Plongée à Coiba Island — Panama

Coiba Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and former penal colony off Panama's Pacific coast, where nutrient-rich currents attract whale sharks, hammerheads, and humpback whales. The island's isolation preserved both its terrestrial rainforest and marine ecosystems. Strong currents and variable visibility demand experience, but the pelagic payoff is extraordinary.

Score
66.5
Visibilité
8–25m
Température
24–29°C
Meilleurs mois
January, February, March
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World Class
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Coiba Island
PanamaEastern Pacific
66.5

SCORE

7.4167°N

-81.8333°E

Coiba Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and former penal colony off Panama's Pacific coast, where nutrient-rich currents attract whale sharks, hammerheads, and humpback whales. The island's isolation preserved both its terrestrial rainforest and marine ecosystems. Strong currents and variable visibility demand experience, but the pelagic payoff is extraordinary.

Panama's Galápagos of the Pacific

Visibility8–25 m
Temperature24–29°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentstrong
2-Tank Dive$180
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April
CertificationAdvanced Open WaterAdvanced

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML82.0CH68.0VIS58.0SV62.0TMP80.0DA68.0OP72.0TS45.0GT48.0VAL62.0CRD85.0SP68.0

Marine Life

82.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
78
Megafauna Encounters
88
Reef Fish Abundance
72
Macro Life
58
Endemic Species
72
Marine Life Diversity
82.0
Coral & Reef Health
68.0
Visibility & Conditions
58.0
Dive Site Variety
62.0
Water Temperature
80.0
Depth & Access
68.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
45.0
Getting There
48.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
85.0
Social Proof
68.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

jungle trekkingbird watchingsnorkelingfishing

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • former prison ruins

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber250 km — Hospital Chiriquí Hyperbaric Unit, David
Nearest Hospital250 km

No medical facilities on Coiba; evacuation to Santa Catalina (2 hours by boat) then David — DAN coverage and emergency O2 essential

Skill LevelAdvanced
Current Strengthstrong

Top Operators

Coiba Dive Center

PADI

4.7
150 reviewsNITROX