Coiba Island National Park
We arrived at Coiba Island National Park after sailing 120 nautical miles from Costa Rica. The first sun rays began to reveal the pristine scenery of this marine park. There are around 12 islands and 30 islets that belong to this area. Since 1919, Coiba was a penal colony with approximately 3,000 prisoners. However, in 1991 it was declared a National Park and the prisoners were relocated. Since this area was uninhabited for many years, an untouched pristine tropical forest remained. The marine area has the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. It is part of the most diverse marine corridor we know in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Formed by Galápagos, Malpelo & Gorgona, Cocos and Coiba Islands, this corridor allows several species of fish to spawn and swim long distances without the fear of being hunted. Rich waters loaded with nutrients are an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. In 2005 this park was declare a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
One of the islets surrounding Coiba is a particular favorite of ours, its name is “Granito de Oro”, which literally translates as “Little Grain of Gold” – and what an appropriate name it is! It is an incredibly picturesque little islet, complete with a couple of palm trees, golden sand and innumerable hermit crabs. Surrounding the islet there are nice examples of branch corals and different species of hard coral. This reef allows us to enjoy the different species of fish that dwell in its water. White tip reef shark, Moorish idols, Cortez angel fish, yellow snappers, barber fish, green puffer and many others were just a glimpse of all the diversity we need to protect. After breakfast, we enjoyed all of this beauty. What a lovely and spectacular morning!
Back on the Sea Voyager, we weighed anchor and sailed to the ranger station located on the Island of Coiba. The galley prepared us a delicious barbeque lunch. As we walked around the station, one of the chief game wardens was guarding one of the beaches. It was “Tito”, an 8 ft American crocodile.
We could have stayed here forever, but the Bay of Panama was waiting for us!
We arrived at Coiba Island National Park after sailing 120 nautical miles from Costa Rica. The first sun rays began to reveal the pristine scenery of this marine park. There are around 12 islands and 30 islets that belong to this area. Since 1919, Coiba was a penal colony with approximately 3,000 prisoners. However, in 1991 it was declared a National Park and the prisoners were relocated. Since this area was uninhabited for many years, an untouched pristine tropical forest remained. The marine area has the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. It is part of the most diverse marine corridor we know in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Formed by Galápagos, Malpelo & Gorgona, Cocos and Coiba Islands, this corridor allows several species of fish to spawn and swim long distances without the fear of being hunted. Rich waters loaded with nutrients are an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. In 2005 this park was declare a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
One of the islets surrounding Coiba is a particular favorite of ours, its name is “Granito de Oro”, which literally translates as “Little Grain of Gold” – and what an appropriate name it is! It is an incredibly picturesque little islet, complete with a couple of palm trees, golden sand and innumerable hermit crabs. Surrounding the islet there are nice examples of branch corals and different species of hard coral. This reef allows us to enjoy the different species of fish that dwell in its water. White tip reef shark, Moorish idols, Cortez angel fish, yellow snappers, barber fish, green puffer and many others were just a glimpse of all the diversity we need to protect. After breakfast, we enjoyed all of this beauty. What a lovely and spectacular morning!
Back on the Sea Voyager, we weighed anchor and sailed to the ranger station located on the Island of Coiba. The galley prepared us a delicious barbeque lunch. As we walked around the station, one of the chief game wardens was guarding one of the beaches. It was “Tito”, an 8 ft American crocodile.
We could have stayed here forever, but the Bay of Panama was waiting for us!
