Coiba is one of the most impressive islands in the world. The Coiba Island Tour offers an overview of this destination, which—at 500 square kilometers—is the largest island in Central America. It is part of Coiba National Park, which encompasses over 1,042 square miles of islands, forests, beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. In addition to Coiba, there are 38 smaller islands, including Ranchería Island—also known as “Coibita”—which is included in every tour. This island boasts one of the best beaches in Coiba National Park and is also home to crocodiles in its river. This stop also offers the option of a hike up Cerro Gambute, which serves as a lookout point.
Coiba Island is located in the province of Veraguas, Panama. The tour departs from the town of Santa Catalina. It is also possible to visit Coiba Island from Pixvae. Begin your day by enjoying a cup of coffee and some cookies while checking in for the excursion at 7:50 a.m. The boat trip to the marine park takes approximately an hour and a half; once there, you will visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. During the excursion, you may spot dolphins, orcas, pilot whales, humpback whales (between June/July and October), whale sharks (between December and March), sea turtles, manta rays, and numerous bird species. The marine park has also been designated an Important Bird Area.
During your day trip to Coiba, you will make three stops for snorkeling; the specific locations may vary depending on the tide, capacity, and visibility conditions. Underwater, you may encounter species you have never seen before; the park is home to 760 species of marine fish, 20 species of cetaceans, and 33 species of sharks. Rest assured: when snorkeling, you will only encounter reef sharks. To see larger species, you would need to join a scuba diving tour in Coiba. That said, if you are very lucky, you might even find yourself snorkeling alongside a whale shark!
The tour also includes time on the beaches of several islands, as well as a stop at the Coiba visitor center. Here, you will find a few trails, and it is highly likely that you will spot monkeys and iguanas. Enjoy your lunch and some time on the beach in a tropical paradise filled with palm trees, white sand, and crystal-clear waters. Finally, you will head back to Santa Catalina, arriving in the village around 4:00 PM.
Coiba Island Tour
Coiba, the largest island in Central America at 500 square kilometers, is part of Coiba National Park, which includes diverse ecosystems such as forests, beaches, and coral reefs. The Coiba Island Tour starts 7:50 AM in Santa Catalina and takes about 1.5 hours by boat to reach this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Visitors may encounter various marine species, including dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous fish during snorkeling stops. The tour features beaches for relaxation, a hike to Cerro Gambute for panoramic views, and trails at the Coiba visitor center, where wildlife like monkeys and iguanas can be spotted. The day concludes with a return to Santa Catalina around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
Trip Highlights
- Coiba is the largest island in Central America and there are 38 smaller islands.
- Coiba Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
- 3 places for snorkeling where you can see 760 marine species, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks—and perhaps even a whale shark!
