Canal de Afuera and Granito de Oro Islands, Coiba National Park
It was quite a special day in the most remote and pristine of Panama’s National Parks! First thing in the morning, Captain Dion slowed down the National Geographic Sea Lion just enough to drop one Zodiac in the water, for the naturalists to go ahead and check the landing. I have to admit we were extremely excited about this absolutely marvelous site called Canal de Afuera Island. The name of the island, once translated to English, definitely reveals the true meaning of this tropical wonder. The name is then referring to an “outside channel” of some sort. Well, we soon discovered that this natural channel is utilized by dolphins, for hunting on the faster waters, as well as an immense number of devil rays and many more other predators at the sea. When our exploration team came back from the beach, we had nothing but the greatest news regarding the quality of this spot rarely visited by humans. There is a very special sense of discovery every time I realize our guests are setting foot on a totally immaculate beach with no tracks, no dwellings, no electricity and no sight of civilization except for a very modern ranger station with nobody there! That’s right, not one soul there, and not even the rangers at the station!
We started right after breakfast with some Zodiac cruises that ended in full success and great enjoyment for our guests. Just think about a completely isolated white sand beach surrounded by lush tropical forest. Now, try to imagine yourself getting ready to snorkel or swim out from this beach into the most fascinating pool, with absolutely clear waters full of life and beauty. Our Zodiac cruisers were at some points encircled by dolphins that accompanied the Zodiacs all the way back to the ship. I cannot think of a better way to spend a beautiful morning in Central America.
Later on, we all came back on board to reposition the National Geographic Sea Lion towards another enchanting site: Granito de Oro. More possibilities for personal discoveries as well as different modes of exploration were opened for our guests; a hike in Coiba National Park Main Island, or perhaps kayaking out of sparkling white sand beach, or simply swimming and relaxing!
All too soon, everyone was back on board in time for a very nice presentation at the lounge which, by the way, was intermittingly interrupted by bow riding dolphins. That is impossible to prevent, the wildlife goes first and our guests went out several times to have a closer encounter with these magnificent critters. Calm waters, enticing sunset and the smell of the “goodies” coming to the lounge from the galley, finished up a perfect day of “old fashion” exploration and discovery greatly enjoyed by all guests on board National Geographic Sea Lion.
