Coiba National Park, Panama
A night of smooth sailing brought us to the waters surrounding Coiba Island where early risers were treated to an inspiring sunrise. Coiba, its satellite islands and the surrounding waters are protected as a national park, and are one of the gems of Panama’s park system. Once a penal colony, Coiba has a minimal human footprint.
A hearty group of kayakers enjoyed a pre breakfast paddle of about two miles, from park headquarters to Granito de Oro (“little grain of gold”), our morning’s destination. This spectacular islet is a vision of a tropical paradise. A few coconut palms, a delightful sandy beach patrolled by thousands of hermit crabs, and warm waters full of sea life. We spent our morning swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, relaxing and enjoying massages while seated upon Sea Voyager’s portable massage chair. Many swimmers and kayakers circumnavigated the islet.
Among the aquatic sightings were white-tipped reef sharks, a hawksbill turtle, guineafowl puffers and king angelfish. Above us, magnificent frigatebirds soared and black vultures perched. Sanderlings worked the sand along the tide line, scurrying up and down the beach as each gentle wave broke. Late in the morning a yellow-headed caracara and a common black hawk joined us on Granito.
We made the short navigation back to park headquarters where we were treated to a fabulous barbeque lunch prepared and presented by our galley and hotel staff. Strolling around after lunch, we found a surprising number of birds, including spectacular scarlet-backed tanagers. Sara the brocket deer, a longtime resident of park headquarters, made us feel most welcome.
At sea for a relaxing afternoon we saw many yellow-bellied sea snakes, easily spotted because of their bright and striking pattern. Sea turtles, pantropical spotted dolphins and flying fish also showed up.
Christian presented an introduction to Panama, his home, in the late afternoon. A magnificent moonrise and a striking sunset led to recap and yet another fine dinner to end our rich day.
A night of smooth sailing brought us to the waters surrounding Coiba Island where early risers were treated to an inspiring sunrise. Coiba, its satellite islands and the surrounding waters are protected as a national park, and are one of the gems of Panama’s park system. Once a penal colony, Coiba has a minimal human footprint.
A hearty group of kayakers enjoyed a pre breakfast paddle of about two miles, from park headquarters to Granito de Oro (“little grain of gold”), our morning’s destination. This spectacular islet is a vision of a tropical paradise. A few coconut palms, a delightful sandy beach patrolled by thousands of hermit crabs, and warm waters full of sea life. We spent our morning swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, relaxing and enjoying massages while seated upon Sea Voyager’s portable massage chair. Many swimmers and kayakers circumnavigated the islet.
Among the aquatic sightings were white-tipped reef sharks, a hawksbill turtle, guineafowl puffers and king angelfish. Above us, magnificent frigatebirds soared and black vultures perched. Sanderlings worked the sand along the tide line, scurrying up and down the beach as each gentle wave broke. Late in the morning a yellow-headed caracara and a common black hawk joined us on Granito.
We made the short navigation back to park headquarters where we were treated to a fabulous barbeque lunch prepared and presented by our galley and hotel staff. Strolling around after lunch, we found a surprising number of birds, including spectacular scarlet-backed tanagers. Sara the brocket deer, a longtime resident of park headquarters, made us feel most welcome.
At sea for a relaxing afternoon we saw many yellow-bellied sea snakes, easily spotted because of their bright and striking pattern. Sea turtles, pantropical spotted dolphins and flying fish also showed up.
Christian presented an introduction to Panama, his home, in the late afternoon. A magnificent moonrise and a striking sunset led to recap and yet another fine dinner to end our rich day.
