Ornate Moorish Idols and King Angel fish are common, as are schools of surgeon fish grazing on marine algae. On the reef fringes, schooling Butterfly fish and Wrasse school up together forming cleaning stations, which are frequented by larger fishes, coming to be cleaned of fungus and unwelcome parasites.

Snorkeling equipment is available aboard.

Relax and unwind on one of the many deserted  white sandy, deserted beaches, While there is much to do and see, the best vacation for some of our guests involves doing nothing! Hidden away in protected coves or jagged inlets and lined with coconut palms, the spectacular beaches of the Gulf of Chiriquí offer a perfect back drop to relax, take some sun and forget civilization. The blend of blues and greens of the warm clear waters will remain an  everlasting impression. A gentle walk on the soft sand reveals many of the creatures that live in the inter-tidal zone. Thousands of comical hermit crabs fighting for available shells and sand crabs, hurrying to recycle  the nutrients from the sand before the tide turns.

Treking and Nature Watching

Take a hike under the green canopy of the primary tropical rain forests of the islands of the Coiba National Park; there are several trails, of different degrees of difficulty, which offer a great opportunity to observe some of the islands unique wildlife and extensive flora. Trails usually start and finish on the beach. Several nature trails wind under the canopy of the lush tropical forests. These forests are home to a great variety of exotic trees, rare flowers, orchids and birds, from delicate Humming birds to a variety of local hawks and raptors. Rising gently through the forest, the viewing platforms “Miradors” offer spectacular panoramic views over the islands and the distant ragged peaks of the Panamanian high lands and provide access to some of the most massive residents of the primary tropical rain forests.

Bird Watching

Coiba Island is home to one of the last remaining healthy populations of the magnificent Scarlet Macaw, which can be observed early morning feasting on the fruits of the almond trees that line particular beaches. Rocky cliffs  of Jicarita and Jicaron provide  a nesting sanctuary for several species of marine birds, both resident and migratory, including the Magnificent Frigate Bird, Yellow Footed Booby, Neo-tropical Cormorant and the Brown Pelicans. These and many other species  rely on the rich marine resources of the area. Panama has become a Mecca for bird watchers; there are 147 species of exotic birds registered so far on Coiba, which includes several neo-tropical migrants and a few endemic species. The Crested Eagle, one of the largest and most illusive raptors in the world is reported on the island in the area of Punta Hermosa.

Sea and River Kayaking Explore hidden coves, reefs, beaches,  rivers and mangrove forests on a kayaking safari. Kayaks provide an ideal mode of transport to observe birds, crocodiles and other exotic wildlife of the mangrove and coastal zones of the park. Several one and two man Ocean Kayaks are available aboard for use by our guests.

The Penal Colony

Coiba Island was once considered the Devils Island of Central America. From 1918 until the year 2000 the island was a prison. Twenty camps were established, which held up to 2,000 inmates. This was a model prison, which produced enough food to feed all the inmates on the island, other prisons on the main land and some schools.

La Central was the principal camp and distribution point of prisoners to other camps.  The regime was ridged but, to the most part, relaxed.  However, investigations have revealed terrible events and the disappearance of hundreds of people, who, to this day, have never been accounted for.  The island has a very dark and sordid past.  Coiba’s distance from the main land, strong currents and healthy shark populations deterred most escape attempts. Half day excursions to this camp are available.

One of our guides spent 12 years as an inmate on Coiba and can explain the regime and typical life of a prisoner on  Coiba. When his day of liberation arrived, he refused to leave the island and became one of the Park Rangers. He is now one of the best naturalist guides and historians on Coiba!

Short List of Attractions

• Exhibition and Information Centre, Park Ranger Station.
• Viewing Platforms ( Mirradors) El Gambute.
• Thermal Springs and Nature Interpretation Trial.
• Monkey Trail.
• Nature Interpretation Trial to ancient Mangrove Forest of Santa Cruz.
• Trial to the Waterfall at Juncal.
• Nature Interpretation Trail to the Volcanic Rift Valley.
• Volcanic Fault.
• The Island Granito de Oro (Grain of Gold)
• The Penal Colony, La Central Camp.
• Nature Interpretation trails of Jicaron and Jicarita.
• River Kayaking. Rio San Juan and Punta Hermosa.
• Nature Interpretation Trail on Isla Rancheria.
• Nature Interpretation Trail Isla Brincanco, Archipelago of Contreras.