After covering 110 miles from Punta Mala on the southeastern end of the Azuero Peninsula, we reached perfect sailing conditions for our arrival to Coiba Island National park. A sky painted with orange hues on the horizon inspired many of our guests as we were heading at 6:45 a.m. to explore Rancheria or Coibita Island - our reward was to search unique birdlife on this Pacific ecosystem.
A pristine beach kissing the forest flora was awaiting us with a fanfare of chirps performed by exotic birds. The songs of lance-tailed manakins, mealy parrots and bright-rumped attilas enchanted our walk toward our final destination at the top of a hill. The early-risers had a really hard time returning for breakfast, since the magnificent view kept us hypnotize with the magenta colored waters.
By mid-morning, another group of guests in a more “civilized hour” departed with our naturalists to explore this special property. Around the same time, others joined our water activities that included snorkeling, kayaking and - one of the favorites- stand-up paddle boarding. It was hard to believe the calm wind and translucent water conditions.
After lunch and a siesta, we were ready to enjoy the quintessential snorkeling experience that Granito de Oro provides. Once again, the ideal water conditions and temperature satisfied our curiosity to witness life in a rocky reef on the eastern Pacific. Bicolored parrotfish, juvenile giant damselfish, king angelfish painted our immersion with vivid colors. We also watched the best performer, who was a solitary hawksbill turtle that swam the tranquil waters swiftly into the distance, but leaving a great memoir of our last day in Panama.
