Exquisite Diving

"Coiba Island is one of the last relics of tropical moist forest in Pacific Central America, a site of great beauty and great marine and terrestrial diversity, preserving endemic and endangered species. The coral reefs exemplify successful reef growth under sheltered but very restricted conditions and serve as a refuge and source of species replenishment for other islands, including the Cocos and Galapagos, during and after El Ni~no disturbances."
Protected Areas Program - UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
( read full UNCEF article… )

Why Dive Coiba?

Pristine Environment: Coiba National Park is the largest Marine Park in Central America and now a World Heritage Site. Coiba has only begun to be explored by scientists and adventurers. A small ranger station and an old prison are the only structures within the park. There are no towns or resorts in this location. To learn more about Coiba's lush marine life please read UNEP's description of this area (link to UNEP)
Rich Reef Corals, High Number of Endemic Marine Species and Corals: Reef Corals have not been as affected by the recent El Nino Bleaching episode. These warm water currents have greatly affected the reef corals of the Galapagos Islands and the Cocos Islands. Coiba's combination of a variety of warm and semi-oceanic marine habitats rich in coral and large fish with tropical forest is also far larger and richer than that of Cocos Island.
We are easy to get to: Direct flights from the US to Panama City Panama are available from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Upon your arrival, we will transport you via vehicle to the Lost Coast Explorer (approximately 3 hour). Once aboard, we begin diving and touring!
Unexplored Territory: We are constantly making new discoveries. First descents are not only possible, they are encouraged as we continue to research this vast marine park. Local scientists are also finding new species of coral, fish, insects and marine animals regularly. Coiba Island has been nicknamed the new Galapagos.

What Will I See When I Dive Coiba?

Rays: mobula rays, devil rays, eagle rays
Turtles: leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle
Whales: sperm whales, Bryde's whales, killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales
Dolphins: bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, Central American spinner dolphin, common dolphin
Sharks: whale shark, tiger shark, bull shark, black-tip c, silky c, white-tip reef shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, nurse shark
760 species of fish, including: giant tuna, blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, amber jacks, wahoo, dorado, flying fish, rainbow runners, rooster fish, barracuda, mackarel, angelfish, scissortail, chromis, gag cabrila, sergeant majors, barberfish, butterfly fish, cubera snapper, grunts, damselfish, blennies, puffers, creolfish, blue finned, trevally, jawfish, scorpionfish, hawkfish, group
Also seen on site: lobster, grunts, harlequin shrimp, sea cucumbers, moray eels, sea snakes

Coiba Island National Park, Panama - 6-day, 6-night Itinerary

Arrival Day: Fly to Panama City where our representative will meet you at the airport and transport you and your group to Santiago. Spend the night in this small town.  

Day 1: Our shuttle departs Santiago at 7:00 am the following morning.   You will be transported from Santiago to Puerto Mutis (45 minute drive). Our staff will meet you at Puerto Mutis and get you on your way. Once aboard our 100' yacht, you will be escorted to your state room, served brunch and will have an opportunity to get your gear ready to dive! After refreshing and changing, you will jump on our smaller 24' boats and head out to the dive sites. The 100' Lost Coast Explorer will follow and stay in close proximity throughout the day as we work our way up the coast, cruising and diving our way up the coast, taking advantage of incredible dive sites and sandy beaches. The abundance of huge snapper barracuda and schools of jacks in this area will surely surprise you. Giant turtles and reef sharks also frequent this area.
After you have completed your diving, you will board the Lost Coast Explorer for a dinner of fresh seafood and local cuisine.  We will anchor near the town of Santa Catalina, home to one of the best surf breaks in Central America. If you are an experienced surfer or a beginner Santa Catalina has a wave for you.  This town also has a hopping pizza place and local cantinas.
Day 2: In the early morning, the Lost Coast Explorer will transport you to Isla de Coiba.   Coiba is the largest island in Coiba National Park which is a protected world heritage site.  It is in these calm waters that you will discover several dive sites offering the perfect opportunity to see a variety of marine life including lobster, trumpetfish, cornetfish, spotted eagle rays, moorish idols, cortez barracuda, cortez angelfish, pompano, chubs, jacks, surgeonfish and a variety of sharks.
Day 3: We will spend another day on the east side of Coiba as we take advantage of the calm waters and great visibility.  This area is also home to numerous white sand beaches that are seldom visited.  This is also the place to participate in an early morning jungle tour on the “money trail” which is famous for its howling monkeys that live in this area of the forest.  Enjoy an evening dinner cruise as we tour to our next dive spot, “Playa Hermosa” which is on the west side of Coiba Island.
Day 4:    Playa Hermosa is a beautiful sandy beach that is home to a small river. This area is known for its whale shark sightings, shark sightings, Manta sightings and large cubera and snook.  Playa Hermosa is also near the famous Hannibal Banks, off the west side of Coiba Island.  This is some of the most famous Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish fishing grounds in the world.  For those of you wanting to take a day for fishing, this just might be the perfect opportunity. 
Day 5: We will continue our cruise south along the Coiba coastline in the morning towards Isla Jicaron. This stretch of coastline is rarely visited by either divers or fishermen as it is very remote. The only way to successfully explore it is with a live aboard boat. Join us as we continue to explore these untamed islands in search of rare species of fish.   Mantas, Mobula Rays, huge turtles and los of fish live in these waters. Diving will be more challenging, but very rewarding.
This area is also home to some of the best fishing and surfing in Panama. For those of you who would like to spend a day fishing or surfing, this is the area to do it.  We will anchor in front of a beautiful beach that is frequented by howler monkeys and rare birds. Devil Rays and Manta Rays often play in this bay. With its crystal blue waters, there is always something to view. For those of you looking for some adventure, you may trek around this island. It is rumored that the pirate Captain Henry Morgan buried his lost treasure here. Although many Panamanians have set course for the island in search of the lost treasure, no one has found it yet.
Day 6: We will spend our day here exploring the incredible diving around Jicaron and Jacarita Island. Hammer head sharks, large rays, nurse sharks and a variety of other BIG fish including Marlin, and Sailfish are seen frequently in this area. This area is unique because it is home to world class fishing, surfing and diving. Marlin, sailfish and tuna are within two miles of our anchorage. There are also over 7 surf spots nearby. This is the perfect day to mix up your activities. You can dive in the morning, fish during the day and surf in the evening. It is all right here and our guides know how to get you into the action. After a day of blissful play, we will pull anchor and do a sunset dinner cruise Santa Catalina.
Departure Day: Our crew will help you load your gear onto our 24' boats and will transport you back to Puerto Mutis, where our agents will transport you to Panama City. You may choose to fly out this day or extend your trip and spend time in Panama City. Panama City is a very cosmopolitan city, offering first class amenities, a rich history and plenty of culture. If you are interested in adding on to your trip, we can help you make arrangements.
* This itinerary is a tentative schedule that may be altered by weather or other unforeseen factors.
Every effort is made to follow this itinerary.

