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© Venicio Wilson

PN de Isla Coiba

7.48045 , -81.76866

Panama

Largest marine national park in Panama. The Island of Coiba is the largest off the coast in the Pacific coast of Central America. It was a penal colony for 90 years until it was designated a protected area and in 2005 designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. The high level of endemism of the island and the almost pristine ecosystems were the main virtue UNESCO wanted to protect with the designation. 

Coiba Spinetail is a national endemic that shares the forest of the Island with many subspecies of birds, many of them possible endemic species until further research. 

The waters around the Island also provide living space for hundreds of marine birds. The vast tracks of the forest of the island are Panama's stronghold for Scarlet Macaw. This forest is also a major stopover for migrant songbirds on their way to South America.  

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 7.4804/-81.7687 (2021-01-19 18:23:45 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "PN De Isla Coiba" (2021-01-19 18:23:45 )

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:49:04
Largest marine national park in Panama. The Island of Coiba is the largest off the coast in the Pacific coast of Central America. It was a penal colony for 90 years until it was designated a protected area and in 2005 designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. The high level of endemism of the island and the almost pristine ecosystems were the main virtue UNESCO wanted to protect with the designation.  Coiba Spinetail is a national endemic that shares the forest of the Island with many subspecies of birds, many of them possible endemic species until further research.  The waters around the Island also provide living space for hundreds of marine birds. The vast tracks of the forest of the island are Panama's stronghold for Scarlet Macaw. This forest is also a major stopover for migrant songbirds on their way to South America.  
Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:32:37
Largest marine national park in Panama. The Island of Coiba is the largest off the coast in the Pacific coast of Central America. It was a penal colony for 90 years until it was designated a protected area and in 2005 designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. The high level of endemism of the island and the almost pristine ecosystems were the main virtue UNESCO wanted to protect with the designation.  Coiba Spinetail is a national endemic that shares the forest of the Island with many subspecies of birds, many of them possible endemic species until further research.  The waters around the Island also provide living space for hundreds of marine birds. The vast tracks of the forest of the island are Panama's stronghold for Scarlet Macaw. This forest is also a major stopover for migrant songbirds on their way to South America.  

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Gray-headed Dove (Leptotila plumbeiceps)
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
Coiba Spinetail (Cranioleuca dissita)

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) was added by Venicio Wilson (2021-09-21 04:10:59)

Gray-headed Dove (Leptotila plumbeiceps) was added by Venicio Wilson (2021-09-21 04:10:39)

Coiba Spinetail (Cranioleuca dissita) was added by Venicio Wilson (2021-09-21 04:10:21)

  • Timing and strategy

For the Island endemics, there is no season that is better than others, however, the transition from dry to the rainy season (March-April) is the breeding season which makes it easier to find some forest species. 

Early morning or late afternoon are freshers and easier temperatures to walk the forest. During the rainy season expect showers/thunderstorms in the afternoon. 

2 full days is what is recommended but if you don't have enough time, hiring a local guide with experience will save you time and you can shorten your trip to 1 full day of birding in order to find the Island subspecies and endemics.

Sendero Los Monos and Sendero Santa Cruz are the best areas to maximize your chances. 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:37
For the Island endemics, there is no season that is better than others, however, the transition from dry to the rainy season (March-April) is the breeding season which makes it easier to find some forest species.  Early morning or late afternoon are freshers and easier temperatures to walk the forest. During the rainy season expect showers/thunderstorms in the afternoon.  2 full days is what is recommended but if you don't have enough time, hiring a local guide with experience will save you time and you can shorten your trip to 1 full day of birding in order to find the Island subspecies and endemics. Sendero Los Monos and Sendero Santa Cruz are the best areas to maximize your chances. 
  • How to get there

Boats could be hired from Santa Catalina, Playa El Banco, Montijo, Mariato, Puerto Vidal, and Pixvae Santa Catalina being the easiest starting point.

You can also fly to the Island on a charter small plane or arrive on a yacht or mini cruises. You must have a small panga boat to move around if you arrive on a bigger mode of transportation. 

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-21 13:37
Boats could be hired from Santa Catalina, Playa El Banco, Montijo, Mariato, Puerto Vidal, and Pixvae Santa Catalina being the easiest starting point.  point. You can also fly to the Island on a charter small plane or arrive on a yacht or mini cruises. You must have a small panga boat to move around if you arrive on a bigger mode of transportation. 
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-21 13:37
Boats could be hired from Santa Catalina, Playa El Banco, Montijo, Mariato, Puerto Vidal, and Pixvae Santa Catalina being the easiest starting point.    You can also fly to the Island on a charter small plane or arrive on a yacht or mini cruises. You must have a small panga boat to move around if you arrive on a bigger mode of transportation. 
Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:40
Boats could be hired from Santa Catalina, Playa El Banco, Montijo, Mariato, Puerto Vidal, and Pixvae Santa Catalina being the easiest starting point.    You can also fly to the Island on a charter small plane or arrive on a yacht or mini cruises. You must have a small panga boat to move around if you arrive on a bigger mode of transportation. 

Every tour to the Island most visits the Main Ranger Station at the northern end of the Island in order to register their visit. Entrance fees and other services must be paid in cash only at the station or could be prepaid by wire transfer in advance. You must contact the Ministry of Environment to request instructions on how to prepay your visit fees. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:57
Every tour to the Island most visits the Main Ranger Station at the northern end of the Island in order to register their visit. Entrance fees and other services must be paid in cash only at the station or could be prepaid by wire transfer in advance. You must contact the Ministry of Environment to request instructions on how to prepay your visit fees. 
  • Other attractions

Humpback whales, Pantropical Spinner Dolphins, Brady's Whales, White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, and American Crocodile are other wildlife you can easily encounter on your visit to the Island. 

Snorkeling and Scuba are superb on the nearby islets and are almost a must-to-do

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 03:59
Humpback whales, Pantropical Spinner Dolphins, Brady's Whales, White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, and American Crocodile are other wildlife you can easily encounter on your visit to the Island.  Snorkeling and Scuba are superb on the nearby islets and are almost a must-to-do

The main facilities are at the main ranger station where one can find toilets a small visitor's centers and trails. Other than that you must provide yourself with all needed for a visit to the island since no vendors or facilities are to be found nearby. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 04:00
The main facilities are at the main ranger station where one can find toilets a small visitor's centers and trails. Other than that you must provide yourself with all needed for a visit to the island since no vendors or facilities are to be found nearby. 

The main things to worry about are mosquitos and sandflies. Be very careful if you decide to walk on solitary beaches since there could be crocodiles or stingrays. 

If walking off the trails, keep in mind that there are Fer-de-Lance vipers. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Venicio Wilson on 2021-09-21 04:02
The main things to worry about are mosquitos and sandflies. Be very careful if you decide to walk on solitary beaches since there could be crocodiles or stingrays.  If walking off the trails, keep in mind that there are Fer-de-Lance vipers. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

Gallery

Reports

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Species:
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PN de Isla Coiba - Orniverse