Coiba Marine National Park, Panama
Today we begin our first expedition day within the Panamanian boundaries. The wind blows smoothly, far in the distance we can see some marine birds opening their wings and taking off with the firsts sun’s rays of the day. We have reached one of the most intensive and unique marine national parks on the pacific coast of Central America: Coiba. This national park with its stunning biodiversity was created with an extension of 675,000 acres of mangrove ecosystems, coral reefs and rainforest. Because of this, Coiba Marine National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This area is part of a marine corridor that comes all the way from Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, Malpelo in Colombia and Cocos Islands in Costa Rica. This realm protects dolphins, puffer fish and tiny coral larvae alike to large marines mammals such as humpback whales.
Our day started very early with activities such as kayaking and stretching on the beach close to the park’s ranger station, followed by a satisfying breakfast. Suddenly we heard an announcement from our expedition leader! It was time to ride Zodiacs and depart to Granito de Oro (little grain of gold). We are all excited, and the enthusiasm is easily noticed on everybody’s faces. This is the greatest opportunity for snorkeling. Virgin coral are waiting for us around this small island. Parrot fish, angel fish, wrasses, sharks, and sea turtles are easily spotted, playing their role in the magic coral ecosystem. It was almost noon and time to go back again to the ranger station where a delicious BBQ lunch waited for us. Later this afternoon we took time to explore close to the park’s headquarters where we spotted among other creatures the endemic specie of agouti playing its role as the seed dispersal.
It is time to leave this tropical paradise, and get ready for the next day that promises us unforgettable memories.
Today we begin our first expedition day within the Panamanian boundaries. The wind blows smoothly, far in the distance we can see some marine birds opening their wings and taking off with the firsts sun’s rays of the day. We have reached one of the most intensive and unique marine national parks on the pacific coast of Central America: Coiba. This national park with its stunning biodiversity was created with an extension of 675,000 acres of mangrove ecosystems, coral reefs and rainforest. Because of this, Coiba Marine National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This area is part of a marine corridor that comes all the way from Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, Malpelo in Colombia and Cocos Islands in Costa Rica. This realm protects dolphins, puffer fish and tiny coral larvae alike to large marines mammals such as humpback whales.
Our day started very early with activities such as kayaking and stretching on the beach close to the park’s ranger station, followed by a satisfying breakfast. Suddenly we heard an announcement from our expedition leader! It was time to ride Zodiacs and depart to Granito de Oro (little grain of gold). We are all excited, and the enthusiasm is easily noticed on everybody’s faces. This is the greatest opportunity for snorkeling. Virgin coral are waiting for us around this small island. Parrot fish, angel fish, wrasses, sharks, and sea turtles are easily spotted, playing their role in the magic coral ecosystem. It was almost noon and time to go back again to the ranger station where a delicious BBQ lunch waited for us. Later this afternoon we took time to explore close to the park’s headquarters where we spotted among other creatures the endemic specie of agouti playing its role as the seed dispersal.
It is time to leave this tropical paradise, and get ready for the next day that promises us unforgettable memories.
