Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
confirm that there is space for lodging, though the phone lines are not always working
(and when they are, there's no guarantee anyone will be around).
The majority of the island is a restricted area, though there is a large distance between
the ANAM station and the now defunct main prison complex (open to tours).
Coiba is home to the second-largest eastern Pacific coral reef and some of the finest
diving and snorkeling to be found along the Pacific coast from Colombia to Mexico. The
entire island is covered with a heavy virgin forest, except for the prison camps and along
the lower courses of the larger streams where there are swampy woodlands. Rocky head-
lands project along the coast, and there are sandy beaches broken by mangroves at river
mouths.
In addition to Coiba (503 sq km), islands within the park include Isla Jicarón (20 sq
km), Isla Brincanco (330 hectares), Isla Uvas (257 hectares), Isla Coibita (242 hectares),
Isla Canal de Afuera (240 hectares), Isla Jicarita (125 hectares), Isla Pájaros (45 hectares)
and Isla Afuerita (27 hectares).
On the northern end of the island, the
ANAM Ranger Station
( 999-8169, in Santiago
998-4387; park fee US$20)
consists of several basic cabins, a camping pitch, showers and
toilets. It is located beside an attractive beach alongside a scenic cover. One former pris-
oner did not want to leave the island and still works at the ANAM station and often inter-
acts with Spanish-speaking visitors.
Getting There & Away
The most common departure point for boats heading to Isla de Coiba is Puerto Mutis, a
small port about 25km southwest of Santiago, though more and more boats go from
Santa Catalina. Typically, this trip takes about two to three hours, though it varies de-
pending on the size and speed of both the boat and the waves. Boats also depart for
Coiba from the port of Pedregal near David and Santa Catalina, though these two destin-
ations are less convenient. There is also an airstrip on Coiba Island, though this is re-
served for private charter flights.
If you're on Coiba as part of an organized tour, your operator will take care of all the
necessary transportation arrangements. However, if you're planning on trying to reach
the island independently, the best place to hire a boat and a guide is Puerto Mutis. Prices
are negotiable and ultimately dependent on the price of fuel, the size of your party and
your intended length of stay (eg whether or not your driver has to return to the main-
land). Make sure your boat has life jackets, plenty of fuel, adequate horsepower and a
functioning radio.
