Coiba National Park
Good morning Panama! We left Costa Rica and after an overnight cruising on National Geographic Sea Lion, we arrived at an extraordinary place: Coiba National Park. This is one of the very important protected areas of Panama and one of the most diverse places of marine life of the Eastern Pacific, specifically the second biggest coral reef of Central America.
We started the day with Darcy, our wellness specialist, leading her exercise and stretching session on the Sundeck. After breakfast we left the ship, and a small piece of paradise welcomed us with a beautiful day, it was Granito de Oro, a small white sand islet of the many located around the main island. There, hundreds of hermit crabs running through the beach caught the attention of all as we observed their interesting behavior and how they got into small shells.
The most anticipated activity was snorkeling. The island’s surrounding clear waters allowed us to see some of the most exuberant and beautiful species of marine life. Parrotfish, Moorish idol, Pacific boxfish, white tip reef sharks and king angelfish among others were the stars of the day with their brilliant colors. It is not necessary to wonder why UNESCO declared this area a World Natural Heritage Site, wherever you look, from the bottom of the water to the neighboring lush vegetation of tropical rain forest, you see the answer.
Once we finished these marine explorations, many of our guests enjoyed swimming, kayaking, playing at the beach or just laying down in the refreshing shade of the trees. Kids were playing with shells, sand, and stones, while the hermit crabs were still the center of the attention for many people who never stopped admiring them. Above, in a blue sky, many magnificent frigatebirds were waiting for any chance to find food.
By noon the ship would continue on, leaving behind one of the highlights of this expedition. Time to rest and enjoy the next cruising. However, wait! One more thing! Two hours after we left Granito de Oro, some Pantropical spotted dolphins showed up near the ship as well several yellow bellied sea snakes and various olive-ridley sea turtles, to the delight of the guests.
What a welcome Panama gave us. For sure, there is no better way to enjoy a wonderful day full of adventure, nature, relaxing and learning than in one of the enchanting jewels of Central America.
