Isolated island for nature lovers: Coiba National Park

Coiba National Park

Isla de Coiba is Panama's largest island with an area of over 500 square kilometres. In 1992, it was planned as a national park.

According to studies, Isla de Coiba separated from continental Panama about 12,000 to 18,000 years ago. The plants and animals on the isolated island have gradually diverged in appearance and behaviour from their continental counterparts. 

As a result, there are many bizarre animals on Isla de Coiba, including crested eagles, agoutis and Coiba Island howler monkey, a species of money endemic to the island.

Moreover, Isla de Coiba is geographically blessed that the surrounding sea is free from the impact of hurricanes and El Niño, making it a paradise for the sea creatures. Ecologists have identified dozens of dolphins and whales in this area, including humpback whales, killer whales and sperm whales.