Isla Coiba National Park, Panama
First morning light brightening the eastern sky over mainland Panama provided us with a glimpse of the spot where we would spend the day. And spot it was, as Granito de Oro is truly a “grain of gold” off the coast of the wilderness landscape of the huge island of Coiba. Fortunately the Panamanian government has protected the area as the newest and largest of the country’s national parks. In addition to the numerous islands and islets, the marine environment surrounding the islands has also been included as part of the reserve. Our day’s activities would take advantage of at least some of the unique environments of the park. Right after a slightly early breakfast, Zodiacs containing intrepid hikers were dispatched to the main island for an early walk through the forest. Few trails have been established on the island but this loop allowed the group to experience some of the interesting tropical forest environment of the main island. Some of the group had the opportunity to see the small secretive Lance-tailed Manakins which are resident on the island. Other species of flora and fauna were also seen during the walk. Following the walk the group returned to the ship and headed to the beach of Granito de Oro for water activities.
For those who did not walk Zodiacs started shuttling to the small picturesque islet near the ship as soon as breakfast was finished. The morning was almost glassy calm around the island and the ebbing tide gradually resulted in additional beach area being exposed. Snorkels, masks, and fins were quickly donned at the water’s edge. Berit Solstadt, our Undersea Specialist, provided instructions for first time snorkelers as well as refresher suggestions for any one who might not have been snorkeling recently. During the morning and after lunch Berit talked with us about the dozens of different kinds of fish observed and their interesting behaviors. Interpreting the natural history while snorkeling is difficult but Berit provided some “guided snorkels” to point out certain marine life to nearby enthusiasts. After lunch many of the group returned to the islet for more snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking around on the tranquil seas.
In the late afternoon we left our idealic island and cruised into the sunset. Relaxing on deck a number of groups of dolphins were spotted and also quick looks at miniature flying fish scooting across the water. As the orange globe of the sun dropped below the horizon, the day’s lively recap began ending another fabulous day of experiences on the Sea Voyager.
First morning light brightening the eastern sky over mainland Panama provided us with a glimpse of the spot where we would spend the day. And spot it was, as Granito de Oro is truly a “grain of gold” off the coast of the wilderness landscape of the huge island of Coiba. Fortunately the Panamanian government has protected the area as the newest and largest of the country’s national parks. In addition to the numerous islands and islets, the marine environment surrounding the islands has also been included as part of the reserve. Our day’s activities would take advantage of at least some of the unique environments of the park. Right after a slightly early breakfast, Zodiacs containing intrepid hikers were dispatched to the main island for an early walk through the forest. Few trails have been established on the island but this loop allowed the group to experience some of the interesting tropical forest environment of the main island. Some of the group had the opportunity to see the small secretive Lance-tailed Manakins which are resident on the island. Other species of flora and fauna were also seen during the walk. Following the walk the group returned to the ship and headed to the beach of Granito de Oro for water activities.
For those who did not walk Zodiacs started shuttling to the small picturesque islet near the ship as soon as breakfast was finished. The morning was almost glassy calm around the island and the ebbing tide gradually resulted in additional beach area being exposed. Snorkels, masks, and fins were quickly donned at the water’s edge. Berit Solstadt, our Undersea Specialist, provided instructions for first time snorkelers as well as refresher suggestions for any one who might not have been snorkeling recently. During the morning and after lunch Berit talked with us about the dozens of different kinds of fish observed and their interesting behaviors. Interpreting the natural history while snorkeling is difficult but Berit provided some “guided snorkels” to point out certain marine life to nearby enthusiasts. After lunch many of the group returned to the islet for more snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking around on the tranquil seas.
In the late afternoon we left our idealic island and cruised into the sunset. Relaxing on deck a number of groups of dolphins were spotted and also quick looks at miniature flying fish scooting across the water. As the orange globe of the sun dropped below the horizon, the day’s lively recap began ending another fabulous day of experiences on the Sea Voyager.
