Coiba National Park: Natural Sanctuary of the Panamanian Pacific

Coiba Island—the largest and most important island in Coiba National Park—was a prison for almost 100 years. This forced isolation was its best protection, as it helped preserve tropical forests, pristine beaches, and coral reefs that provide shelter for an extraordinary concentration of life. As a result, 80% of the park remains intact today.

Underwater, divers and snorkeling enthusiasts can see giant manta rays, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks that migrate along the same underwater corridor that the Galapagos Islands are on. The park also protects one of the largest coral reef systems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. In fact, the Bahia Damas coral reef, encompassing 135 hectares, is one of the most extensive marine habitats on the continent.

Both on land and underwater, Coiba is home to species that can only be found here, such as the Coiba Island howler monkey (Alouatta coibensis), a rare island species that evolved independently from other primates in the Americas. More than 148 species of birds—including several that are only found in Panamá—live in the treetops, sharing this paradise with crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic mammals that thrive in peace on the island.

Even if underwater exploration is not your thing, Coiba National Park immerses you in the murmur of pristine nature: from whale-watching and guided hikes to kayaking through the mangroves or surfing empty waves in one of the last truly wild spots in the tropics.

On dry land, explore paths that traverse mangroves, swamps, and tropical forests. Discover beaches with white and golden sand, and feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Coiba is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), with more than 148 recorded species, several of which can only be found in Panamá. One of the last healthy populations of scarlet macaws inhabits this area, along with toucans, herons, and many birds endemic to the tropical Pacific. They live alongside other animals like crocodiles, iguanas, and rare mammals that thrive on the island.

Coiba is an ideal destination for those who love wildlife, the peace of the ocean, and the excitement of exploring remote areas. Either underwater or on its trails, this park allows you to form a profound connection with nature in Panamá.