What is the Punta Culebra Nature Center?

Giant anemone

Punta Culebra Nature Center (PCNC) is a non-profit initiative of STRI that relies on the support of the Smithsonian Foundation of Panama and international entities. It offers visitors an open-air museum focusing mainly on marine science and education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal environments. More than 700,000 students and visitors have visited PCNC since it opened in 1996, and hundreds of schools have taken part in its educational program.

The Center is a place where individuals can increase their awareness and appreciation of coastal and marine environments in Panama and nearby regions of South and Central America. Its goal is to increase public understanding of Panama ’s past and present coastal environments, promoting their conservation. It is also meant to show how scientific discoveries improve our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the natural world.

PCNC occupies a territory of approximately 1 1/2 hectares and is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Panama City. The area has great natural wealth and the appropriate infrastructure so that locals and foreigners of all ages can take part in an enriching experience, as they enjoy the scenic views.

Satellite Image

exhibitions

• Panama: Abundance of Fish
• Discovery Room : An Underwater Journey with All the Senses
• Open-air historic and interpretative displays
• Turtle and Shark Pool
• Aquarium Exhibits
• Touching Pool
• Lookout point with views of the entrance to the Panama Canal and its surroundings
• Two trails across a Tropical Dry Forest

Our future plans include: a major scale Touching Pool, and a project for a larger aquarium.