Isla Coiba
We awoke to a sparklingly clear day, finding ourselves anchored off Isla Coiba, focal point of Central America’s largest protected marine park, comprising 39 isles large and small. At sun-up, eager birders set out in Zodiacs to hike the rainforests of Isla Coiba, while the Sea Voyager repositioned itself off diminutive Isla Granito de Oro.
This little gem proved a sensational spot for snorkeling off the beach – well-named for its gold-tinted sands teeming with tiny hermit crabs. We were thrilled to spot white-tipped sharks, marine turtles, and a kaleidoscope of zebra-striped, polka-dotted, rainbow-hued fish cavorting among their crowded coral condominiums. Meanwhile, others opted to kayak around the island; many of us spotted hawksbill turtles in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Prior to lunch, most guests were delighted to view brief video clips showing highlights of President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony, held earlier in the day. In the early afternoon, the Sea Voyager anchored in the bay housing the ranger station of Isla Coiba National Park. Most guests opted to go ashore in Zodiacs to laze on the beach or hike the basic trails while the ship’s crew played soccer under the blitz of the afternoon sun. Everyone returned to the vessel by 4pm, when the captain set course for Costa Rica.
In the evening, we viewed a video celebrating the natural symbiosis of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic as adventure travel partners, after which Margit Ulrich gave a fascinating presentation on the marine life at Isla Granito de Oro. Her underwater video, shot today, revealed the splendor of the park’s unique habitat, including the superb spectacle of white-tipped sharks and an almaco jack fighting over an unidentified food source.
Our guests surely went to bed well pleased after an immensely fulfilling day.
To see footage from this day, please click here.
