Coming for your Coiba tour?
There's no airport or bridge to Coiba. Every trip starts the same way: reach the town of Santa Catalina, then let a boat do the rest. Here's how.
Contact us on WhatsAppFirst, the golden rule: you cannot travel directly to Coiba. Everyone reaches the island by boat from Santa Catalina, in the province of Veraguas. So the real question is: how do you get to Santa Catalina? You have three options from Panama City.
Panama's main international gateway is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.
Private charter companies fly from Panama City to the Lago Bay airstrip in about 45 minutes, followed by a short 10–15 minute transfer into Santa Catalina. You'll skip the long drive and enjoy spectacular aerial views. Ideal if your time is limited.
Follow the Pan-American Highway west toward Santiago (around 240 km), then continue through Soná to Santa Catalina. The roads are paved the whole way — no 4x4 needed — but drive carefully in rain or at night. Plan on 5–7 hours. A private shuttle with A/C is a great alternative.
The most affordable way. From Panama City's Albrook Bus Terminal, take a bus to Santiago (about $9), then a connecting bus to Soná (about $2), and finally a local minibus to Santa Catalina (about $5). Total travel time runs 7–9 hours and roughly $16. Prices are approximate and may vary — buy tickets early.
Once you're in Santa Catalina, the hard part is over. From here you just need a licensed boat tour — that's us. Tours leave early in the morning and return between 3:45 and 4:00 pm, and the ride out across the Pacific takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by speedboat. We recommend arriving the day before so you're rested and ready.
You'll need a valid passport or ID to enter Coiba National Park, plus the park entrance fee on arrival ($20 foreigners / $5 Panamanians and residents). Keep it dry and bring it on the boat — no document, no entry.
Santa Catalina has no airport — but getting here is easy. Through our partner Panama Shuttles, we can arrange comfortable private or shared transfers from almost anywhere in the country, so you arrive rested and ready for your Coiba tour.
Air-conditioned direct shuttles across the country — the easy way in from the capital or the airport.
Coming from the western highlands or over the border? Direct transfers to Santa Catalina.
Pedasí, Las Tablas, Chitré and Playa Venao — connect your beach days with Coiba.
On the Pan-American route or arriving from elsewhere? Tell us your city and we'll find the best option.
Per-person prices with our partner Panama Shuttles (shared shuttle). Fares are the same in both directions.
Prices are per person for a shared shuttle, confirmed at booking. Private transfers, round trips and other routes are available — see panamashuttles.com or message us for a quote.
Mention Snorkel Coiba when you book your transfer and we'll help coordinate your pickup time with your tour — one less thing to worry about.
Ground transport is provided by Panama Shuttles, an independent company that is not part of Snorkel Coiba. We are happy to share their contact and, if you tick the transport option in our booking form, we will forward your request to panamashuttles.com so they can get in touch. However, your transport reservation, payment, pickup point and all logistics are arranged directly between you and Panama Shuttles. Snorkel Coiba is not responsible for the transport service, its schedules or any changes to it — our responsibility begins and ends with your tour in Coiba.
Prefer to call? Panama Shuttles: +507 6907-4119
5–7 hrs
Once you reach Santa Catalina, your tour, gear, guide and lunch are all sorted.
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