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- Coiba Island rainforest and endemic wildlife — Dense tropical forest that feels properly wild. You can spot the endemic Coiba howler monkey and lots of reptiles and insects you won’t see on the mainland; short hikes lead to viewpoints and quiet understory that’s great for wildlife watching.
- Penal colony ruins — The old prison buildings and ghostly infrastructure from the 20th-century penal camp are surprisingly atmospheric. It’s an easy, evocative stop that shows a very different layer of the island’s history alongside the nature.
- World-class diving and snorkeling — Coral gardens, huge schools of fish, manta rays, and regular encounters with large pelagics (hammerheads and whale sharks turn up seasonally). Water’s clear, marine life is abundant thanks to protections — my personal favorite
- Coiba Island rainforest and endemic wildlife — Dense tropical forest that feels properly wild. You can spot the endemic Coiba howler monkey and lots of reptiles and insects you won’t see on the mainland; short hikes lead to viewpoints and quiet understory that’s great for wildlife watching.
- Penal colony ruins — The old prison buildings and ghostly infrastructure from the 20th-century penal camp are surprisingly atmospheric. It’s an easy, evocative stop that shows a very different layer of the island’s history alongside the nature.
- World-class diving and snorkeling — Coral gardens, huge schools of fish, manta rays, and regular encounters with large pelagics (hammerheads and whale sharks turn up seasonally). Water’s clear, marine life is abundant thanks to protections — my personal favorite for the “wow” factor underwater.
- Pristine white-sand beaches — Long, empty beaches with turquoise water and good spots for swimming or chilling after a hike. These beaches are also important nesting grounds for sea turtles, so timing a visit can add a nesting or hatchling sighting.
- Isla Jicarón and the island cluster — Small islands around Coiba are perfect day-trip stops: local village vibes, easy snorkeling right off the sand, and short walks to viewpoints. A great place to break up a boat day.
- Mangrove channels and estuaries — The mangrove fringes are alive with juvenile fish, crabs and a huge variety of shorebirds and waders. Paddle or take a skiff through for close birdwatching and a different, quieter ecosystem than the open coast.
- Whale and dolphin watching — Seasonal humpback whales pass through and dolphins are commonly seen from boats. If you’re on a multi-day trip or visit in the right months, a cetacean encounter is very possible.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.