Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 6560-6558;
www.fluidadventurespanama.com
; 3 days & 2 nights per person US$469)
Run by
a young Canadian, this Santa Catalina-based outfitter offers kayaking trips around Isla
de Coiba. Day trips (US$105) reach Coiba by motorboat for a head start. Departure dates
are few. Camping, guides, all meals and transportation are included and equipment is
top-notch.
Tanager Tourism
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 6676-0220, 6667-6447;
www.tanagertourism.com
;
3-day all-inclusive per person US$500)
Run
by a keen Dutch couple, these guided tours use local fishing boats and include meals,
snacks and drinks. Not included are the park entrance fee and the cost of the dorm at the
ranger station. Since trips are tailored, it's best to book several weeks in advance to give
time for adequate preparation. Tours start and end in Malena, on the Azuero coast. Re-
quires two-guest minimum.
Sleeping & Eating
Ranger Station Cabins
CABIN $
( 999-8169; campsite/dm per person US$10/20)
The only accommodation on the island is
the ANAM ranger station, which offers six spartan cabins that share common cold
showers and toilets. Owing to the isolation of Coiba, you shouldn't expect too much. You
can also use a tent or a jungle hammock. Insect repellent is a must!
The entire station has a certain deserted island charm, given it is a deserted island.
Electricity is produced by a diesel generator that runs from dusk to dawn. Depending on
the available gas supply, use of air- conditioning may be restricted, though no one will
stop you from turning it on if you bring your own fuel in from the mainland. Of course, if
you've made it this far, you probably have some man-vs-wild experience and can take a
warm tropical night.
If traveling as part of a tour, you will not have to worry about meals as everything will
be arranged for you. Independent travelers must purchase supplies in advance on the
mainland as there is no food available on the island. Guests can cook at the ranger sta-
tion, where kitchen and dining renovations are in the works.
Information
Visitors to the island (even day-trippers) register upon arrival at the ANAM ranger sta-
tion. It is very difficult to arrive on the island as an independent traveler, since you must
