Coiba Island (Spanish: Isla Coiba) is one of the hotspots of marine biodiversity in the east tropical Pacific. It is the biggest island in Panama's Coiba National Park. Despite serving as a place of exile for Panama for a lengthy time, it still keeps 80% of its authentic woodland.
Within Coiba Island National Park, there is information on 1,045 species of vascular flowers, 205 species of birds, 39 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 36 species of mammals. Due to its length and the richness of the island and its surrounding waters, Coiba National Park has grown to be one of Panama's natural treasures. This place is also the largest marine location in the Pacific of Central America, with 33 species of sharks, 22 species of rays, 20 species of cetaceans, and 814 species of fish diagnosed.
Map of Coiba Island
| Name | Coiba Island (Spanish: Isla Coiba) |
| Country | Panama |
| Province | Veraguas |
| Coordinates | 7.48°N 81.79°W |
| Area | 503 km2 (194 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EAST) |
| Population | 0 |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Coiba Island
The rise in sea levels between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago resulted in the separation of Coiba Island from the mainland of Panama. The plants and fauna at the newly fashioned island became isolated from their mainland. In 2005, Coiba National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its evolutionary significance and the diversity of endangered species on the island. Over millennia, most of the animals evolved excellent appearances and behaviors. The island is domestic to many endemic subspecies, which include the Coiba Island howler monkey and the Coiba Island agouti.
In 1919, an exile colony was established on the island. During the dictatorships of Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega in Panama, the jail on Coiba Island turned into an area of dread, infamous for its harsh situations, torture, executions, and political murders. The exact quantity of humans killed at some point in that period is unknown, but reports suggest the figure can be near three hundred. As a result, locals have been reluctant to visit the island, which remained undeveloped besides the prison.
After the prison closed in 2004, the island's pristine situation made it an ideal nature reserve. Coiba Island is likewise one of the last places in Central America in which wild scarlet macaws can be determined in great numbers. Approximately 75% of the island is blanketed via woodland, an awful lot of it untouched. Coiba Island hosts rare plant life and fauna particular to the island, and tree species vanished from the mainland because of deforestation and overharvesting.
How to Get to Coiba Island
A 20-minute flight from Panama City will take you to Santiago. From there, a 25-kilometer power will lead you to Puerto Mutis, where you could take a ship to Coiba Island. The precise transportation relies upon climate conditions and the sort of vessel used. If the weather is favorable, a speedboat may be taken and make the adventure approximately two hours; in any other case, it could take around 6 hours. Permission from the Ministry of Environment is required to visit Coiba Island.
10 Amazing Facts About Coiba National Park
Coiba Island, overlaying 49,300 hectares, is the biggest island in the Pacific Ocean of the Americas. Due to its far-off location, a penal colony was established here in 1910, which still exists today, helping with the renovation of the island's pristine forests.
The complete coastal vicinity of Coiba National Park boasts sights, which include beaches, diving, and fishing. The nice sand and clear waters are characteristic of Coiba Island's beaches, such as Playa Damas and Playa Blanca, as well as the beaches on the islands of Granito de Oro, Ranchería, Uvas, and Contreras.
The island is home to a variety of vegetation and fauna, which is best for nature fans, including sea turtles that nest within the coastal regions.
Fact #1
In 1919, Coiba Island became hooked up as an offshore penal colony. Under the dictatorships of Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega, it held about 3,000 political prisoners, called the "disappeared."
Fact #2
After the navy dictatorship had been shut down in Panama, the jail commenced to shut in 1990, and the remaining prisoners were released in 2005.
Fact #3
In 2005, Coiba National Park turned into a distinctive UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its evolutionary importance and the range of endangered species on the island.
Fact #4
Coiba Island National Park is home to approximately 760 species of fish, 33 species of sharks, and 20 species of whales and dolphins. Endangered, prone, and close to threatened species inside the park encompass all 4 varieties of sea turtles, as well as the hawksbill turtle, tiger shark, and crested eagle.
Fact #5
As one would possibly expect of a former prison island, Coiba National Park is rugged to get entry to. Many journey companies do no longer go to the island, and there are no direct flights or other approach of transportation. Travelers reach the island by taking small boats from nearby coastal communities such as Santa Catalina. An accurate alternative is to leave Puerto Mutis, very near the metropolis of Santiago, where our organization gives snug, fast, and very secure boats.
Fact #6
Due to Coiba Island's isolation, just like a jail, it has remained largely unaffected and undeveloped; the island hosts many endemic species, along with the Coiba Island howler monkey and white-tailed deer. Eighty percent of the wooded area is virgin.
Fact #7
The largest coral reef on the Pacific coast of the Americas surrounds Coiba Island. These reefs serve as a shelter for species escaping the consequences of the El Niño phenomenon.
Fact #8
Coiba Island is a birdwatcher's paradise, with 147 species of birds, together with 21 endemic species and subspecies. The island is the only place in Panama in which large numbers of scarlet macaws are discovered and is the very best vicinity to observe the Panama endemic brown-sponsored dove.
Fact #9
Coiba Island is part of the same underwater mountain variety as the Galápagos Islands.
Fact #10
Coiba National Park is taking precautions to defend the island's ecosystem. No greater than 60 people are allowed to live on the island each night. Staff at the island guard flora and fauna from poachers and coral reefs from irresponsible fishing practices.
Activities on Coiba Island
Hiking and Walking
A network of trails winds via diverse habitats, presenting possibilities for studying the park's vegetation and fauna. These paths vary in issue and duration, catering to all styles of traffic.
One of the endorsed trails within the park is the El Cedro Trail. This route publications you through various habitats, offering a risk to take a look at the park's wealthy plant and animal existence. With slight duration and difficulty, El Cedro Trail is suitable for maximum site visitors, immersing you in the herbal beauty of Coiba Island and revealing its mesmerizing biodiversity.
Snorkeling and Diving
The park is an extraordinary venue for diving and snorkeling, providing dive sites with a fantastic diversity of marine lifestyles. The clear, warm waters make those sports virtually unforgettable.
Birdwatching
Coiba Island is a paradise for chicken enthusiasts, web hosting lots of resident and migratory birds. Birdwatching tours are a famous hobby in the park.
Whale Watching
From July to October, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) visit the waters around Coiba Island, which presents outstanding viewing opportunities. Orcas (Orcinus orca) and whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) also inhabit these waters. Undoubtedly, this is one of the highlights of visiting the park.
Best Time to Visit Coiba Island
The ideal time to visit Coiba Island is during the dry season, from January to April. However, during the rainy season from May to December, the park reveals a different aspect, with the vegetation at its most lush.
