Coiba National Park
Early in the morning, the Sea Voyager dropped anchored close to Panama´s biggest Marine Park. Coiba National Park is one of the most important protected areas in Panama, owing to its high level of biodiversity, varied ecosystems and species found nowhere else in the world.
For many years Coiba Island was an enigma for Panamanians and beyond. This was principally because the island’s prison kept many people from visiting. Today, however, circumstances are quite different. Not only have Coiba and its surroundings areas been granted special status as a National Park and Natural World Heritage Site, but it also acts as a key link in the Marine Conservation Corridor of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, which includes Ecuador’s Galápagos National Park, Colombia’s Gorgona National Park and Malpelo National Park, and Costa Rica’s Cocos National Park. Coiba extends over 270,125 hectares, only 20% accounted for by land. It was established in 1991 and protected by law in 2004.
Right after breakfast, we went ashore to one of the islets that is included in this Marine Park. Its name, “Granito de Oro,” which means, Little Grain of Gold, is surrounded by a nice coral reef. As soon as we had our snorkelling gear on, we went to explore its waters. The water was crystal clear and the reef fishes were waiting for us. Already in the water, they began to parade in front of us. We continued to explore the islet and we could see the life under the sea! White tipped reef sharks, angel fishes, moorish idols, barber fishes, wrasses and many more gave us the idea that everything is in balance there. It is really important to protect this coral reef since it is one of the most endangered habitats of the world.
It had been a wonderful morning in this idyllic hidden paradise. We went back on board for a delicious lunch while the ship sailed to the ranger station. Here near the ranger station, we had the opportunity to wander the premises. Different species of birds gave us a lovely exhibit. It couldn’t get better, but in the afternoon we had to go back to the ship and weigh anchor. Our trip had to continue to our next destination.
Our trip is getting better and better! Costa Rica is waiting for us!
Early in the morning, the Sea Voyager dropped anchored close to Panama´s biggest Marine Park. Coiba National Park is one of the most important protected areas in Panama, owing to its high level of biodiversity, varied ecosystems and species found nowhere else in the world.
For many years Coiba Island was an enigma for Panamanians and beyond. This was principally because the island’s prison kept many people from visiting. Today, however, circumstances are quite different. Not only have Coiba and its surroundings areas been granted special status as a National Park and Natural World Heritage Site, but it also acts as a key link in the Marine Conservation Corridor of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, which includes Ecuador’s Galápagos National Park, Colombia’s Gorgona National Park and Malpelo National Park, and Costa Rica’s Cocos National Park. Coiba extends over 270,125 hectares, only 20% accounted for by land. It was established in 1991 and protected by law in 2004.
Right after breakfast, we went ashore to one of the islets that is included in this Marine Park. Its name, “Granito de Oro,” which means, Little Grain of Gold, is surrounded by a nice coral reef. As soon as we had our snorkelling gear on, we went to explore its waters. The water was crystal clear and the reef fishes were waiting for us. Already in the water, they began to parade in front of us. We continued to explore the islet and we could see the life under the sea! White tipped reef sharks, angel fishes, moorish idols, barber fishes, wrasses and many more gave us the idea that everything is in balance there. It is really important to protect this coral reef since it is one of the most endangered habitats of the world.
It had been a wonderful morning in this idyllic hidden paradise. We went back on board for a delicious lunch while the ship sailed to the ranger station. Here near the ranger station, we had the opportunity to wander the premises. Different species of birds gave us a lovely exhibit. It couldn’t get better, but in the afternoon we had to go back to the ship and weigh anchor. Our trip had to continue to our next destination.
Our trip is getting better and better! Costa Rica is waiting for us!
