Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sendero del Observatorio
HIKING
(Observatory Trail)
Starting at the ANAM ranger station, this 500m-long trail terminates at
a secluded bird-watching platform. The trail starts behind the cabins, with a second part
that starts behind the kitchen. After a few hundred meters you will reach the top of a hill
with views out to neighboring Isla Coibita.
Sendero de Los Monos
HIKING
(Monkey Trail)
Near the Granito de Oro islet, this trail is only accessible by boat. It's only a
few kilometers long, though it accesses several beaches and is home to several species of
monkey. You're most likely to spot howlers and capuchins in the dry season when the fo-
liage isn't as dense.
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling & Swimming
The cove near the ANAM ranger station is home to a tiny island that you can snorkel
around during high tide. If you choose to do this, be warned that the current on the is-
land's far side is sometimes very strong. If you're a poor swimmer, do not venture out-
side the cove.
Two other popular spots for swimming and snorkeling are the islet of Granito de Oro
and the mangrove forest close to Punta Hermosa in the west. Both the mangroves and
Granito de Oro can be reached only by boat.
The majority of visitors to Coiba arrange their diving through tour operators or dive
centers based in Santa Catalina.
Coiba Dive Expeditions
DIVING
( 6689-6112, 232-0216;
www.coibadiveexpeditions.com
; 7-day all-inclusive US$2100)
Recom-
mended by reputable guides, this conservation -oriented dive tour is run on a 16-guest,
115ft dive boat where guests sleep. Offers seven-to-12-day dive expeditions to Coiba,
with nature tours, penal colony visit and kayaking included.
Sportfishing
The seas around Coiba are home to some seriously large fish, and lucky anglers can hook
everything from marlin and sailfish to roosters and tarpon. To fish, you must obtain a
sportfishing permit (US$60) for the park, through your outfitter or
ANAM
(Autoridad Na-
cional de Ambiente; 998-0615;
www.anam.gob.pa
)
.
One option is to use the local boats around Santa Catalina. Professional outfitters run
about US$2500 per person for all-inclusive three-night/four-day packages, some with
private charter flights, group minimums of four passengers.
