Swimming beside a wild sea turtle is the moment most guests remember forever â and in Coiba National Park it happens on almost every tour. Here's where the turtles are, how we find them, and how to share the water with them respectfully.
Which turtles live in Coiba?
Four species use the park's waters: hawksbill and green turtles are the ones you'll most likely swim with on the reefs, while olive ridleys and the giant leatherback pass through Coiba's open waters. The reefs at Coco Pequeño and Turtle Island are their feeding grounds â which is why our route visits both.
What the encounter is like
Turtles here have been protected for decades, so they graze calmly while snorkelers float above. They surface to breathe, glide along the bottom and often swim right past your mask. Our guides free-dive to point them out and read their behavior, so you get close â without disturbing them.
The golden rules
- Observe, never touch. Touching stresses turtles and is prohibited in the park.
- Don't chase. Float calmly and let the turtle set the distance â they often come closer on their own.
- No flash, no feeding. Natural light photos only; feeding changes their behavior.
- Reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen damages the reefs they feed on.
When and where to go
Turtles are in Coiba all year round â there's no bad season for them. On our Coiba Island Tour you'll snorkel their two favorite reefs in one day. For an even deeper dive into their world, read the full sea-turtle guide on our booking site â and when you're ready, book your tour ($65/person + park fee).