Isla De Coiba and Granito De Oro, Panama
Our vessel sliced determinedly through the waves as we made our way towards Panama’s largest island - Coiba. Along the way, we spotted several Yellow-bellied sea snakes on the surface. These are Costa Rica’s only sea snakes. On windless days during the dry season these sea snakes can be found in large numbers especially around Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce. Besides breathing though their lungs, these sea snakes are capable of absorbing a substantial part of their oxygen requirements through skin respiration.
Coiba has been declared a national park as recently as 1991 and that makes it the fourth largest park in the world. It had been the site of a federal penal colony up until that time. It is most likely the presence of this penal colony that has allowed the area to be kept so pristine. Over 80% of this 270,000 hectare park is oceanic and the small reef that has flourished here abounds with scenic beauty.
Our destination was the tiny sandy outcropping of rock that stood in the shadow of the larger Coiba island. This magical spot has been known to Panamanians as “Granito de Oro” which literally translates into “Little Grain of Gold” and the reasons are obvious! The few coconut trees and other tropical shrubs provided us with just enough shade to keep us comfortable. The white sand was incredibly fine and the hundreds of hermit crabs were extremely active. Hermit crabs carry their homes on their back and as they grow they move into larger shells. The water was bath water temperature and clear as our snorkelers entered from the beach. Immediately, there were reports of long skinny fish, yellow puffy fish and what were the small brilliant blue fish? After a quick perusal of the plastic fish I.D. cards, the reports of the fish seen had changed slightly. We were now seeing Moorish Idols, Giant Damselfish and Spotfin Grunts.
Next on the agenda for many was to try the inflatable kayaks. Some were synchronized in their paddling technique and others were not, but all had a good time. Once the sun started to sink lower on the horizon the hikers set out to explore the main island of Coiba and it’s dry tropical forest. Sadly, the day ended all to soon but we were now on our way to the land where the expression “Pura Vida” seems to be a way of life- Costa Rica!
Our vessel sliced determinedly through the waves as we made our way towards Panama’s largest island - Coiba. Along the way, we spotted several Yellow-bellied sea snakes on the surface. These are Costa Rica’s only sea snakes. On windless days during the dry season these sea snakes can be found in large numbers especially around Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce. Besides breathing though their lungs, these sea snakes are capable of absorbing a substantial part of their oxygen requirements through skin respiration.
Coiba has been declared a national park as recently as 1991 and that makes it the fourth largest park in the world. It had been the site of a federal penal colony up until that time. It is most likely the presence of this penal colony that has allowed the area to be kept so pristine. Over 80% of this 270,000 hectare park is oceanic and the small reef that has flourished here abounds with scenic beauty.
Our destination was the tiny sandy outcropping of rock that stood in the shadow of the larger Coiba island. This magical spot has been known to Panamanians as “Granito de Oro” which literally translates into “Little Grain of Gold” and the reasons are obvious! The few coconut trees and other tropical shrubs provided us with just enough shade to keep us comfortable. The white sand was incredibly fine and the hundreds of hermit crabs were extremely active. Hermit crabs carry their homes on their back and as they grow they move into larger shells. The water was bath water temperature and clear as our snorkelers entered from the beach. Immediately, there were reports of long skinny fish, yellow puffy fish and what were the small brilliant blue fish? After a quick perusal of the plastic fish I.D. cards, the reports of the fish seen had changed slightly. We were now seeing Moorish Idols, Giant Damselfish and Spotfin Grunts.
Next on the agenda for many was to try the inflatable kayaks. Some were synchronized in their paddling technique and others were not, but all had a good time. Once the sun started to sink lower on the horizon the hikers set out to explore the main island of Coiba and it’s dry tropical forest. Sadly, the day ended all to soon but we were now on our way to the land where the expression “Pura Vida” seems to be a way of life- Costa Rica!
