Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba National Park is a marine reserve containing 38 separate islands along Panama’s Pacific coast. Coiba is the largest island in Central America, and its Special Zone of Marine Protection covers a total area of approximately four hundred thirty thousands acres. From 1919 until 2004 Isla Coiba was a prison and therefore access to the island was very limited. This is the main reason 80% of Coiba's natural resources have survived untouched. Thanks to limited human contact the island has remained wild.
The interior of Coiba is home to many mammals. The white-headed capuchin monkeys are often spotted in large groups. They are very curious!… The Agouti is a species of rodent that most resembles a guinea pig. Although wary of humans these animals can often be seen around the ranger station. Coiba is a paradise for bird watchers and a refuge for many species including the rare Crested Eagles and Escarlet Macaws: colourful birds who have virtually disappeared from the rest of the Republic of Panama. Iguanas can often be seen soaking up the sun and the song of frogs and other wildlife can be heard every night as darkness descends upon the jungle.
The beaches and waters surrounding Coiba offer shelter to other reptiles, including four different turtle species and the magnificent American saltwater crocodile. Large numbers of these animals roam the mangrove forest during the day and hunt in the waters surrounding the island at night. Coibas’ most famous resident is Tito, a 4 meters long male crocodile that has visited the ranger station regularly for over 25 years. A fence has recently been installed around Tito’s favourite spot at the back of the ranger station, meaning guests can safely see & photograph him up close yet still in the wild where he belongs.
Depending on the time of year it is also possible to see a variety of whale species around the islands, including groups of Humpbacks following their migration route towards the polar seas. Huge whale sharks are a common sight. From December to April it is almost guaranteed that you will be able to see and swim with them. Dolphins are often seen in large numbers. If you are very lucky you may even see one while diving or snorkelling.
There are many things to see and do in Coiba, both on land and in the ocean. Tour operators in nearby Santa Catalina offer diving and snorkelling trips to some of the most beautiful spots around the area. There are more than 20 dive sites in the park, offering divers of all experience levels the chance of seeing sharks, rays, turtles and many other visiting pelagic species. For those willing to investigate the reefs more closely there are many small wonderful critters to be seen including shrimps, seahorses and frogfish.
For those willing to explore the island there are numerous trails providing direct access to the tropical rainforest and the wildlife that inhabits it. You never know what you may see trekking in one of the most unexplored islands of the North American continent. For overnight guests, it is possible to arrange accommodation at the ranger station, which has several modest yet comfortable cabins. Guests staying the night will see more wildlife and really get to experience island life at its best.
Since 2004 the park is managed and maintained by a group of National Park rangers. They are the only permanent residents of the island and live at the ranger station directly located on the most stunning beach. Here visitors must register and pay their entry fees before accessing the rest of the park. This contributes to the conservation efforts. The rangers who work in Coiba constantly monitor and patrol the islands waters to enforce fishing legislation, a challenging and time consuming activity that helps protect the marine environment.
Every year more and more people visit Coiba which represents a new challenge for the National Park and its rangers. You, as a guest, play a key role in keeping the island in the same pristine condition as it is today. Please make sure to take back with you everything you brought and never throw trash anywhere but in the trash can. If staying overnight then be sure to keep music and noise at a minimum in consideration for the environment and other guests!
Respect the wildlife and do not touch or harass animals both on land and in the ocean. There are some potentially dangerous creatures in Coiba, so pay attention to the rules and please do not swim or go trekking into the jungle alone or at night. We must all seek ways of enjoying the natural beauty of this place while being careful to minimise our impact upon it. By following these simple guidelines we can help preserve the environment and cultural legacy of this UNESCO world heritage site.
Please help us keep it that way so that future generations can also enjoy it.
4 окт 2024
