on the island, creating a striking contrast between its difficult past and its extraordinary natural beauty.

Exploring Coiba means discovering not only its wildlife and landscapes, but also a fascinating chapter of Panama's history.

THINGS TO DO IN COIBA

🤿 Scuba Diving

Explore coral reefs, underwater formations, schools of tropical fish, sharks, rays, turtles, and other marine life.

🤿 Snorkeling

Discover shallow reefs and crystal-clear waters without needing diving equipment.

🐋 Whale Watching

Look for humpback whales and other marine mammals during the appropriate season.

🐬 Dolphin Watching

Keep an eye out for dolphins traveling through the waters surrounding the islands.

🦜 Birdwatching

Search the forests and coastlines for scarlet macaws, frigatebirds, boobies, herons, and other tropical birds.

🥾 Hiking

Walk through tropical forests and discover the terrestrial wildlife of Coiba.

🛶 Kayaking

Explore mangroves, quiet bays, beaches, and coastal ecosystems from the water.

📸 Wildlife Photography

Coiba provides endless opportunities to photograph marine life, birds, landscapes, forests, and tropical islands.

🏝️ Island Hopping

Explore some of the most beautiful and remote islands of the archipelago.

🏚️ Historical Exploration

Discover the remains and stories of Coiba's former prison colony.

WHY VISIT COIBA?

Coiba is not simply another tropical destination.

It is a place where the ocean, rainforest, wildlife, history, and adventure come together.

Here, you can spend the morning diving with sharks, snorkel over coral reefs in the afternoon, watch dolphins from the boat, walk through tropical forest, and finish the day surrounded by nothing but ocean and stars.

This combination of remoteness and biodiversity is what makes Coiba so special.

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

One archipelago. Endless discoveries.

From its crystal-clear waters and extraordinary marine life to its tropical forests and fascinating history, Coiba invites you to experience Panama at its wildest.

Explore. Dive. Discover.

Discover Coiba. Discover the Extraordinary.

[ EXPLORE OUR TOURS ]