COIBA

• Latitude: 7.50017
• Longitude: -81.6974
• West Coast Central America
• Port in Panama

Address: Panama

Certainly! Coiba is an island located off the Pacific coast of Panama, and it's part of the Coiba National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it's important to note that Coiba itself is more renowned for its natural beauty and ecological significance than for being a traditional marine port with extensive commercial facilities.

Here's a detailed description and specification of the Coiba area from a marine perspective:

General Information

• Location: Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, off the Pacific coast of Panama.
• Coordinates: Approx. 7.5167° N latitude, 81.7000° W longitude.
• Status: Part of Coiba National Park, primarily a conservation area and marine protected zone.

Marine and Ecological Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Its rich biodiversity and pristine ecosystems are protected to preserve marine life, coral reefs, and tropical rainforest environments.
• Biodiversity: Home to various marine species including sharks, whales, dolphins, and numerous fish species, along with bird species and other wildlife.
• Conservation: Visitors must adhere to strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact.

Marine Facilities

• Ports/Marinas: There are no commercial ports or large marinas typically associated with industrial or commercial shipping.
• Access: Mainly accessed by small boats. The island itself hosts accommodations for scientists, park rangers, and limited eco-tourism activities.
• Anchorage: Vessels can anchor at designated spots; mooring buoys may be available to protect coral reefs.

Activities

• Research: Used for scientific research due to its unique ecosystems.
• Tourism: Eco-tourism, diving, snorkeling, and nature tours. Permits may be required for certain activities.
• Fishing: Strictly regulated to preserve marine life.

Infrastructure

• Facilities: Limited infrastructure to support conservation staff, researchers, and small numbers of tourists.
• Accommodation: Basic lodging available primarily for researchers and park staff. Limited options for overnight tourist stays.
• Utilities: Basic utilities to support conservation operations.

Environmental and Marina Regulations

• Controlled Access: Entry and activities are regulated by Panama's National Environmental Authority (ANAM).
• Sustainability Measures: Anchoring restrictions, no-fishing zones, and limited development to protect the environment.

Navigational Information

• Charts and Maps: Essential for navigation due to protected areas and regulations.
• Tides and Currents: Typical for Pacific coast with local variations. Mariners should be aware of local conditions.

Transportation

• Boat Access: Key access point is from nearby mainland towns, such as Santa Catalina, from which boats can be chartered.
• Air Access: Closest major airports are in Panama City, requiring additional transportation arrangements to reach the area.

Summary

Coiba Island is primarily an ecological and marine conservation area with limited but essential facilities to support research and controlled eco-tourism. It is not a conventional marine port but serves as an important site for marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and low-impact tourism activities.

For the latest and specific details regarding access regulations, transportation, and permitted activities, it's advisable to check with the Panamanian authorities and the administration of Coiba National Park.