Two oceans, hundreds of islands and a reputation for dense rainforests -  you would think that Panama has to be an ideal location for finding some fantastic marine life, coastlines and wildlife. In its difficult to reach western Pacific islands of Coiba and the Gulf of Chiriqui, it really does offer all of these things in abundance.

These islands are some of the most idyllic in all of the west coast of the tropical Americas. The area is also part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor - famous for its healthy populations of sharks and pelagic marine life. The Hannibal Banks a few hours out into the open Pacific Ocean, is an area famous amongst sports fishermen for some of the largest concentrations and specimens of fish which a diver would rather see alive than on the end of a line. This makes it one of the most incredible spots for 'Out of the Blue' marine life experiences, where one minute you can be floating in open water; whilst the next you are surrounded by a thousand big eye jacks, a school of hammerhead sharks, or gliding beside a 4 metre span mobular ray.

There is some impressive rainforest on these islands, of which that on Coiba Island is the most significant. It is the largest unpopulated island in the Americas and following many years serving as a high security prison, 85% of the forest remains in a completely virgin state with recovering forest on most of the rest. There are dozens of beaches where you will not find a soul, but you will find dozens of parrokeets, hear the roar of an endemic sub species of black howler monkey (Alouatta palliata coibensis), Panama's largest populations of scarlet macaws and hundreds of purple and orange crabs.

There are an incredible 760 species of fish to be found here - the kind of diversity you won't be able to match on many South East Asian reefs. There are 33 species of sharks and rays, some of which you are likely to see everyday you dive here. Most commonly seen are white-tip reef sharks, of which it is not unusual to see more than a dozen at a time. Hammerhead sharks are also relatively common. Others include whale sharks, bull sharks, , black tip reef, tiger sharks and Galapagos sharks. In the early months of each year when cool thermoclines bring a greater abundance of fish, golden cow nosed rays can often be seen dozens at a time.

Whilst the reefs are less diverse and colourful than their Western Pacific counterparts, they are still busy with life. The second largest reef in the Eastern Pacific is at Bahia Damas on Coiba Island and covers 160 hectares. Free swimming moray eels are abundant everywhere, whilst at the surface large turtles and dolphins are a regular sight. Whales are also a regular sight including seasonal visits from orcas, sperm whales, toothed whales and humpback whales. The latter migrate through the area between May and October each year.

Exploring by Scuba, Snorkel, Kayak & Trekking

With so many islands and isolated beaches, this area is best seen from a boat you can sleep onboard. Diving and snorkelling is available throughout each day with smaller speed boats equipped to take you and your kit to the best dive sites in around Panama's western Pacific islands.

To explore Coiba's hidden bays, beaches and completely unspoilt tidal rivers, sit on top kayaks provide a stable platform to explore. There are also some trails you can be guided along into Coiba's rainforests.

Extending your stay

Aqua-Firma is a specialist at tailor made travel in Panama, neighbouring Costa Rica and many other parts of Latin America. Please call us or email to discuss opportunities for extending your stay.

Photographs kindly provided by Kadu Pinheiro, Alexander Balaguer & Cristiano Paoli

Panama  -  Colombia  -  Costa Rica  -  Latin America  -  Venezuela  -  Malpelo  -  Galapagos  -  Coiba  -  Gorgona  -  Eastern Pacific  -  Belize