How to Get to Coiba National Park from Panama City (Step-by-Step Guide)
Coiba National Park is the crown jewel of Panama’s Pacific coast — a UNESCO World Heritage marine park often called the “Galápagos of Central America.” Getting there is easier than most travelers think, and you don’t need a rental car.
Step 1: Panama City → Santa Catalina by shuttle
Santa Catalina is the gateway town to Coiba. Our door-to-door shuttle picks you up at your hotel in Panama City and takes you straight to Santa Catalina for $60 per person. The scenic ride crosses the interior of the country — no bus terminals, no transfers with luggage.
Step 2: Santa Catalina → Coiba by boat
From Santa Catalina, tour boats reach the park in about 60–90 minutes. Full-day tours from town include snorkeling stops like Granito de Oro, island beaches and wildlife watching, with park permits handled for you.
Step 3: Bundle it
Because we arrange both the shuttle and the tour, you can book both in one message: transport, tour and timing arranged together. Day tours are run by the local specialists at Snorkel Coiba. Many travelers do Day 1 travel, Day 2 Coiba, Day 3 return — see our suggested itineraries on the Coiba Tours page.
Tips
- Leave Panama City in the morning to arrive with daylight.
- Book Coiba a day ahead in high season (December–April).
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag.
Getting around Panama
We run shared and private shuttles linking Panama City, Santa Catalina, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, David and more — plus Coiba National Park day tours from Santa Catalina.