Coiba National Park comprises 38 islands and all the waters between those islands. This national park, located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, covers 430,825 acres. In 2005, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that is not the only reason why this national park’s land, water, flora, and fauna are so well-protected. Namely, Isla Coiba (one of the islands in the Coiba National Park) served as Panama’s penal colony. Access to this and surrounding islands was restricted, resulting in perfectly preserved nature on the islands.
Today, you can visit the islands, but you have to have a permit and be in the company of a legitimate tour guide. This does require a little bit of preparation, but it is all worth it. Once you see all the first-class features this national park offers, you will forget about everything else.
Access to Coiba National Park
Let us begin with some logistics. Exploring Coiba National Park will not be the same as exploring other national parks in Panama. You can’t come to Coiba National Park whenever you want and however you want. First, you need to acquire your permit. You have to contact the ANAM – Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente and have them advise you on permit requirements. Second, you need to find a tour operator! Tour operators for Coiba National Park can be found all over Panama, but our advice is to seek those on Santa Catalina as they are the most experienced ones.
Moreover, Santa Catalina is a perfect place for starting your journey to Coiba National Park. It is located just an hour and a half from the Coiba islands. To reach your destination, you will have to travel by boat. But, don’t worry about booking your ticket – tour operators are the ones handling this.
Spending the Night on Rancheria Island
Most people book just a one-day tour to Coiba National Park. However, one day is far from enough to experience all the wonders of this place. If you have the chance to stay a bit longer here, take it. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use typical, luxurious Panama rentals for your accommodation here. The only place you can spend a couple of nights is the ANAM ranger station on Rancheria Island. But, don’t expect any glamour – this ranger station is just for sleeping and keeping your belongings safe. The rooms are cabins with air conditioning and a joined bathroom.
Moreover, this place can also offer a sitting area where you can eat lunch. Again, don’t expect this lunch to be extravagant – cooks usually serve pasta or local dishes.
Ranchera Island is also a place where you can buy some travel souvenirs. So, don’t miss out on those. From the locals, you can purchase different hand-made pieces that will remind you of Panama and Coiba National Park forever. And, don’t worry about their transportation – look for some fragile and valuable items packing tips online, and you will be able to protect those pieces and ensure they reach your home intact.
What to Do at Sea
And now – the fun part you have been waiting for. People who come to Coriba National Park come for the islands! These are some of the most beautiful Panama islands you can explore. As mentioned before, there are 38 of them, but you will visit just a couple on your organized tour. However, even though these islands are unique, the waters are what amazes people.
So, before you hop on a boat to check out the sea and all its marvels, you will need to rent snorkeling gear. It is necessary if you plan on swimming with fish, dolphins, sea turtles, etc. If you don’t, there is nothing to worry about – you can still enjoy the water from the boat. Tour operators will take you to a place where you can watch whales. And, whales are always there to put on a show – they enjoy surrounding the boat and spraying water out of their blowholes, so make sure you bring your camera with you.
What to Do on the Land
While exploring the waters of Coiba National Park, you will get a chance to visit many islands. And, the things you will see on those islands will take your breath away. So, make sure you have a couple of days to spare for the ‘land’ activities.
Once you start exploring the islands, you will fall in love with their peace. There are no houses, no roads, no people here, just nature and its flora and fauna. Because of this, many people want to buy a Panama property, build a house, and call Four Winds KSA to relocate their belongings here, but that is, unfortunately, impossible. The entire national park is protected, and only a few locals have the permit to live here. But, hey, don’t let that stop you from experiencing this fantastic nature for just a couple of days. You can hike through forests, stand on the most beautiful viewpoints, meet hilarious monkeys, go bird watching, enjoy the smell of flowers, etc.
And, when you are done exploring the land, that is, the ‘inside’ of the islands, be sure to give yourself a day or two to relax on one of the hundreds of beaches in the Coiba National Park. You will be amazed by how clear the water is and how white and soft the sand is. But, don’t go to just any beach – some of them are full of crocodiles and sea turtles. Ask your tour operator to give you some recommendations instead.
Final Words
Consider visiting the Coiba National Park if you ever find yourself in Panama. As you have seen, this place has something for everybody. And, before going, don’t forget to check all the Panama entry requirements for this national park. Rules change from time to time, so check everything with your tour guide.
Moreover, if you plan to spend the night, it would be good to bring some food and water with you. Even though the ranger station in the Coiba National Park can offer food and water, picky eaters will not enjoy it. And, when packing, don’t forget your hat, spare clothes and shoes, and sunscreen – these are all a must when spending your days in the wild.