Coiba Island

Great Birding Spots of Panama with photos and maps

With an area of 50.3 square miles, Coiba is the largest island in Central America, off the Pacific coast of the Panamanian province of Veraguas. Coiba National Park (Nacional Parque Coiba) is a group of 38 islands including Coiba Island Iguana on Isla Coiba (Isla Coiba) and the waters surrounding them and covers 430,825 acres. Unesco declared the entire Coiba National Park a “World Heritage Site”.

To visit Coiba best check with a local tavel agency, there are some boats to hire in Santa Catalina for the tour but remember it needs to be well organized as you need a permit from ANAM and they are also the only ones that have facilities on the island where you can stay overnight. There are no stores on the island so all food and beverage needs to be taken from the main land and also all trash needs to be taken back.

Coiba separated from continental Panama about 12,000 to 18,000 years ago when sea levels rose. Coiba was home to the Coiba Cacique Indians until about 1560, when they were conquered by the Spanish and forced into slavery. A penal colony was built on the island in 1919. After the prison was closed down in 2004, its pristine condition made it ideal as a reserve.

With an area of 50.3 square miles, Coiba is the largest island in Central America, off the Pacific coast of the Panamanian province of Veraguas. Coiba National Park (Nacional Parque Coiba) is a group of 38 islands including Coiba Island Iguana on Isla Coiba (Isla Coiba) and the waters surrounding them and covers 430,825 acres. Unesco declared the entire Coiba National Park a “World Heritage Site”.

For bird watchers, Coiba offers 97 of the 147 species of birds found in Coiba National Park. Coiba is a refuge for Crested Eagles and Scarlet Macaws, birds who have virtually disappeared from the rest of the Republic of Panama. Coiba also offers 20 endemic birds species including the Coiba spinetail.

Description of the Video on YouTube.com: “While working for Lindblad Expitions I was fortunate enough to vist some amazing places and on the journey I find myself at Coiba National Park. Coiba Nataional Park is the third -largest marine park in the world, this former colony made for a perfect place to spend a day birdwatching and enjoying the stunning scenery that makes up Coiba Island. From Michael Murphy, Destination Unknown.”