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.
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
The Visit
The Punta Culebra Nature Center allows visitors to take a short journey through Panama's geological, military and natural history, and to learn about marine and terrestrial life through a unique experience.
Most of the constructions here are old military bunkers built during the First World War; columns date back to construction of the Panama Canal. There is also a small room, called "la casita", built more recently by old Panamanian Defense Forces. All of these spaces have been conditioned to hold temporal and permanent exhibitions and to serve as projection areas.
The Punta Culebra Nature Center allows visitors to take a short journey through Panama's geological, military and natural history, and to learn about marine and terrestrial life through a unique experience.
Most of the constructions here are old military bunkers built during the First World War; columns date back to construction of the Panama Canal. There is also a small room, called "la casita", built more recently by old Panamanian Defense Forces. All of these spaces have been conditioned to hold temporal and permanent exhibitions and to serve as projection areas.
Natural attractions
- There are two trails through a tropical dry forest, a typical ecosystem of the Pacific side of Central America which is almost extinct today. This forest is a refuge and habitat for racoons, iguanas, birds of all kinds and armadillos, among others animals that visitors can admire as they walk around.
- The rocky shore, the sandy beach and a patch of white mangrove forest have plenty of marine life which is best seen during low tide.
- The sea life exhibitions show the magnificent biodiversity of Panamanian coastal ecosystems, particularly that of coral reefs from the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
- A pool that is home to sea turtles and sharks who swim among other colorful fish.
- Experience touching marine organisms such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and even stingrays.
- As they walk through the natural trails and the exhibitions, visitors will receive information from specially trained naturalists about Smithsonian research.
- A beautiful view of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal completes this educational experience
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