- Area: 503 sq. M. km
- Origin: volcanic
- Nearest cities: David, La Concecious, La Chorrera, Las Lajas
Koiba Island is first and foremost a wonderful atmosphere of seclusion and remoteness from civilization, a place where you can feel harmony with untouched nature and underwater beauties. It is no coincidence that the island got the name "new Galapagosses".
Location:
Koiba (Spanish name - Coiba) is the largest island in Panama , located in the Pacific Ocean, more than 10 km from the mainland, off the west coast of the Asouero Peninsula, in the Chiriqui Bay, in the province of Veraguas.
History of the island
Koiba Island is still the largest uninhabited island of the planet. This was facilitated by the fact that for many years here there was a prison for political prisoners. In addition, since the island is at a respectful distance from the mainland, it remained untouched by poachers and fishermen.
In 1992, the island of Koiba became part of the National Park of Panama, and in 2005 it was added to the list of specially protected natural sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climate on the island of Koiba
On the island of Koiba, the tropical subequatorial climate, hot and humid all year, the temperature differences are small. The recommended time to visit Koiba, and Panama in general - the period from mid-December to May, when the dry season continues. In the remaining months, short-lived, but abundant tropical downpours erode roads and interfere with the movement, and at times visiting some of the country's sights .
What is interesting about Koiba Island?
The island of Coiba is of volcanic origin, constitutes along with 37 other islands an entire archipelago, called the National Park of Panama. The area in these parts is 80% untouched, so here you can see the pristine beauty of natural landscapes. On the island there are several rivers, the largest of which is the Black River (Rio Negro).
Flora of Koiba is represented mainly by dense tropical and mangrove thickets, and fauna - a great variety of rare representatives of animals and birds, many of which are endemic. In the National Park of Koiba, there are 36 species of mammals, about 40 species of amphibians and reptiles, and about 150 birds. Only here you can see the golden hare and the Colombian howler, as well as the rather rare birds - the predatory harpy and the scarlet macaw. In coastal sea waters there are a lot of fish, in connection with which the island will be of interest to fans of sport fishing.
Of course, it's worth mentioning separately about snow-white beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Their beauty is difficult to convey in words, it is better to at least once come to Koiba and see everything with your own eyes.
Diving in Koiba
Scuba diving and observation of the depths of the bay, gorgonian colonies, snails, shrimps, crabs, colorful fish and starfish make, perhaps, the main entertainment on the island of Koiba.
The local coral reef covers an area of 135 hectares. This is the most beautiful and large reef on the Central American territory.
A special feature of local diving is the fact that several Pacific currents are mixed on the Koiba. Therefore, you can see stingrays and white-shark sharks, sea turtles, barracuda, fish-surgeons and tuna. From June to September, it becomes possible to observe humpback whales, meet orcas, dolphins, tiger, ox sharks and hammerhead sharks. In total, according to the information of coastal water researchers, there are 760 species of marine life on Koiba.
Scientists continue to explore the island and discover new types of corals and fish.
How to get there?
The way to Koiba island is very difficult. It is most convenient to go there from the city of Santa Catalina by boat. A fascinating sea voyage lasts about 1.5 hours. Santa Catalina can be reached from the city of Panama . The distance between these cities is 240 km, the road by car takes 5-6 hours. And in the capital of Panama you can fly on one of the international flights, with a transfer in Madrid, Amsterdam or Frankfurt.
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