Rancheria and Granito de Oro Islands, Coiba National Park, Panama, 2/16/2016, National Geographic Sea Lion

After a calm sailing condition around Punta Mala, we arrived early in the morning to Rancheria, a ranger station in Coiba National Park.

Hikes were offered to the adventurous while our photo instructors were always available for each group to offer tips. The trail took us up to the top of a hill, where our eyes were rewarded with stunning views of the islets. The water was so clear, that even though the snorkeling was scheduled in the afternoon, we could spot Pacific green sea turtles from above. Louisiana wood thrush, crimson backed tanagers, tropical kingbirds, red legged honey creepers and yellow headed caracaras were some of the beautiful birds that came out to show their plumage.

We later returned for beach activities. The warm clear waters were inviting our guests to try a little bit of snorkeling as a preparation for the amazing afternoon at Granito de Oro Islet. Others went for a stand up paddle board session or a kayak ride to explore the area from the water.

At noon we returned to National Geographic Sea Lion and repositioned to Granito de Oro. Located in Coiba National Park, the second largest reef on the eastern Pacific, and the third largest Marine Park in the world, Granito de Oro gave us the feeling like we were the first on this little white sand beach. Pristine as it is, we explored the islet’s inland and encountered the playful hermit crabs, then in the water to discover the underwater world.

Bicolored parrot fish were taking chunks of the coral as this is their food source. Known as one of the species in which the female can change its gonads to become a male, once removed, this is a one way act with no return. Moorish idols, angel king fish, guinea fowl puffer fish, Mexican goat fish and more showed up to paint of color the undersea.

After this amazing farewell activity in beautiful Panama, we prepared for our entry to Costa Rica and I gave a lecture about geomorphology of the Isthmus, providing some information understanding why Panama and Costa Rica hold a very high percentage of the biodiversity of the world.