How Much Does It Cost to Visit Coiba Island?

Trying to understand the real Coiba Island cost before you book? You’re not alone. Most travelers start out only looking at the price of Coiba tours, and then realize there are a few other pieces of the puzzle: national park fees, transport from Panama City, hotels in Santa Catalina, food, and optional extras like scuba diving or private boats.

The good news is that you can build a Coiba travel budget that matches your style. You can visit Coiba on a shared snorkeling day trip and a simple guesthouse, or you can fly in, stay somewhere more comfortable and book multi-day adventures in the park. This guide breaks down every main cost so you know what to expect before you start sending deposits.

Whenever we talk about prices here, we’ll focus on what you actually spend on the ground: tours, national park fees, accommodation in Santa Catalina, meals and transport to the coast. For specific tour options and inclusions, you can always compare real offers in our curated guide to the best Coiba tours.

We’ll also highlight the smartest way to save time: instead of only driving or taking buses, many travelers now fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then continue by a short transfer to Santa Catalina. Flying first cuts hours off your journey, and for short trips it can make the whole experience feel smoother and more relaxed.

Coiba Island Cost at a Glance

Every trip is different, but here’s a quick overview of what most people spend when visiting Coiba National Park from Santa Catalina. These are typical ranges in USD to help you plan; exact prices vary by season, operator and availability.

• Shared snorkeling day trip to Coiba: often around US$ 70–120 per person, plus national park fee.
• Shared diving day trip (certified divers): commonly around US$ 140–180 per person for 2–3 dives, plus park fee.
• Multi-day Coiba expeditions: packages of 2–5 days can range roughly from US$ 300–900+ per person depending on itinerary, camping or lodge, and inclusions.
• Coiba National Park fee: currently about US$ 20 per day for foreign visitors and lower for Panamanian residents, often paid in cash on top of the tour price.
• Accommodation in Santa Catalina: from around US$ 15–30 per person in simple hostels and budget rooms to US$ 60–150+ per night in mid-range and higher-end stays.
• Meals in Santa Catalina: plan roughly US$ 6–10 for simple meals and US$ 12–20+ for fuller dinners with drinks.
• Getting from Panama City to the Coiba area: you can fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then continue by short transfer to Santa Catalina, or travel entirely by road via bus or rental car, which usually takes around 5–6 hours each way.

In practice, most visitors end up somewhere in the middle: a shared Coiba tour or dive day, a comfortable mid-range room in Santa Catalina, a mix of simple and nicer meals, and either a road trip or a flight to Lago Bay Airstrip depending on time and budget.

Category	Typical Price Range (USD)	What It Usually Includes
Shared Coiba snorkeling day trip	US$ 70–120 per person	Boat from Santa Catalina, basic snorkel gear, guide, lunch or snacks, water (park fee often extra).
Shared Coiba diving day trip (certified)	US$ 140–180 per person	Boat, 2–3 dives, tanks and weights, full dive gear rental in many cases, guide, lunch/snacks, water (park fee extra).
Coiba multi-day expedition (2–5 days)	From ~US$ 300 up to 800–900+ per person	Boat transport, 2–4 days of activities, basic accommodation (camping or lodge), most meals.
Coiba National Park fee	About US$ 20 per person per day (foreign visitors)	Mandatory conservation fee paid to the park; usually handled by your tour but paid separately in cash.
Accommodation in Santa Catalina	Budget: US$ 15–40 Mid-range: US$ 50–100 Higher-end: US$ 100–150+	Per room, per night. Hostels and basic rooms on the low end; boutique hotels, cabins or apartments on the higher end.
Meals in Santa Catalina	US$ 6–10 (simple meals) US$ 12–20+ (sit-down dinner)	Local restaurants, pizzerias, cafés and beach bars; prices vary with location and what you order.
Fly Panama City → Lago Bay Airstrip	Varies by season and aircraft	~45-minute flight from Panama City to the coast, then short transfer to Santa Catalina. Saves hours versus buses or driving.
Bus / self-drive Panama City → Santa Catalina	Bus: usually the cheapest option Rental car: fuel + daily rental + potential tolls	5–6 hours of travel each way by road, with one or more bus changes or a full day of driving.

