It was 6:30 a.m. this morning when Gustavo, our expedition leader announced the big news: we are finally in Panama! We left our incredible experience in the jungles of Costa Rica with the promise to visit one of the best snorkeling sites in the eastern Pacific: Coiba Island at Granito de Oro. As we approached the archipelago, the lush green forest contrasted with the turquoise waters beckoned us. We couldn't wait to get in the ocean!
“Granito de Oro” is a small island with a perfect white sand beach and just enough trees to provide shade under our beach chairs. The staff brought out the kayaks, body boards, and debuted the standup paddle boards- a new activity for our guests to enjoy.
The majority of guests immediately went out to snorkel, only to discover that the reef below was a breathtaking paradise just as the island above: large schools of fish and all kinds of colors form the gorgeous underwater world.
After the guests finished their snorkeling adventure, they described the various sightings such as puffer fish, needle fish, damsel fish, parrot fish, sting rays, large schools of sergeant mayors and even turtles floating gently above the reef. Others decided to just relax under a chair with a good book during this time.
Many of us enjoyed the kayaks while the most adventurous tried the standup paddle boards, our new toy for guests on the National Geographic Sea Lion. The boards made us feel like we were walking on water and the standing position gave us a different perspective of the scenery. Those who tried out the boards felt proud of the new challenge, some may have found a new passion.
Back on the ship, our naturalist Richard Cahill gave a lecture about Panama, providing background information that will help us better understand our experience in this incredible country.
As we sailed off, the sunset decorated the gorgeous Coiba Island and archipelago surrounding it.
