Today we visited Coiba National Park. This natural reserve is home to the largest coral reef formation in the eastern Pacific, with more than 500,000 acres of marine ecosystem and 125,000 acres of forest. Interestingly, the island this forest occupies was used as a penal colony for more than 80 years, which yielded the even further unexpected outcome of an untouched expanse of marine and forest habitat.
We were able to experience this small paradise while hiking a local trail called Los Monos. There we saw birds such as crimson-backed tanager and the very elusive lance-tailed manakin. We also explored along the beach and the small islet of Granito de Oro, the latter being where snorkelers spotted Moorish idols, bicolor parrot fish, hawksbill turtles, and admired the colorful rocky reef formation. Snorkeling was paired with kayaks and paddleboarding, all of which capped our unbeatable tour and exploration of Panama.
Tomorrow we will wake up in Costa Rica, where the fun will commence!