If you only have a couple of days, you may find that paying a bit more to fly first to Lago Bay Airstrip and skip most of the highway makes the rest of your Coiba Island travel budget feel more worthwhile. You arrive fresher in Santa Catalina, with more energy for early-morning departures to the park.

How Much Do Coiba Tours Cost?

The biggest single line item in your Coiba Island cost will almost always be the tours themselves. Whether you’re joining a shared snorkeling trip, a certified diving day, a multi-day expedition or a private charter, most of what you pay goes into boats, fuel, safety, guides and logistics to get you out into the national park and back safely.

On our best Coiba tours page you’ll find different styles of trips: family-friendly snorkeling days, dive-focused adventures and wildlife-centered itineraries that visit several islands in one go. Here, we’ll focus on the typical price ranges and what those prices usually include so you can quickly compare them to your overall Coiba travel budget.

Typical Prices for Coiba Snorkeling Day Tours

Shared snorkeling day trips to Coiba from Santa Catalina are usually the most affordable way to experience the park. These tours often visit two or three different spots in one day, such as small islands, beaches and shallow reefs with turtles, reef sharks and big schools of fish.

As a rough guide, most travelers can expect to pay around US$ 70–120 per person for a full-day shared snorkeling tour. The lower end of that range usually means a simple boat with a slightly larger group and more basic lunch; the higher end often reflects smaller groups, upgraded equipment, extra stops or more personalized service.

Almost all Coiba snorkeling tours from Santa Catalina include:

• Boat transport from Santa Catalina to Coiba and back.
• Snorkeling at 2–3 sites (reefs, islands and sheltered bays).
• Basic snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel) if you don’t have your own.
• A local guide or divemaster in the water or supervising from the boat.
• Lunch or snacks and drinking water.

What is usually not included in the base price is the Coiba National Park fee, which is typically paid separately and in cash on the morning of your tour. For foreign visitors, that fee is currently around US$ 20 per person per day. Always confirm with your chosen operator whether park fees, gear rental and lunch are included when comparing offers on the best Coiba tours page.

Diving Tours: Price of Coiba Dive Trips

If you are a certified diver, the biggest part of your Coiba Island cost will likely be your Coiba diving tours. These trips usually go farther and deeper than standard snorkel tours, visiting volcanic pinnacles, channels and reef walls where you can see reef sharks, big schools of jacks and snappers, rays and, in the right season, whale sharks.

Most shared Coiba diving day trips from Santa Catalina fall roughly in the range of US$ 140–180 per person, depending on how many dives are included (usually 2–3), whether full gear rental is included and how many people are on the boat. Some operators may charge a bit less if you bring your own full dive kit, or a bit more for smaller, more personalized groups.

A typical Coiba dive day includes:

• Boat transport from Santa Catalina to selected Coiba dive sites and back.
• 2–3 guided dives (depending on operator and conditions).
• Tanks and weights, plus full gear rental (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) in many cases.
• A licensed dive guide or instructor leading the dives.
• Lunch or snacks and drinking water on board.

As with snorkeling tours, the Coiba National Park fee is often not included in the base dive price and must be paid separately, usually in cash, at around US$ 20 per person per day for foreign visitors. When you compare different dive packages on the best Coiba tours page, always check whether park fees and gear rental are included or listed as add-ons.

If you want to maximize your time underwater, some operators also offer multi-day dive packages in and around Coiba. These can bundle several days of diving, accommodation in or near Santa Catalina and sometimes transfers, which can reduce your per-dive cost compared to booking each day separately.

Private Coiba Tours and Custom Charters

For groups, families or travelers who want more flexibility, private Coiba tours are another important part of the overall price of Coiba tours. Instead of joining a shared boat, you charter the boat and crew for your group only, choosing departure time, pace and in some cases the mix of snorkeling, wildlife watching and beach time.

Because you’re paying for the entire boat, private Coiba day tours usually start at a higher base price than shared trips and then make more sense when you split the cost across several people. As a rough orientation, it’s common to see private day charters begin in the low hundreds of dollars for a small boat (for example somewhere in the US$ 400–600+ per day range, depending on boat size, inclusions and season), plus park fees, fuel surcharges and any rental gear needed by the group.

