Coiba Island National Park, Panama
The National Geographic Sea Lion sailed through the night from the Pearl Islands. Like a Spanish Galleon loaded with Conquistadores, she opened her way through the mighty ocean. Pushed by the wind and currents, she arrived on time for her destination shortly after dawn. It seemed that the weather was going to be overcast, but the sun showed it rays through the clouds. A beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky, as if telling her guests that they were going to have a spectacular day.
The anchor was dropped right next to a beautiful islet known as Granito de Oro, a small islet with white sand, a couple of palm trees and shrubs. This small version of paradise is part of Coiba National Park, Panama’s newest jewel! Far from the mainland, the park itself was kept from being visited by tourist, because for many years it was used as a prison. After the year 2005, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the prison was closed for good. The park is part of a very important marine corridor that connects Cocos Island in Costa Rica, Gorgona and Malpelo Island in Colombia and Galapagos in Ecuador. This marine corridor allows fish and pelagic marine mammals to swim without the fear of being hunted down.
As we went ashore, we had several activities to choose from. Snorkeling, kayaking, swimming or just sitting on the beach and enjoying the view. Those who went snorkeling had the experience of their lives. The underwater world holds many secrets, if we don’t protect it, we could lose it forever. Hawk Billed turltles, Panamic green moray, jewel moray, morish idols, bicolored parrot fish and many other species of fish provide clear evidence that we play an important role in the balance of marine life. Each member of the big, mysterious, underwater world we explored made us feel so little, yet so big for doing something to protect it.
Back on the ship, the National Geographic Sea Lion repositioned in front of the ranger station where the galley had prepared a delicious barbecue lunch. For the rest of the afternoon we enjoyed walking through the premises of the station and relaxing on the beach. We would have stayed in this Paradise, but our ship had to weigh anchor again and sail to our next destination.
Once again, like a Spanish Galleon loaded with Conquistadores, the National Geographic Sea Lion, loaded with her explorers, made her way through the mighty ocean. While the sun began to set on the horizon, she sailed towards Costa Rica pushed by the wind and currents.
