In short
- Park entrance fee is $20 for foreigners and $5 for Panamanians.
- Children 12 and under enter the national park for free.
- Shared boat tours cost between $70 and $120 per person.
In this article
Planning your budget for Coiba National Park is straightforward. You have two main costs to consider: the boat tour from Santa Catalina and the mandatory government entrance fee. The entrance fee is always paid separately in cash when you arrive at the island.
What is the Coiba National Park entrance fee?
The Coiba National Park entrance fee is $20 for foreign visitors. Panamanian citizens pay $5.
You pay this fee directly to MiAmbiente park officials. It is rarely included in your initial boat tour price. Children 12 and under are completely exempt from the fee.
How much do boat tours cost?
Shared full-day snorkeling trips cost between $70 and $120 per person.
Prices change depending on the operator and the booking platform. These full-day tours depart Santa Catalina around 8:00 AM and usually return by 4:00 PM. They include transport and snorkeling stops.
How do you pay the entrance fee?
You must pay the entrance fee in cash upon arrival at the park.
You pay at the Coiba Island Ranger Station (ANAM) when you disembark. Card payments are not accepted on the island, so you must bring physical cash from the mainland.
Do children pay the entrance fee?
Children 12 and under do not pay the national park entrance fee.
They enter the protected area for free. However, you still need to pay the boat operator for their seat on the tour.
Are private boat tours available?
Yes, a private boat charter for a full-day trip starts around $550.
This starting rate generally covers a group of up to 4 people. A private charter allows you to set your own pace for the 8-hour day.
| Trip Type | Estimated Cost | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Snorkeling Tour | $70 - $120 per person | 1 person |
| Private Boat Charter | From $550 per boat | Up to 4 people |
Do I need cash for anything else?
You need cash for guide tips in addition to the $20 park fee.
Make sure you also bring your physical passport or ID copy. The park rangers require this document for mandatory park registration when you arrive.
Questions travellers ask
Does the tour price include the park entrance fee?
No. Boat tours are paid separately to local operators. You must pay the $20 entrance fee in cash to the park rangers.
Where do I pay the entrance fee?
You pay the fee at the main Coiba Island Ranger Station. Your tour boat will stop here during the trip.
What documents do I need to enter the park?
You need a valid passport or a physical ID copy. This is mandatory for park registration when you pay your fee.