Private tours are ideal if you:

• Are traveling as a family or group of friends and want to stay together.
• Prefer quieter boats or more control over the day’s schedule.
• Are celebrating a special occasion or want extra photography time.
• Want to combine snorkeling, beaches and relaxed wildlife watching at your own pace.

If that sounds like you, use the options on the best Coiba tours page to compare private and semi-private trips and see which operators specialize in small-group, higher-service experiences. In some cases, you can also combine a private Coiba day with time staying near the coast and flying in and out through Lago Bay Airstrip for a more streamlined itinerary.

Coiba National Park Fees and “Hidden” Costs

When people ask “how much does it cost to visit Coiba Island?”, they often forget about a few extra charges that don’t show up in the headline tour price. None of them are truly hidden, but it helps to know them in advance so your Coiba travel budget feels realistic.

• Coiba National Park fee: for foreign visitors, this is typically around US$ 20 per person, per day inside the park. It’s a conservation fee charged by the authorities and usually paid in cash, either directly or via your tour operator.
• Gear rental: many snorkeling and diving tours include basic gear, but some operators charge extra if you need full dive kit or specific sizes. Always check whether mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit are included in your package.
• Fuel surcharges: occasionally, especially during periods of high fuel prices, some operators add a small fuel surcharge per person or per trip.
• Tips for crew and guides: not mandatory, but customary if you are happy with the service. Many travelers budget 5–15% of the tour price as a guideline, adjusted to local norms and their own budget.
• Transfers in Santa Catalina: depending on where you stay, you might need a short taxi or walking time to reach the tour meeting point early in the morning.

When you compare trips on the best Coiba tours page, look for clear notes about what’s included: park fee, gear, food and drinks, number of stops or dives, group size. A slightly higher upfront price can be better value if it already covers most of these extras and avoids surprises once you arrive.

Type of Coiba Tour	Typical Price Range (USD)	What’s Included	Extra Costs to Consider
Shared snorkeling day trip	US$ 70–120 per person	Boat from Santa Catalina, 2–3 snorkel stops, basic gear, guide, lunch or snacks, water.	Coiba National Park fee, tips, optional extra drinks or upgraded gear.
Shared diving day trip (2–3 dives)	US$ 140–180 per person	Boat, 2–3 guided dives, tanks and weights, often full gear rental, lunch/snacks, water.	Coiba National Park fee, dive computer rental, tips.
Multi-day Coiba expedition (snorkel or mixed)	From ~US$ 300 up to 800–900+ per person	Boat transport, 2–4 days of activities, basic accommodation (camping or lodge), most meals.	Park fees per day, optional rental gear, tips, snacks bought in Santa Catalina.
Private Coiba day tour (boat charter)	From ~US$ 400–600+ per boat, per day	Boat and crew for your group, flexible schedule, snorkel stops or beach time, basic food and drinks.	Coiba National Park fee for each person, fuel surcharges (if applied), rental gear, tips.
Dive-focused multi-day package	Varies widely (often higher than snorkel expeditions)	Several days of diving, accommodation, some meals, tanks and weights, guides.	Park fees per dive day, full gear rental if not included, transfers to Santa Catalina or Lago Bay.

Once you factor in park fees, gear and tips, many visitors find that shared snorkeling and diving tours from Santa Catalina still represent excellent value for the amount of time spent on the water. And if you’d rather invest in comfort and time, pairing a multi-day Coiba adventure with a flight to Lago Bay Airstrip can turn the whole experience into a smooth, high-impact coastal escape.

Coiba Travel Budget: Accommodation, Food and Transport

Now that you have a clear idea of the price of Coiba tours, the next step is to complete your Coiba travel budget with everything that happens before and after the boat: where you sleep in Santa Catalina, how much you spend on meals, and whether you fly or drive to the coast from Panama City.

Because almost all tours depart from Santa Catalina, this small coastal town is where you’ll probably spend at least one or two nights. Your choices here – hostels vs. nicer hotels, local sodas vs. sit-down restaurants, fly vs. bus – will shift your overall Coiba Island cost more than you might think.

Accommodation Costs in Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina has evolved from a remote surf outpost into a relaxed coastal hub for surfers, divers and Coiba visitors. That means you’ll find a range of places to stay, from basic surf hostels to eco-lodges and more comfortable hotels with air conditioning and ocean views.

