Coiba Marine National Park, Panama
Leaving behind the wonders of Costa Rica, we enter today our other country of destination during this journey, Panama. We start our adventure in my country by visiting Coiba Marine National Park. With 272,000 hectares, of which 80% is underwater, this jewel of conservation counts with primary forest, a high number of terrestrial species (birds, reptiles, mammals) and also over 69 different species of fish. These treasures were kept virtually untouched by the fact that this island was once a penal colony. As of 2004, all of the prisoner camps have been removed from the island, and it has become a World Heritage site. Home of the third largest coral reef on the eastern Pacific, this marine park gave us the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day of kayaking and snorkeling. As I went underwater to try to film some images for today’s recap, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the spectacle unwrapping in front of my eyes.
A curtain made of little scissortail damsel fish was one of the first things to cross in front of the lens of the underwater housing of the camcorder. We then saw giant damsel fish, guinea fowl puffer, king angelfish, barber fish, Moorish idol, bicolour parrotfish, blunt head triggerfish, and as an added bonus, a beautiful hawksbill sea turtle also crossed into my path.
What an introduction to Panama! Tomorrow will be another day of excitement as we continue our journey aboard the Sea Voyager.
Leaving behind the wonders of Costa Rica, we enter today our other country of destination during this journey, Panama. We start our adventure in my country by visiting Coiba Marine National Park. With 272,000 hectares, of which 80% is underwater, this jewel of conservation counts with primary forest, a high number of terrestrial species (birds, reptiles, mammals) and also over 69 different species of fish. These treasures were kept virtually untouched by the fact that this island was once a penal colony. As of 2004, all of the prisoner camps have been removed from the island, and it has become a World Heritage site. Home of the third largest coral reef on the eastern Pacific, this marine park gave us the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day of kayaking and snorkeling. As I went underwater to try to film some images for today’s recap, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the spectacle unwrapping in front of my eyes.
A curtain made of little scissortail damsel fish was one of the first things to cross in front of the lens of the underwater housing of the camcorder. We then saw giant damsel fish, guinea fowl puffer, king angelfish, barber fish, Moorish idol, bicolour parrotfish, blunt head triggerfish, and as an added bonus, a beautiful hawksbill sea turtle also crossed into my path.
What an introduction to Panama! Tomorrow will be another day of excitement as we continue our journey aboard the Sea Voyager.
