Isla Coiba National Park, Panama
Despite warnings to expect rough seas in the night, our passage from Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica to Isla Coiba National Park, Panama was gentle and smooth. So, after a good night’s sleep, we were surprised to awake to rain showers this morning. Right around breakfast time, we arrived at the tiny islet known as Granito de Oro, as the showers turned to light sprinkles and the air felt fresh and cool. Although we may have been hoping for sun to brighten our morning of beach activities, many of us were grateful for the clouds.
After a leisurely breakfast, we headed to shore throughout the morning. Those who were eager to investigate the rich underwater world were the first to land, and they were not disappointed. Although the skies were a little gray, the visibility in the water was fantastic. Dozens of species of fish could be seen going about their daily business on this healthy coral reef. Schooling damselfishes like panamic sergeant majors were hovering in the water column, slurping microscopic jellies and zooplankton, while solitary giant damselfish chased marauding grazers away from their carefully cultivated algae patches. Patient snorkelers watched a small octopus creeping across the rocky portion of the inshore reef, while others saw white-tip reef sharks slowly cruising the outer edges of the reef.
Many of us chose to try out kayaking as well, venturing as far as our energy allowed. Several sea turtles were in the vicinity, so the kayakers were treated to close looks at these prehistoric looking reptiles. After relaxing on the beach, many opted to go back in for a second snorkel, or just to enjoy the warm tropical waters with a swim. Sandy and salty, but with the cloud cover, not sunburned, we reluctantly returned to the National Geographic Sea Lion for showers and lunch, and our long navigation to the Gulf of Panama.
During the afternoon, we cruised eastward on gentle ocean swells, watching a few dolphins bowride and surf our wake. Keen eyes on deck also spotted a marlin breaching in the distance! Our Panamanian naturalist Mauricio gave us a wonderful talk on the geologic, biologic and human history of Panama and the Panama Canal, in preparation for our transit of this engineering marvel.
