Whales + Coiba, shared boat
$75 per person + park entrance
The full Coiba Island Tour, with three snorkel stops, lunch on Coiba and Isla Ranchería, plus time to watch the whales on the way.
Whale watching in Coiba
- July to October
- Best in August and September
- Shared or private boat
- Departs 8:00 AM
From July to October, humpback whales come to the warm waters of Panama's Pacific coast to mate and give birth. We look for them in the Gulf of Chiriquí, on the way to Coiba National Park.
Choose your trip
Coiba National Park entrance: foreign visitors $20, Panamanians $10. Paid separately on the day, per person.
About the humpbacks
The humpbacks you see here from July to October come from the Southern Hemisphere. They spend the southern summer feeding in cold waters and travel north to warm, sheltered areas like the Gulf of Chiriquí, where you may see mothers with their calves, tail slaps and, on a lucky day, a full breach.
We watch whales responsibly: a slow approach, a respectful distance and limited time with each group, following Panama's whale-watching rules. Whales are wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed.
When to go
Dry season December to April
Sunny days and the busiest months. Book a few days ahead.
Green season May to November
Short afternoon showers, lush forest and fewer visitors.
Humpback whales July to October
Whales arrive to mate and give birth. August and September are usually the best months.
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.
Can children come?
Yes, families are welcome. Tell us the children's ages when you book. If you prefer your own pace, a private tour is a good option.
Plan your trip
All travel guides
Whale watching in Panama: when and where to see humpbacks
The humpback season, the best months, where to see them and how to watch them responsibly.
The best time to visit Coiba Island
Dry season or green season, whale months and how the weather affects your day at sea.
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.
Other tours
Ready to see Coiba?
Tell us your date and how many people are coming. We confirm availability and the price on WhatsApp.