Isla Coiba
A night of smooth sailing brought us to the waters surrounding Coiba Island National Park, where early risers were treated to an inspiring sunrise. Coiba, its satellite islands, and the surrounding waters are protected as a national park, and are one of the gems of Panama’s park system. Once a penal colony, Coiba has a minimal human footprint. Nowadays this National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A hearty group of birdwatchers and photography lovers enjoyed a pre-breakfast exploration by the Park Rangers Station, where we were welcomed by tropical kingbirds, garden emeralds, crimson-backed tanagers, black vultures and some gracious white-faced capuchin monkeys. Our Wellness Specialist used nature’s charm for her daily stretching session, gathering guests on the peaceful Coiba Island beach to initiate the day.
After a typical breakfast we moved from park headquarters to Granito de Oro (“little grain of gold”), our morning’s destination. This spectacular islet is a vision of a tropical paradise: a few coconut palms, a delightful sandy beach patrolled by thousands of hermit crabs, and warm waters full of sea life. We spent our morning swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing under the shade of one of the trees. Many swimmers, kayakers and snorkelers circumnavigated the islet looking for more adventure.
Among the aquatic sightings were white-tipped reef sharks, a hawksbill turtle, guineafowl puffers, blue and gold snappers and king angelfish among other species. Above the island, magnificent frigatebirds drew mysterious shapes in the sky with their flight patterns, imitating the coral reef. Sanderlings worked the sand along the tide line, scurrying up and down the beach as each gentle wave broke. Late in the morning, a Neotropical cormorant joined us on Granito.
We made it back to the Sea Voyager were treated to a fabulous Mexican style lunch prepared and presented by our galley and hotel staff.
In the afternoon, we had the chance to see the Southernmost point of our voyage, in front of the Mariato Point at the Azuero Peninsula: 7º 12’ 58” North of the Equator. That was made more exciting when a group of Pantropical spotted dolphins showed up to give us an exhibition of their games and jumping skills.
Finally, our naturalist Christian Gernes, in the mid afternoon, presented an introduction to Panama, the people, the history and the information of one of the most complex human-made wonders: The Panama Canal.
A magnificent half moonrise and a striking sunset with a quick green flash led to recap and yet another fine dinner to end our rich day.
A night of smooth sailing brought us to the waters surrounding Coiba Island National Park, where early risers were treated to an inspiring sunrise. Coiba, its satellite islands, and the surrounding waters are protected as a national park, and are one of the gems of Panama’s park system. Once a penal colony, Coiba has a minimal human footprint. Nowadays this National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A hearty group of birdwatchers and photography lovers enjoyed a pre-breakfast exploration by the Park Rangers Station, where we were welcomed by tropical kingbirds, garden emeralds, crimson-backed tanagers, black vultures and some gracious white-faced capuchin monkeys. Our Wellness Specialist used nature’s charm for her daily stretching session, gathering guests on the peaceful Coiba Island beach to initiate the day.
After a typical breakfast we moved from park headquarters to Granito de Oro (“little grain of gold”), our morning’s destination. This spectacular islet is a vision of a tropical paradise: a few coconut palms, a delightful sandy beach patrolled by thousands of hermit crabs, and warm waters full of sea life. We spent our morning swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing under the shade of one of the trees. Many swimmers, kayakers and snorkelers circumnavigated the islet looking for more adventure.
Among the aquatic sightings were white-tipped reef sharks, a hawksbill turtle, guineafowl puffers, blue and gold snappers and king angelfish among other species. Above the island, magnificent frigatebirds drew mysterious shapes in the sky with their flight patterns, imitating the coral reef. Sanderlings worked the sand along the tide line, scurrying up and down the beach as each gentle wave broke. Late in the morning, a Neotropical cormorant joined us on Granito.
We made it back to the Sea Voyager were treated to a fabulous Mexican style lunch prepared and presented by our galley and hotel staff.
In the afternoon, we had the chance to see the Southernmost point of our voyage, in front of the Mariato Point at the Azuero Peninsula: 7º 12’ 58” North of the Equator. That was made more exciting when a group of Pantropical spotted dolphins showed up to give us an exhibition of their games and jumping skills.
Finally, our naturalist Christian Gernes, in the mid afternoon, presented an introduction to Panama, the people, the history and the information of one of the most complex human-made wonders: The Panama Canal.
A magnificent half moonrise and a striking sunset with a quick green flash led to recap and yet another fine dinner to end our rich day.
