Coiba, Panama - Travel Guide

Coiba National Park is a pristine marine protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It offers unparalleled diving and snorkeling with abundant marine life, including whales, sharks, and turtles, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers seeking an off-the-be-beaten-path experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$1500/day

Known For

Coiba IslandCoiba National ParkGulf of ChiriquiPacific Ocean

🇵🇦 Country Information: Panama

CapitalPanama City

CurrencyPanamanian balboa (B/.)

LanguageSpanish , English (especially in Colón and Bocas del Toro), Indigenous languages

Phone Code+507

Electricity110V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common for good service
Restaurants: 10
15% of the bill
Taxis: Round up the fare or 10% for good service
Tour Guides: 10
20% of the tour cost
Hotel Staff: A few dollars for porters and housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; however, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller businesses and rural areas
Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in smaller towns and markets
It's better to bring a mix of cash (USD, as it's the official currency) and use credit cards
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Greetings: A handshake is common
Close friends and family may greet with a kiss on the cheek
Dress Code: Panamanians generally dress well; casual but neat attire is appropriate
Public Behavior: Avoid overly loud conversations or public displays of affection
Eating: It's polite to keep hands visible while eating (not in your lap)
Punctuality: While business meetings tend to be punctual, social gatherings may be more relaxed

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Panama has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including decriminalizing same-sex relations. However, same-sex marriage is not yet recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transportation
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are part of the military

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Coiba is a large island in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Panama, known for its protected marine park.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon/Rainy Season: May
Dec
Dry Season: Jan
Apr
Hurricane season: Jun
Nov (though Panama is generally outside the main hurricane belt, indirect effects can occur)

Getting There

Fly into Panama City (PTY), then take a domestic flight to Santiago (SYP) or David (DAV), followed by a bus or taxi to a coastal town like Santa Catalina or Puerto Mutis, and finally a boat to Coiba National Park
Boat trips to Coiba from Santa Catalina typically cost $40
60 round trip and take 1
1
5 hours

Getting Around

In coastal towns, taxis and local buses are available
To reach Coiba, only authorized boat tours are permitted

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccine recommended
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Chickenpox) should be up
to
date
Hepatitis A and B recommended
Malaria risk is low but consult a doctor for preventative measures if staying in rural areas
Probiotics may be useful
Motion sickness remedies for boat trips are advisable

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited in remote areas like Coiba
In Panama City, providers like Claro, Tigo, and Digicel offer eSIMs
Airalo and Nomad may work with these networks
Connectivity in Coiba itself will be minimal or non
existent

Local Cuisine

Sancocho de Gallina must_try

This hearty chicken stew, considered a national dish, is often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and is even consumed to combat colds or hangov

Patacones snack

Patacones are twice-fried, flattened pieces of unripe green plantain, offering a starchy, slightly bland chip-like texture. They are a popular snack a

Arroz con Pollo regional_speciality

A classic one-pot dish of chicken and rice ubiquitous in Latin America. The Panamanian version often incorporates chicken cooked slowly with tomato sa

Ceviche must_try

While popular throughout Latin America, Panamanian ceviche is typically made with sea bass (corvina) but can also feature octopus or shrimp. The raw s

Carimañola street_food

These are delicious deep-fried fritters made from mashed yuca, stuffed with ground beef (carne), chicken, or sometimes potatoes. Carimañolas are a com

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation on Coiba Island (Ranger Station) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

The official accommodations are limited to basic rooms/cabins at the ranger station, which book out very far in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Boat Transport/Day Tour from Santa Catalina Transport

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

Boats and guides, especially those offering diving/snorkeling, have limited capacity. Booking ahead ensures availability and potentially a better rate.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Trip (High Season) tour_or_activity

Book 2–6 weeks in advance

Dive shops in Santa Catalina have limited spots, and trips can fill quickly, especially during the peak whale-watching and dry seasons.

Fun Facts

1. Coiba Island was once an offshore penal colony established in 1919, which housed up to 3,000 political prisoners and contributed to the island's isolation, allowing its natural environment to remain largely untouched.
2. The seclusion provided by its history as a prison allowed endemic species, such as the Coiba Island howler and the Coiba Island agouti, to evolve on the island, which is 80% primary or old-growth forest.
3. Coiba National Park, located on the Pacific coast of Panama, is part of the same underground mountain chain as the famous Galápagos Islands.
4. The island is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs on the Pacific coast of the Americas, and these reefs act as a crucial refuge for marine life escaping the negative effects of El Niño.

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