Making the most of Isla de Coiba
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.
Because Coiba is still a working penal colony, visitors must get permission to visit the island. This can be obtained by applying to Directorate of Penal Correction and from the National Environmental Authority. The island is still very primitive (that is most of its appeal) and there are very few accommodations or services on the island.
Visiting Isla Coiba is worth the trek. The beaches there are unpopulated and covered in a fine, white powdery sand. The island's beaches are also popular with sea turtles who use them as a nesting ground between April and October. If you're looking for something different, an area untouched by modern tourism, consider a trip to pristine Isla Coiba and the Coiba National Park there. You'll be rewarded with some of the most scenic natural beauty in the world as well as abundant wildlife and marine life.
Food and shopping
Traditional Panamanian crafts can be found most cheaply at artesian markets. In Panama City, the best are found at the market in Balboa, with the Panama Viejo market coming in as a close second. Panama's best-known craft is the mola, intricate reverse-applique handwork made by the Kuna. Molas can be bought at either of these craft markets, or from vendors on the seawall in Casco Viejo.
Money
Panama uses the Balboa and the US Dollar as its currencies. The balboa is equivalent to the US dollar and has exactly the same value, but in reality the Balboas only exist as coins that are equivalent to the US coins.
Staying connected
Languages Spanish (official), English 14% note: many Panamanians bilingual.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours vary, but most of the stores and shops open from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and some even up to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.