Coiba National Park

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Countries
Panama

Zones
South

Themes
Nature, Sun and Beach, World Heritage

The Coiba National Park is located in the Pacific region of the country, to the South of the Province of Veraguas, and with an extension of 270,125 hectares it protects marine, insular and coastal ecosystems. The park houses the island areas of Isla Coiba, Ranchería (Coibita), Jicarón, Jicarita, Afuerita, Canal de Afuera, Uvas, Contreras and Brincanco (153,582 hectares), as well as the marine areas (216,543 hectares), which make it one of the most extensive marine parks in the world, and its continental shelf.

With an extension of 49,300 hectares, Coiba is the largest island in the American Pacific. Due to its geographical isolation, a penal colony was established in 1910, which still exists today, situation that has favored maintaining the island’s forests in an unaltered state.

The Coiba National Park offers attractions such as beaches, diving, and fishing along its entire coastal perimeter. The very fine sands, and the transparency of the water, are characteristic to beaches such as Playa Damas and Playa Blanca on Isla Coiba, as well as those that can be found on the Granito de Oro, Ranchería, Uvas, Contreras and other islands. From any island within the park you can organize a day for scuba diving or simply for fishing, an activity that is internationally recognized in the area of Coiba due to the species that are found there, such as the merlin. The islands feature a diversity of flora and fauna for nature lovers, including the nesting of turtles in the beach areas.

The Coiba National Park can be reached by air flying from Panama City to the City of Santiago in 20 minutes, or by road (245 kilometers) in five hours. Once in Santiago, take the road (25 kilometers) that leads to Puerto Mutis, to travel by sea to the island. Transfer time will depend on weather conditions, and the type of boat used. In a fast boat, and with good weather, the trip can take about two hours, otherwise, it could take up to six hours. To visit Isla Coiba it is required to obtain prior permits from the Ministry of the Environment.