Coiba Marine National Park, Panama
We sailed overnight, following the coastline of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula until our morning arrival to Coiba Marine National Park. Protected since 1991, this island, the size of some Caribbean countries, is turning a new leaf in its history. A prisoner’s colony since 1919, Coiba has been depleted of its last inmates and the only things left behind are idyllic beaches, a healthy coral reef and unspoiled rainforests.
Early risers decided to explore the rainforest on the mono aullador (howler monkey) trail. The walk was nothing short of the true wilds of Panama. On both sides of the trail, vines the length of city blocks twisted their spiral bodies around whichever tree or plant happened to cross their path. A lance-tailed manakin appeared above us as we made our way through the winding path. We even had a “taste” of the forest when we helped ourselves to some protein-rich termites. The soil was muddy and every footstep unleashed squishy sounds. Needless to say, the red clay of the tropical soil made the hikers easily identifiable upon their return to the Sea Voyager.
Meanwhile, those in search of paradise made their way to the adjacent island of Granito de Oro (Grain of Gold). When viewed from a distance, the island appears as a speckle of shiny gold amidst the turquoise-green waters of the Pacific. Not larger than a football field, it’s something straight out of the funnies. A single strand of beach, the occasional palm tree and a battalion of hermit crabs greeting us like navigators astray on the tiny island.
Snorkeling, lounging on the beach and kayaking were the activities of the morning. Snorkelers returning from their journeys on the tranquil waters gave us reports of hawksbill sea turtles, green morays, eels, moorish idols, bicolor parrotfish and even a white-tipped shark. Their tales were infectious and soon, many of the beachcombers were on their way to this colorful, underwater world.
Noontime meant lunch was served aboard, but the constant parade of zodiacs resumed in the afternoon for more snorkeling and beach time. The tide changes as much as 14 feet on the Pacific Coast of Panama and in our grain of gold was losing carats by the hour! By the time the last Zodiac departed for the Sea Voyager, Granito de Oro had practically disappeared in front of our very eyes.
This was our last stop in Panama and tomorrow morning, we will awaken to the enchanting coast of Costa Rica and the manicured gardens of Casa Orquidea. Tales of plants and gaudy birdlife will soon follow.
We sailed overnight, following the coastline of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula until our morning arrival to Coiba Marine National Park. Protected since 1991, this island, the size of some Caribbean countries, is turning a new leaf in its history. A prisoner’s colony since 1919, Coiba has been depleted of its last inmates and the only things left behind are idyllic beaches, a healthy coral reef and unspoiled rainforests.
Early risers decided to explore the rainforest on the mono aullador (howler monkey) trail. The walk was nothing short of the true wilds of Panama. On both sides of the trail, vines the length of city blocks twisted their spiral bodies around whichever tree or plant happened to cross their path. A lance-tailed manakin appeared above us as we made our way through the winding path. We even had a “taste” of the forest when we helped ourselves to some protein-rich termites. The soil was muddy and every footstep unleashed squishy sounds. Needless to say, the red clay of the tropical soil made the hikers easily identifiable upon their return to the Sea Voyager.
Meanwhile, those in search of paradise made their way to the adjacent island of Granito de Oro (Grain of Gold). When viewed from a distance, the island appears as a speckle of shiny gold amidst the turquoise-green waters of the Pacific. Not larger than a football field, it’s something straight out of the funnies. A single strand of beach, the occasional palm tree and a battalion of hermit crabs greeting us like navigators astray on the tiny island.
Snorkeling, lounging on the beach and kayaking were the activities of the morning. Snorkelers returning from their journeys on the tranquil waters gave us reports of hawksbill sea turtles, green morays, eels, moorish idols, bicolor parrotfish and even a white-tipped shark. Their tales were infectious and soon, many of the beachcombers were on their way to this colorful, underwater world.
Noontime meant lunch was served aboard, but the constant parade of zodiacs resumed in the afternoon for more snorkeling and beach time. The tide changes as much as 14 feet on the Pacific Coast of Panama and in our grain of gold was losing carats by the hour! By the time the last Zodiac departed for the Sea Voyager, Granito de Oro had practically disappeared in front of our very eyes.
This was our last stop in Panama and tomorrow morning, we will awaken to the enchanting coast of Costa Rica and the manicured gardens of Casa Orquidea. Tales of plants and gaudy birdlife will soon follow.
