Coiba National Park, Panamá, 2/27/2024, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today marked our last day in Panamá, and it was a glorious one. We spent the entire day exploring one of the country’s newest national parks, Coiba, a place that offers true immersion in tropical paradise.
Guests enjoyed kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, bird watching, hiking, and gazing at the antics of capuchin monkeys, whose comedic behavior never ceases to amuse.
Zoey grew up in Bellingham, Washington, where the Salish Sea and temperate rainforest were powerful catalysts in sparking her love of the coast. Her studies took her to tall ships in the eastern U.S. where she taught kids how to haul sail, sing sea s...
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This morning, guests aboard National Geographic Quest visited the little island of Coco, a pristine snorkeling destination within Coiba Island National Park. The crystal-clear waters revealed an extraordinary array of marine life. Guests snorkeled over a rocky reef teeming with vibrant fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, and angelfish. A thrilling highlight was the appearance of a whitetip reef shark, the star of the day. Guests also spotted eels and graceful sea turtles, making for an unforgettable underwater experience. After returning to the ship for a delicious lunch, the afternoon was spent on the main island of Coiba. The stunning beach offered a serene environment for relaxation. Guests engaged in exciting water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddling, taking in the breathtaking coastal views. It was a perfect day of exploration and adventure, offering a combination of vibrant marine life and the natural beauty of Coiba Island National Park.
The sun kissed our faces as the ship glided through the calm waters of the Pacific. Having just navigated the intricate locks of the Panama Canal, a marvel of human engineering, we were now embarking on a new adventure — a visit to the enchanting Iguana Island. The island, a pristine gem, emerged on the horizon, its white sands contrasting with the turquoise waters. As we disembarked, we were greeted by a sight straight out of a nature documentary: hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds, in the sky. We donned our snorkeling gear and plunged into the crystal-clear waters, a kaleidoscope of colors and life unfolding before our eyes. Schools of vibrant fish darted through coral reefs. Back on land, we explored the trails, home to a myriad of black iguanas and halloween crabs. The tranquility of the place was palpable, a stark contrast to the bustling activity we left behind by crossing the canal. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the island, we gathered on the beach to return to the ship and continue our journey. We will cherish the memory of this idyllic day, a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
We awoke at our anchorage in Gatun Lake, which was, at the time of its creation, the largest man-made lake in the world. The longest running tropical research center is also located here, on Barro Colorado Island (BCI). We disembarked for hikes on this unique island and explored a trail system that has hosted researchers since the 1920’s. Many foundational studies on tropical ecology originated here, including groundbreaking work on leaf-cutter ants, spider monkey hormones, and the motivations of tent-making bats. During panga and Zodiac cruises we observed lovely birds, including the snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), an elegant raptor with a notably curved beaked used for extracting apple snails from their shells. Upon leaving BCI we passed through Gatun Locks (with a crocodile) and arrived in Colon in time to celebrate our trip with the world premiere of the guest slideshow. This was a trip to remember — from Costa Rica’s lush Osa Peninsula to Panama’s famous canal, we have been mesmerized every nautical mile of the way.
