Panama Tapir in Coiba National Park Travel Magnet

Coiba National Park lies off Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí and protects a vast marine area centered on Coiba Island, the country’s largest island. Once a penal colony, it was largely untouched for decades, allowing its forests and reefs to remain pristine. Today the park spans over 1,700 square miles of islands and ocean, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and key role in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. The park is a paradise for wildlife both on land and underwater. Dense tropical forests shelter howler monkeys, agoutis, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, including scarlet macaws. Surrounding waters host some of the best diving in the Americas, with whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, sea turtles, and large schools of fish frequenting the reefs. Mangroves, coral gardens, and nutrient-rich currents support an extraordinary mix of species, making Coiba a premier destination for nature lovers and divers seeking healthy, vibrant ecosystems.