As a general guide, you can expect:

• Budget stays (hostels, simple rooms): roughly US$ 15–40 per night, sometimes per person in dorms or per basic private room with fan.
• Mid-range guesthouses and cabins: usually around US$ 50–100 per night for a private room or bungalow with more comfort and better facilities.
• Higher-end and boutique stays: often US$ 100–150+ per night, with air conditioning, more space, nicer design and sometimes sea views or pools.

Prices will move up during holidays, weekends and peak dry-season months when more people are visiting Coiba. If you already know your dates, it’s smart to book your room before you reserve tours, especially in high demand periods.

To compare specific places and locations within and around the village, start with our handpicked list of hotels and places to stay near Coiba Island. You’ll get a sense of which stays are closer to the surf, which are closer to Coiba operators, and which are tucked away in quieter corners of Santa Catalina.

Eating and Drinking in Santa Catalina

Food is another important piece of your Coiba travel budget. Santa Catalina is not a big resort town, but it has a good mix of local eateries, small cafés and simple restaurants that cater to surfers, divers and travelers heading to Coiba.

Typical price ranges look something like this:

• Simple breakfast or snack: around US$ 4–8 for coffee, fruit, eggs or a sandwich.
• Local lunch (plate of the day, casado, simple fish dishes): roughly US$ 6–12 depending on where you go and what you order.
• Dinner at casual restaurants: usually in the US$ 12–20+ range for a main dish, especially if it includes fresh seafood or imported ingredients.
• Drinks and extras: soft drinks and juices are relatively affordable; cocktails, imported beers or wine will bump your bill up.

If you’re keeping your Coiba Island cost on the low side, you can eat more often at local sodas and simple cafes, and buy snacks or breakfast items at mini-markets. If you have more flexibility, you can mix casual spots with some of the more atmospheric restaurants that have become favorites with divers and surfers over the years.

To get a clearer idea of where to eat and what to expect, have a look at our dedicated guide to restaurants in Santa Catalina, Panama, where we highlight popular places, typical dishes and what kind of vibe each one offers.

Transport Costs: Fly or Drive to the Coiba Area?

One of the most important choices for your Coiba travel budget is not actually in Coiba itself – it’s how you get from Panama City to the Coiba area. Almost everyone ends up in Santa Catalina, but there are two very different ways to get there:

• Fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then continue by short transfer to Santa Catalina.
• Travel entirely by road (rental car, private shuttle or a combination of buses and taxis) for around 5–6 hours each way.

If you only have a few days for your Coiba trip, paying more to fly first and drive less often makes the entire experience feel completely different. You spend less time sitting on buses or behind the wheel and more time actually on the water, diving or snorkeling in the national park.

Here’s how the main options compare at a high level:

Route	Approx. Cost (per person)	Travel Time (one way)	Pros	Cons
Fly Panama City → Lago Bay Airstrip + transfer to Santa Catalina	Higher than bus, varies by aircraft and group size	~45-minute flight + short road transfer	Fastest, most comfortable way to reach the Coiba area; avoids long bus rides; ideal for short trips and groups.	Higher upfront cost; flights need to be booked in advance; luggage limits depend on the aircraft.
Rental car Panama City → Santa Catalina	Car rental per day + fuel + tolls (if any), divided among passengers	~5–6 hours of driving each way	Maximum flexibility with timing and stops; good for groups who enjoy road trips.	Long driving days; navigating unfamiliar roads; parking and security considerations; cost of idle days if the car sits while you’re on tours.
Bus + taxi Panama City → Santa Catalina	Usually the cheapest option overall	Often 6+ hours door to door with changes	Budget-friendly; no need to drive; good for flexible backpackers with more time than money.	Long travel days; multiple bus changes; less comfortable with heavy dive or camera gear; schedules can shift.

If you want to trim time off the “boring” part of the journey and invest more of your Coiba Island cost into what actually matters – being in the water and exploring the park – consider flying from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then continuing by short transfer to Santa Catalina. You can learn more about this route on the Lago Bay charter flights page.

