Coiba National Park - Veraguas, Panama
We dropped anchor early this morning in the pristine water of Panama’s Coiba National Park. Coiba Island is one of the largest marine protected areas in all of the Americas. This marine park is part of a future marine corridor between Galápagos Ecuador, Manpelos Colombia and Coco’s island Costa Rica.
A few years ago these countries’ park services got together and presented a plan. The project was to create the largest international marine corridor ever seen. This project would demonstrate unprecedented conservation efforts, and if supported by UNESCO it would secure valuable marine species currently endangered, not to mention the protection of endemic marine species in our water share.
For all of us, it was a true enjoyment to snorkel in this area. Lots of great sightings, king angel fish, Moorish idols, turtles, sharks and just enjoying the clear waters, was a great change of pace from our rainforest encounters. Some of us continued exploring birding on the Island of Rancheria, adjacent to Coiba. The Island of Rancheria was at one time owned by the private pilot of the Shah of Iran. Nowadays it is in the hands of the Smithsonian Institute due to a dying wish. After this superb morning, we reposition our ship to enjoy a special event. Our hotel manager, Erasmo, treated us to a wonderful beach barbeque on the Coiba ranger’s station. After this great lunch, we departed to our next destination 18 hours away in the bay of Panama, where we will begin a new adventure of discovery.
