Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
Location: Coiba Island, Panama
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria: (ix) to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Coiba National Park is located on the largest island off the Pacific coast of Panama. The park encompasses an area of 2,700 square kilometers (1,045 square miles) and includes a chain of 38 smaller islands. The park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests. The park is also an important breeding ground for several marine species, including humpback whales, sea turtles, and several species of shark.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Coiba National Park include:
History: Coiba National Park has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The island was home to several indigenous groups, including the Choco and the Cueva, who relied on the area's natural resources for survival. In the 20th century, the island was used as a penal colony, with a reputation for brutality and human rights abuses. The island's prison was closed in 2004, and the area was declared a national park the following year.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Coiba National Park, including:
Fun Fact: Coiba National Park is one of the largest marine reserves in the world, covering an area of 430,825 hectares (1,045,000 acres).
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Coiba National Park is $20 per person for foreign visitors. The fee is payable at the ranger station upon arrival.
How to Reach it: Coiba National Park can be reached by boat from the town of Santa Catalina, which is located on the Pacific coast of Panama. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and can be arranged through a tour operator in Santa Catalina.
Where to Stay: Visitors can stay on Coiba Island in rustic cabins provided by the park. There are also several hotels and lodges in Santa Catalina, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations:
Hotel Santa Catalina: This hotel is located in the heart of Santa Catalina, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant. The hotel also offers a variety of activities such as surfing, fishing, and scuba diving.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria: (ix) to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Coiba National Park is located on the largest island off the Pacific coast of Panama. The park encompasses an area of 2,700 square kilometers (1,045 square miles) and includes a chain of 38 smaller islands. The park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests. The park is also an important breeding ground for several marine species, including humpback whales, sea turtles, and several species of shark.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Coiba National Park include:
- Coiba Island: The largest island off the Pacific coast of Panama and the main feature of the park.
- Cabo Blanco: The highest point on Coiba Island, standing at an elevation of 467 meters (1,532 feet).
- Coral Reefs: The park's coral reefs are some of the most diverse and biologically important in the Pacific Ocean.
- Marine Wildlife: The park is home to several species of shark, including hammerheads and whitetips, as well as humpback whales and sea turtles.
History: Coiba National Park has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The island was home to several indigenous groups, including the Choco and the Cueva, who relied on the area's natural resources for survival. In the 20th century, the island was used as a penal colony, with a reputation for brutality and human rights abuses. The island's prison was closed in 2004, and the area was declared a national park the following year.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Coiba National Park, including:
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The park's coral reefs offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world.
- Fishing: The park is a popular destination for sport fishing, with a variety of species such as marlin, sailfish, and tuna.
- Hiking: There are several trails on Coiba Island that offer stunning views of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: The calm waters around the park's islands make for great kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Fun Fact: Coiba National Park is one of the largest marine reserves in the world, covering an area of 430,825 hectares (1,045,000 acres).
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Coiba National Park is $20 per person for foreign visitors. The fee is payable at the ranger station upon arrival.
How to Reach it: Coiba National Park can be reached by boat from the town of Santa Catalina, which is located on the Pacific coast of Panama. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and can be arranged through a tour operator in Santa Catalina.
Where to Stay: Visitors can stay on Coiba Island in rustic cabins provided by the park. There are also several hotels and lodges in Santa Catalina, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations:
Hotel Santa Catalina: This hotel is located in the heart of Santa Catalina, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant. The hotel also offers a variety of activities such as surfing, fishing, and scuba diving.
Next Stop: Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá