What to Bring to Coiba Island: The Packing List for a Day in the Park
Coiba has no shops, no ATMs and no signal on most beaches. What you pack is what you have.
Download the free packing checklist (PDF) ↓
The Must-Haves
- Original passport or ID. The rangers check it with your park permit at the station. Keep it in a waterproof pouch.
- Park permit. Paid online before the trip; every visitor needs one, children included. All the details are in our Coiba prices guide.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Mineral formulas protect you and the corals you came to see. Put it on before you board.
- Hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve sun shirt. On open water the sun hits twice: from above and off the sea.
- Swimwear and a towel. Wear the swimsuit under your clothes; there are few places to change.
- A dry bag. For your phone, camera and the clothes you want to keep dry on the ride.
- Some cash. There are no ATMs in the park or on the boat.
Good to Have
- A light rain jacket or windbreaker: the morning ride can be cool, and in the rainy season showers come and go fast.
- Seasickness tablets, taken before the boat leaves, if you tend to get dizzy.
- A reusable water bottle. We carry water and ice, and Coiba is better without single-use plastic.
- Your own mask if you wear prescription lenses or love a perfect fit.
- A waterproof camera or phone case for sea turtles and reef fish.
Shoes for the Ranger Station Trails
Most stops are beach and water, so sandals are fine on board. But the ranger station has two short trails worth the walk: Mirador Cocos and Cerro Gambute, each about 45 minutes each way. Bring closed shoes or sturdy sandals with straps, and a little insect repellent for the forest.
What to Leave at Home
- Single-use plastic bags and bottles.
- Anything you would be sad to lose overboard.
- Food for the wildlife: animals in Coiba are wild, and feeding them is not allowed.
Food on Board
Every menu is made to order: tell us before the trip what you want and we load it on the boat, from a beach barbecue to light snacks. Prices are in our Coiba prices guide.
Check your date on WhatsApp See the Coiba tours
Private boat for up to 6 people: $950 per boat for one day in Coiba, $1,700 per boat for two. Into fishing? See the Coiba fishing charter, from $1,500 per boat. Coming from July to October? Read about whale watching in Coiba.
Want the long version, with what to wear on a boat day? Read what to wear and bring on a boat tour by Pacific Adventure Tours, the team behind Travel Coiba.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to Coiba Island?
Your original passport or ID, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a long-sleeve sun shirt, swimwear, a towel, a dry bag and some cash. Snorkel gear, life jackets, water and ice are on our boat.
Do I need my passport to visit Coiba?
Yes. Rangers check your ID together with the MiAmbiente park permit at the ranger station. Carry the original in a waterproof case.
Are there shops or ATMs in Coiba?
No. There are no shops or ATMs in the park. Bring the cash you need from Santiago or Santa Catalina.
Is there hiking in Coiba?
Yes. At the ranger station there are two trails, Mirador Cocos and Cerro Gambute, about 45 minutes each way. Bring closed shoes or sturdy sandals.
Do I need my own snorkel gear?
No. Snorkel gear and Deepboards are on board for everyone, and SUP boards come at no extra cost if you ask. Bring your own mask only if you need prescription lenses.