Pricing:

$2,995 per person for 6 day 6 night

*Max of 16 guests on the boat
*All rates are double occupancy rates
Rates do not include $100 per person round trip ground transfer fees or optional $350.00 per person charter flight into or out of Coiba National Park.
Rates do not include $150.00 per person Coiba Park permit fee
Park Permit covers all park fees and fishing licenses.
(Rates subject to change without notice.)
Inquire about additional photo and video park fees.
Rates do not include lodging off of the Lost Coast Explorer; hotel booking available upon request.
For individual divers, please visit our adventures travel page for pricing
Individuals may book an adventure travel package and dive three dives a day.
Click Here

6 day 6 night Price Includes:

•  Daily cruising throughout the islands of Coiba National Park
•  First day 2 afternoon dives
•  Up to 3 dives a daily after the first day
•  Dive Compressor to fill tanks
•  Dive belts and weights
•  Dive tanks
•  Transportation aboard one of our 24 foot boats to dive sites, beach, or other area of interest
•  Snorkeling and snorkel gear
•  Inshore and near shore fishing (Within a 9 mile radius of the Lost Coast Explorer anchorage site)
•  Surfing and surf lessons
•  Jungle tours in the Coiba National Park
•  Private white sand beach tours
•  Local village tours
•  Lodging on one of the 8 guest suites aboard The Lost Coast Explorer
•  Gourmet meals and appetizers
•  Complimentary beer and wine
•  Recreation room with professional card table, and flat screen TV
•  Meet and greet service including:
•  Meet and Greet at Tocumen International Airport
•  Transfers to the hotel of your choice in Panama City
•  Transfers from your hotel to the Panama City Air Strip for your charter flight to Coiba National Park on day 1 if you choose the charter flight

Expenses Not Included in Package Price:

•  Round trip commercial flights to Panama City, Panama
•  Hotel stay in Santiago the first night
•  Any additional expenses incurred while in Panama City or Santiago
•  Satellite phone use aboard the Lost Coast Explorer ($3.50 per minute)
•  Coiba National Park Permits ($150 per person) 6 Days in the Coiba National Park
•  Any commercial photography or commercial video charges that apply through the Coiba National Park
•  Contracting a sport boat for offshore fishing (target: marlin, sailfish, and yellow fin tuna)
•  Laundry services on board the Lost Coast Explorer $30.00 per load
•  Fly- in sight seeing tours (helicopter only)
•  Gratuities for the crew of the Lost Coast Explorer and Sport Boat Crew
•  Gratuities for shuttle drivers and Coiba Park Rangers / Guides when applicable

Payment and Cancellation Policies:

30% due at the time of booking. Remaining amount due 60 days before your trip.

Insurance

Every effort is made to ensure you have a safe trip but we recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance in the event of unexpected changes in your travel plans. Also recommended is accident, medical, and baggage insurance.   Lost Coast Excursions is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged luggage or diving gear.  Please talk to our reservations and information assistant for more information

Payment and Cancellation Policies:

Individuals – please see our “adventure travel” package and pricing
.
*Fuel surcharges can be added at any time
Park Permit fees can change without notice
Customer Information/Waiver Policy
The Customer Information/Waiver must be fully completed and returned to Lost Coast Excursions (30) days prior to departure date.