For a detailed breakdown of all the options, including step-by-step instructions for buses, self-drive and combinations, see our complete guide on how to get to Coiba Island from Panama City. There you’ll find route descriptions, timings and practical tips that make budgeting and planning much easier.

Sample Coiba Island Budgets for Different Travelers

Putting all these numbers together can still feel abstract. To make your planning easier, let’s look at a few example Coiba travel budgets for different types of travelers. These aren’t fixed packages – they are realistic scenarios that show how your total Coiba Island cost changes depending on how you travel, how long you stay and how you like to explore.

All the numbers below are ballpark estimates in USD, designed to give you a sense of scale. They assume you’re already in Panama City and do not include your international flights. Exact prices will vary with season, availability and your personal choices, but the examples are a useful starting point.

Budget Backpacker – 2 Days / 1 Night in Santa Catalina

This scenario fits solo travelers and backpackers who want to experience Coiba without spending too much: one night in Santa Catalina, one full day in the park on a shared snorkeling tour, and buses instead of flights or rental cars.

• Transport (Panama City → Santa Catalina → Panama City): long-distance bus and local connections, usually the cheapest way to reach the Coiba area.
• Accommodation: 1 night in a hostel dorm or basic private room.
• Tour: 1 shared Coiba snorkeling day trip.
• Park fee: Coiba National Park fee for 1 day.
• Food: Simple breakfasts, local lunches and budget dinners in Santa Catalina.

Very rough budget estimate: depending on season and choices, many budget travelers end up spending something in the region of US$ 180–260 total for a quick 2-day / 1-night Coiba side trip from Panama City (excluding your international flights). You can reduce the upper end by cooking some of your own meals and choosing the cheapest hostel options.

Mid-Range Couple – 3 Days / 2 Nights in Santa Catalina

A mid-range couple typically wants more comfort: a nicer guesthouse or eco-lodge, a shared Coiba day tour and an extra day to relax, surf or explore the area. Transport can be either bus + taxi, rental car or a flight to Lago Bay Airstrip depending on budget and time.

• Transport: mid-range couples often choose either a rental car for flexibility or fly to Lago Bay Airstrip to save time and then take a short transfer to Santa Catalina.
• Accommodation: 2 nights in a mid-range guesthouse or boutique hotel.
• Tours: 1 shared Coiba snorkeling or mixed wildlife day tour.
• Park fee: Coiba National Park fee for 1 day.
• Food & drinks: a mix of local eateries and nicer dinners, plus snacks and drinks.

Very rough budget estimate for 2 people: many mid-range couples will spend somewhere around US$ 500–850 total for 3 days / 2 nights, depending on whether they fly to Lago Bay Airstrip, which guesthouse they choose and how often they dine at higher-end restaurants. Shared tours keep the per-person cost reasonable while still offering a comfortable experience.

Diver on a Mission – 4 Days / 3 Nights with Multiple Dives

Certified divers who come specifically for Coiba’s underwater life will likely prioritize multiple dive days over everything else. Their Coiba Island cost goes up because scuba trips are more expensive than snorkel tours, but the rewards underwater can be spectacular.

• Transport: many divers prefer to fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip to arrive quickly and with less fatigue before early-morning departures, then transfer to Santa Catalina.
• Accommodation: 3 nights in a mid-range or dive-focused lodge close to the operator.
• Tours: 2–3 Coiba diving day trips (2–3 dives per day).
• Park fees: Coiba National Park fee for each day in the park.
• Food: breakfast and dinners in town, lunches usually included in the dive days.

Very rough budget estimate: once you add up multiple dive days, many dive-focused trips land somewhere in the US$ 900–1,500+ range for 4 days / 3 nights, depending on how many dives you book, whether you bring your own gear and if you choose to fly or drive. Dive packages and multi-day offers on the best Coiba tours page can help reduce the per-dive cost.

Comfort Traveler – Fly, Stay and Explore with Extra Ease

Some travelers prefer to keep things smooth and comfortable from start to finish: they want to fly to the coast, stay in nicer accommodation, choose reputable operators for Coiba and still have time to enjoy the beaches and atmosphere around Santa Catalina without rushing.

