Coiba National Park, Panama
Our day started with a wonderful sunrise and pristine, turquoise waters surrounding us. On the horizon green islands welcomed us to one of the most important conservation areas in Panama. Coiba National Park presents a myriad of life zones, plants, bird species, marine mammals, fish and an abundance of tiny hermit crabs. Within its 270,000 hectares of territory life is exuberant and endless. This island has never been directly impacted by the outside world. In 1919, a former president of Panama decided to turn it into a penal colony which, through fear, kept it protected.
Our first outing took us to one of the smallest island of the park, Granito de Oro, or Little Grain of Gold. This islet is surrounded by a big rocky reef formation where snorkelers saw Moorish Idols, angel fish, parrot fish, sharks and other vivid sea life. We also had the opportunity to paddle in kayaks and swim near the island.
The morning went fast! When we returned to the Sea Voyager and the Captain repositioned the ship near Coiba Island Ranger Station where a delicious BBQ lunch awaited us. The sunny afternoon gave us the opportunity to walk on the park’s premises where we had excellent sightings of birds such as the Crimson Backed Tanager, Yellow-headed Caracara, and several hummingbirds. In addition we appreciated green iguanas sunbathing on the grass, as well as fearless black vultures.
Our expedition in Panama has come to an end; tomorrow the adventure will continue in Costa Rica. I am sure that nature will keep sharing its wonders with all of us.
Our day started with a wonderful sunrise and pristine, turquoise waters surrounding us. On the horizon green islands welcomed us to one of the most important conservation areas in Panama. Coiba National Park presents a myriad of life zones, plants, bird species, marine mammals, fish and an abundance of tiny hermit crabs. Within its 270,000 hectares of territory life is exuberant and endless. This island has never been directly impacted by the outside world. In 1919, a former president of Panama decided to turn it into a penal colony which, through fear, kept it protected.
Our first outing took us to one of the smallest island of the park, Granito de Oro, or Little Grain of Gold. This islet is surrounded by a big rocky reef formation where snorkelers saw Moorish Idols, angel fish, parrot fish, sharks and other vivid sea life. We also had the opportunity to paddle in kayaks and swim near the island.
The morning went fast! When we returned to the Sea Voyager and the Captain repositioned the ship near Coiba Island Ranger Station where a delicious BBQ lunch awaited us. The sunny afternoon gave us the opportunity to walk on the park’s premises where we had excellent sightings of birds such as the Crimson Backed Tanager, Yellow-headed Caracara, and several hummingbirds. In addition we appreciated green iguanas sunbathing on the grass, as well as fearless black vultures.
Our expedition in Panama has come to an end; tomorrow the adventure will continue in Costa Rica. I am sure that nature will keep sharing its wonders with all of us.
