Coiba National Marine Parc

Gulf of Chiriqui, Centralpacific

Paradise to the west of Panama-City

The Nationalpark consists of the island Coiba, which is the largest Island in Central America. 37 other islands are located around there as well. These groups of islands are just 40 km away from the coast of Panama and the gulf of Chiriqui.  

Since 1919 until 2004 the Island has been a penal colony for political prisoners and dangerous criminals.

Coiba was named the  „Isla del diablo“, the island of devil. In year 2004 the government shut down the penal colony and created the biggest maritime Nationalpark in Central America, which has a size of more than 2.700 km2. In 2005 the UNESCO named the "Coiba National Marine Parc" a world cultural heritage. 

Coiba is well-known for the excellent diving spots and it might be one of the best spots on the tropical Pacific Coast.
It is not easy to get there, due to the domination of the wildlife in that region. 

If you start at Santa Catalina, it takes you around one hour to get there by boat - it is definitely the best way to get to this stunning place.

At Coiba you can find 21 endemic bird species, like the red macaw or the crested eagle. There are also a lot of fascinating paths through the rainforest. There you can observe the endemic Coiba - howler monkey and you might even find the American crocodile. Either way you will be able see a lot of endemic species during diving or snorkeling.