Coiba National Park
The sun had given its first rays when we began to approach one of the newest national parks in Panama. After sailing during the night, we reached Coiba Island. This island had been used as a penal colony for almost a century, and because of this, its forest has remained pristine. Today it guards around 272,000 hectares of protected area, in which only 50,000 hectares are the main island and the rest is all marine area. Known in terms of geology as an exotic terrain, Coiba Island will also have endemic species of Howler Monkeys, Spinetail and Agoutis.
Shortly after we anchored, we went ashore for an early birding walk close to the park headquarters. Coiba Spinetail, one of the highlights for being one of the endemic species, Crimson Backed Tanagers, Palm Tanagers, Red legged Honey Creeper, White Throated Robin, Panama Flycatcher and many others birds just showed up to prove that this island is still a paradise and a refuge for many animals. But since the morning was passing so fast, we returned to the Sea Voyager for breakfast. As soon as we had recharged our batteries, we went ashore to enjoy the marine life of a comic islet known as Granito de Oro. Bicolor Parrot fish, Moorish Idol, Trumpet fish, White-tipped Reef Shark, Hawksbill Turtles, Guinea fowl Puffer Fish and many other fish gave us a wonderful snorkeling morning.
Our desire to stay was evident, but we had to continue our voyage to our next destination. We sailed the rest of the afternoon while a couple of sea turtles, sea snakes and Pantropical Spotted Dolphins showed up to give us a spectacular farewell.
The sun had given its first rays when we began to approach one of the newest national parks in Panama. After sailing during the night, we reached Coiba Island. This island had been used as a penal colony for almost a century, and because of this, its forest has remained pristine. Today it guards around 272,000 hectares of protected area, in which only 50,000 hectares are the main island and the rest is all marine area. Known in terms of geology as an exotic terrain, Coiba Island will also have endemic species of Howler Monkeys, Spinetail and Agoutis.
Shortly after we anchored, we went ashore for an early birding walk close to the park headquarters. Coiba Spinetail, one of the highlights for being one of the endemic species, Crimson Backed Tanagers, Palm Tanagers, Red legged Honey Creeper, White Throated Robin, Panama Flycatcher and many others birds just showed up to prove that this island is still a paradise and a refuge for many animals. But since the morning was passing so fast, we returned to the Sea Voyager for breakfast. As soon as we had recharged our batteries, we went ashore to enjoy the marine life of a comic islet known as Granito de Oro. Bicolor Parrot fish, Moorish Idol, Trumpet fish, White-tipped Reef Shark, Hawksbill Turtles, Guinea fowl Puffer Fish and many other fish gave us a wonderful snorkeling morning.
Our desire to stay was evident, but we had to continue our voyage to our next destination. We sailed the rest of the afternoon while a couple of sea turtles, sea snakes and Pantropical Spotted Dolphins showed up to give us a spectacular farewell.
