Is Coiba worth it? An honest answer before you book

The short answer

If you love the ocean and wildlife, yes. A day in Coiba National Park means snorkeling with sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks on protected reefs, lunch on an island that was off-limits for most of a century and a white-sand beach with no hotels in sight. If you are looking for beach bars, shopping or a quick trip from Panama City, Coiba may not be the right fit.

We run tours to Coiba, so we're not neutral. That's why we also tell you the downsides below.

What the day costs

The shared Coiba Island Tour costs $80 per person, lunch included. On top of that, everyone pays the national park entrance: $20 for foreign visitors and $10 for Panamanians, and children 12 and under don't pay.

• One foreign adult: $80 + $20 = $100 for the whole day.
• A couple from abroad: $200.
• A Panamanian adult: $80 + $10 = $90.

Private boats, whale watching and example budgets for groups are in our Coiba tour prices guide.

What you get for the price

• A full day, from 8:00 AM to about 3:50 PM, with about an hour by boat each way.
• Three snorkel stops on different reefs, with mask, snorkel, fins and life jackets.
• Lunch and drinks on Coiba Island and a visit to the national park's visitor center.
• Free time on the white-sand beach of Isla Ranchería.
• A bilingual guide and a certified captain who choose the best sites for the day's conditions.

What makes Coiba different

Coiba has been a national park since 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. There are no towns, resorts or roads on the island, and according to UNESCO the park is home to 760 species of marine fish, 33 species of sharks and 20 species of whales and dolphins. From July to October you may also see humpback whales on the way. Why is it so wild? Read the history of Coiba.

The downsides, honestly

• It takes time to get there. Santa Catalina is 5 to 6 hours by car from Panama City, so plan at least two nights in town. Here is how to get to Coiba.
• The crossing is open sea. The boat ride can be bumpy, especially on the way back. If you get seasick, take your usual remedy before you leave.
• Rain in the green season. From May to November, afternoon showers are common. A light rain jacket helps on the ride home.
• Wildlife is wild. We don't feed or chase animals, so no sighting is guaranteed. Even so, the reefs are full of fish, and turtles and reef sharks are seen often.

Who will love it, and who might skip it

You'll love Coiba if you enjoy snorkeling or want to try it, love wildlife and nature, travel with kids from about 6 years old or want to see humpback whales from July to October.

You might skip it if you get very seasick, want nightlife or beach clubs, or only have a day or two outside Panama City.

How to get the most out of your day

• Arrive in Santa Catalina the day before. The boat leaves at 8:00 AM.
• For the calmest seas and the most sun, come in the dry season, from December to April. For whales, come from July to October. More in our guide to the best time to visit.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard and a waterproof bag for your phone.
• Tell us the ages and swimming level of your group, so we bring the right gear.
• Traveling with 10 people? A private boat works out at $75 per person, less than the shared tour, and the whole day is yours.

Our verdict

For most travelers who make the trip to Santa Catalina, a day in Coiba is the highlight: it's the closest you can get to a Pacific island that has stayed wild. If the ocean is your thing, it's worth every hour of the journey.