After sailing 190 nautical miles on board National Geographic Sea Lion, we reached a paradisiac island towards the west of Panama, Coiba National Park.
This remote diamond covers the largest reef formation on the Eastern Pacific, an important component of an international effort made by four nations. These four countries have united efforts in conservation and together protect an international marine park that includes Coiba National Park in Panama, Malpelo in Colombia, Galapagos in Ecuador and Coco Island in Costa Rica.
A beautiful islet called Granito de Oro appeared in the middle of the Pacific. Its beautiful white sand beach was our base of operations and we got to choose activities such as Kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. Some explorers even chose to take a hike the main island. They explored the Mono Trail lead by our Panamanian naturalist, to exercise their lower body and learn more tips about photography with one of our Photo instructors, Emily Mount and later on joined the rest of the group in the islet.
It was motivating to see a recovery in the coral reefs and the tide provided an amazing experience to our expedition. Sea turtles, king angel fish, Moorish idols, eels, rainbow wrasses, parrot fish, Guinea fowl puffer fish which is a delicacy to eat in Japan, despite the fact that it produces a toxin that could be deadly if it is not well prepared. In addittion surgeon fish, even a lobster and white tip reef sharks, among many other species were our hosts in this amazing underwater world.
After repositioning the vessel to the main island, we enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch prepared by the galley.
Then white faced monkeys put up a show to allow our photo expedition guests and nature lovers, practice their knowledge and advice provided by our photo instructors. Black spiny tail ctenosaurs and Coiba agoutis didn’t want to be left out and completed our experience. Water, air and land species where part of the targets photographed during this amazing day the ended with a talk about Panama and its culture by our Panamanian colleague Joshua Hall.
