Coiba Island
Coiba Island
Coiba Island, located off the Veraguas province on Panama’s Pacific coast, is a paradise for nature lovers. With a surface area of 503 km2 (194 sq mi), it is the largest island in Central America and home to an abundance of diverse wildlife.
The island is a haven for scarlet macaws and other rare birds like crested eagles that are no longer found on the mainland.
It also boasts an impressive 800 distinct fish species, including 33 shark species such as bull and tiger sharks, as well as approximately 20 cetacean species like humpback whales and orcas. In addition, the island is home to reptiles like green iguanas and gigantic toads, and hawksbill sea turtles can be found foraging in its waters and laying their eggs on its beaches.
Snorkeling in the waters around Coiba Island offers the chance to encounter a truly unique and breathtaking array of marine life.
What makes Coiba Island a unique and exciting destination for snorkeling and nature enthusiasts?
Coiba Island is home to a wide variety of unique and interesting wildlife, including:
- Four turtle species: leatherback, hawksbill, olive, and loggerhead.
- The Coiba Island agouti, a species of rodent found only on the island.
- The howler monkey, an opossum, and a white-tailed deer.
- Over 30 varieties of bats.
- The crested eagle, a rare and endangered bird of prey.
- Approximately 20 different species of marine mammals, including humpback whales and orcas.
- 33 species of sharks, including hammerheads, whale sharks, and guitar sharks.
- Over 173 different species of birds, with many found nowhere else on earth.
Snorkeling in Coiba: A Look Below the Surface
Coiba Prison
Coiba Island has a dark history as a penal colony, where some of Panama’s most dangerous criminals and political prisoners were sent to live and perform forced labor from 1919 until 2004. The island’s isolation, caused by rising sea levels more than 12,000 years ago, made it an ideal location for the prison. Known as “los desaparecidos” (the disappeared) during the dictatorships of Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega, these prisoners were held in harsh conditions and were cut off from the rest of the world. It was difficult to access the island, and even harder to leave it. Today, Coiba Island is a protected national park, and its beautiful natural surroundings offer a stark contrast to its past as a prison.
Snorkel Coiba
Welcome to Snorkel Coiba, your premier tour operator in Coiba National Park! Our team of trained tour guides is dedicated to providing the best possible service to help you and your friends or family learn about the amazing flora and wildlife of Coiba Island.
We are located in the beautiful province of Veraguas, in the town of Santa Catalina, and we can’t wait to show you everything this incredible region has to offer. So if you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, come join us at Snorkel Coiba!
Contact Us
Thank you for considering Snorkel Coiba for your adventure in Coiba National Park! We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
You can reach us by telephone at +507 6888-7940, by email at info@snorkelcoiba.com, or by WhatsApp at the same numbers. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @SnorkelCoiba.
We look forward to helping you plan your trip and hope to see you soon!