Things to do in Santa Catalina, Panama
Coiba, whales, surf at Playa Estero and La Punta, Isla Catalina and the best sunset spot.
Coiba Prison tour
- Full day, 8:00 AM to about 3:50 PM
- Groups of 8 to 10
- 2 snorkel stops
- English and Spanish
For 85 years Coiba Island was a penal colony. Walk through what remains of it with a local guide, then snorkel the reefs that the prison's isolation helped protect.
A short history of the penal colony
Panama opened the penal colony on Coiba in 1919. Far from the mainland and surrounded by open sea and forest, the island was used to isolate prisoners convicted of serious crimes.
During the military governments between 1968 and 1989 it also held political prisoners, and the camps became known for harsh conditions and abuses.
The colony closed in 2004. Because so few people lived on Coiba for so long, its forests and reefs stayed largely untouched, and in 2005 Coiba National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a place with a hard history, and we visit it with respect.
The day
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8:00 AM
Santa Catalina
Meeting, snorkel gear and safety briefing.
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Morning
Coiba Prison
Guided walk through the ruins of the penal colony.
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Midday
Isla Coiba
Lunch and a visit to the national park's visitor center.
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Afternoon
Coco Grande and Coco Pequeño
Two snorkel stops on the reefs.
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Afternoon
Isla Ranchería
Beach time before heading back.
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About 3:50 PM
Santa Catalina
Back on the mainland.
The order of the stops can change with the tide and sea conditions.
What the day includes
Included
- Boat ride with a certified captain
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Life jackets
- Lunch and drinks, with vegetarian or vegan options
- Fresh fruit
Not included
| Foreign visitors | $20 |
|---|---|
| Panamanians | $10 |
Paid separately on the day, per person.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve shirt for the sun
- Reusable water bottle
- Flip-flops
- Waterproof bag for your phone
- Cash for the park entrance
- A photo of your passport or ID. Please leave the original at your hotel.
What we need to book you
To register your group with the national park, send us for each person: full name, nationality, age and passport or ID number. Please also tell us shoe sizes (for the fins), vegetarian or vegan meals and any allergies.
Meeting point. In Santa Catalina at 8:00 AM. We send you the exact location on WhatsApp when you book.
Questions and answers
How do I book a tour?
Use the booking form or send us a WhatsApp message at +507 6888-7940 with the date, the tour and the number of people (and their nationality, for the park entrance). You can also write to info@coibaislandtours.com. In the dry season, from December to April, book a few days ahead.
How much is the Coiba National Park entrance?
$20 for foreign visitors and $10 for Panamanians, per person. It is paid separately on the day of the tour, so please bring cash.
Where and when do we meet?
At 8:00 AM in Santa Catalina. We send you the exact location of the meeting point on WhatsApp when you book. We are back on the mainland at about 3:50 PM.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our priority. If sea or weather conditions are not safe, we reschedule your tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. To change your date, send us a WhatsApp message at +507 6888-7940.
How can I pay?
We accept cash, bank transfers and online payments by credit card or PayPal. Ask us for the details when you book.
What information do you need from me?
For the park registration: full name, nationality, age and passport or ID number of each person. We also ask for shoe sizes (for the fins), vegetarian or vegan meals and allergies.
Plan your trip
All travel guides
How much does a Coiba Island tour cost? Prices for 2026
Shared and private tours, the park entrance fee and example budgets for couples, families and groups.
How to get to Coiba Island from Panama City
By car, bus or shuttle from Panama City to Santa Catalina, and the boat ride to the national park.
Other tours
Ready to see Coiba?
Tell us your date and how many people are coming. We confirm availability and the price on WhatsApp.