• Transport: flight from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and short ground transfer to Santa Catalina.
• Accommodation: 3–4 nights in higher-end or boutique hotels, or comfortable villas in the area.
• Tours: 1–2 quality Coiba tours (snorkel, diving or mixed wildlife), possibly with a private or semi-private upgrade.
• Park fees: Coiba National Park fees for each day in the park.
• Food & extras: dinners at the better restaurants in town, snacks, sunset drinks, maybe a surf lesson or other activity from our things to do around Coiba guide.

Very rough budget estimate: depending on the season, property and tour style, a comfortable 4-day / 3-night Coiba escape with flights to Lago Bay, nice lodging and one or two well-run tours can easily reach the US$ 1,200–2,000+ range for a couple. The payoff is less transit stress, better rest and more time enjoying the coast, especially if you combine it with tailored tour selections from the best Coiba tours page.

Traveler Type	Trip Length	Transport Choice	Estimated Total Trip Cost (USD)	Approx. Daily Average (USD)
Budget Backpacker	2 days / 1 night	Bus + taxi	US$ 180–260	~US$ 90–130/day
Mid-Range Couple	3 days / 2 nights	Rental car or fly to Lago Bay	US$ 500–850 (for two)	~US$ 85–140 per person / day
Diver on a Mission	4 days / 3 nights	Fly to Lago Bay + transfer	US$ 900–1,500+	~US$ 225–375/day
Comfort Traveler	4 days / 3 nights (or more)	Fly to Lago Bay + transfer	US$ 1,200–2,000+ (for two)	~US$ 150–250 per person / day

These examples are not fixed packages, but they show how your Coiba Island cost scales with your choices. The biggest levers are how you travel (bus vs. flying to Lago Bay Airstrip), how many Coiba tours you book and what level of accommodation you choose in Santa Catalina.

How to Save Money on Coiba Island (and Where It’s Worth Spending)

You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience Coiba, but it helps to know where saving makes sense and where cutting too hard might compromise your safety or enjoyment. Here are a few practical tips to balance your Coiba travel budget.

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Coiba Island Cost

• Travel outside peak holidays: visiting outside Christmas, New Year and Easter often means lower accommodation prices and more room to negotiate tours.
• Share tours instead of going private: shared Coiba snorkeling and diving trips keep costs much lower than private charters, especially for solo travelers or couples.
• Stay in budget or mid-range rooms: you’ll spend most of your time outdoors or on the boat, so simple but clean rooms can free up money for extra tours.
• Eat like a local: mixing local sodas and simple cafes with the occasional nicer dinner can trim your daily food budget without sacrificing experience.
• Book tours directly with reputable operators: use references like our best Coiba tours guide to avoid overpaying through middlemen.

Where It’s Worth Investing a Bit More

• Time vs. money on transport: if your schedule is tight, investing more to fly from Panama City to Lago Bay Airstrip and then continue to Santa Catalina can make your entire trip feel smoother and more enjoyable than spending 5–6 hours each way on buses or in a car.
• Safety and quality on the water: slightly higher prices for operators with good safety records, experienced guides and well-maintained boats are usually worth it when you are hours offshore in a marine national park.
• Extra tour days in the right season: if you’re visiting during humpback or whale shark season, adding a second Coiba day can dramatically increase your chances of seeing those animals.
• Comfortable sleep before early tours: a mid-range or better room the night before your Coiba tour means better rest and more energy on the boat, especially after long travel days.

If you’re still refining your plan, it’s worth cross-checking this budget guide with our deeper articles on the best time to visit Coiba Island, the different Coiba tours available and the best ways to get there from Panama City so you can align your budget with your ideal season and activities.

Coiba Island Cost & Budget FAQ

In the end, there is no single answer to “How much does it cost to visit Coiba Island?” – but there are clear patterns. Shared tours, simple rooms and bus travel keep costs low. Diving days, private charters, boutique hotels and flights to Lago Bay Airstrip push the numbers up, but also increase comfort and time on the water.

To finish your planning, combine this budget guide with our in-depth articles on how to get to Coiba from Panama City, the best time to visit Coiba Island, the best Coiba tours, and the places to stay near Coiba. Once you’ve aligned your season, budget and travel style, the only thing left is to book your dates, pack your mask and let Coiba’s marine life do the rest.