Wednesday, March 21, 2018: Granito De Oro Islet, Coiba National Park, Panama

The postcard-perfect Granito de Oro islet offered a little bit of everything despite its small size.  Volcanic outcroppings at either end of this tiny landmass and a dense, mini-jungle in the center are connected by gorgeous white sand beach. Named one of the world's top 10 diving sites, your day of play features snorkeling among abundant marine life, kayaking around rocky outcroppings, and lounging on the warm sand. 

Our destination for the morning.
It looked awfully small at high tide.

The welcoming committee

Lloyd - snorkelling with a moustache is a challenge! - staff photo

The snorkelling was quite good. We saw quite a variety and have photos, thanks to Angie and other staff. I have not tried to name the fish.

This is an octopus. 

A school of fish

This guy looks like he has eyes in the side of his head.

A gorgeous big turtle

A beautiful eel - too bad I missed it!

                                       

Healthy coral

Beautiful starfish

Well-camoflauged fish

There was always someone in a boat keeping an eye on the snorkelers. 

The staff had done another great job setting up for us - chairs, towels, drinks, snacks, noodles for swimming, sunscreen, paddle boards and kayaks. Lloyd and I joined a small group who were kayaking around the island. It didn't take long and a small turtle swam up to say "hello".

Kayaks on the beach

staff phot0

Barb and Kim, from Toronto - staff photo

Judy, from Red Deer, with Trish and Raymond, from Ottawa - staff photo

Protection from the sun!

Such a pretty place

One of the many, many small hermit crabs,
finding homes in a wide variety of shells.

One of the staff shared this wonderful short video, well worth watching!

As a hermit crab grows its shell becomes a tighter fit so eventually the crabs need to move into a bigger one, leading to an amazing exchange. Taken from Life Story.

Quite a lot more beach showing by the time we said goodbye
to Granito de Oro by mid-day.