Coiba Island, Panama
After dropping anchor in front of Coiba Island we departed to the ranger station, where the birdwatching was wonderful. Coiba was attached to the mainland during the last ice age as the level of the ocean was lower. As the temperature rose, so did the water level and isolated species that started to show genetic and behavioral differences to their homologues in the mainland. One example is the yellow-faced grassquit, a small bird that is usually found at middle elevations and yet it is an abundant inhabitant of the gardens.
After enjoying the sighting of many species, we took the Zodiacs to the ship to change our gear and visit Granito de Oro, a small island that translates into “little grain of gold”. This is one of the few places in Central America where one can enjoy the magnificent fish diversity of the Eastern Pacific with an amazing density of species and individuals. Kayaking and snorkeling around the island enabled us to see the marine life from different perspectives. Some closely examining floating logs from above filled with barnacles, crabs and sea slugs, while others looked for moorish idol, cornet-, scorpion-, hawk- and damselfish among many more. Sea turtles and white-tipped reef-sharks shared the coral reef with us. Our diligent seamen watched the snorkelers safety and showed us the way to see some wildlife.
The afternoon was a little rainy, but we had the opportunity to be enlightened by a great lecture on The Rising of the Isthmus by Naturalist Rick Morales. To finish a wonderful first day in Panama, pantropical spotted dolphins rode with our ship.
After dropping anchor in front of Coiba Island we departed to the ranger station, where the birdwatching was wonderful. Coiba was attached to the mainland during the last ice age as the level of the ocean was lower. As the temperature rose, so did the water level and isolated species that started to show genetic and behavioral differences to their homologues in the mainland. One example is the yellow-faced grassquit, a small bird that is usually found at middle elevations and yet it is an abundant inhabitant of the gardens.
After enjoying the sighting of many species, we took the Zodiacs to the ship to change our gear and visit Granito de Oro, a small island that translates into “little grain of gold”. This is one of the few places in Central America where one can enjoy the magnificent fish diversity of the Eastern Pacific with an amazing density of species and individuals. Kayaking and snorkeling around the island enabled us to see the marine life from different perspectives. Some closely examining floating logs from above filled with barnacles, crabs and sea slugs, while others looked for moorish idol, cornet-, scorpion-, hawk- and damselfish among many more. Sea turtles and white-tipped reef-sharks shared the coral reef with us. Our diligent seamen watched the snorkelers safety and showed us the way to see some wildlife.
The afternoon was a little rainy, but we had the opportunity to be enlightened by a great lecture on The Rising of the Isthmus by Naturalist Rick Morales. To finish a wonderful first day in Panama, pantropical spotted dolphins rode with our ship.
