Beaches and National Parks teeming with wildlife are a major highlight of One Ocean Expeditions’ Central America Adventure itinerary. It’s not always what you see along the shores and skies, sometimes it’s what lingers just under the surface that will be your most thrilling sight of the day. With this warmer climate destination, One Ocean Expeditions is excited to have the activity of snorkelling on the agenda- the only itinerary to have the offering. Guided by our professional team of experts, jump into the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean and explore the underwater world of life ‘under the sea’. Here’s a look at a few highlights that you may glimpse within the azure waters of the ocean.
Turtles
Always a joy to see, five of the world’s seven marine turtles can be found along the coast of Costa Rica and Panama. Watch them swim with relaxed ease or chew on plant life as they float effortlessly along the currents. Turtles are a popular and frequent sighting at Granito de Oro in Coiba National Park, one of our snorkelling excursion locations.
Rays
There’s something soothing about watching a ray glide through the water, as it comes into focus then gently eases itself into the distance until you can’t see it any further. Along the Pacific Coast you might see white-spotted eagle rays, manta rays or bat rays. Rays can often jump out of the water so you’ll want to look for them on the surface too!
Fish
Well this one is a given, and there are a few too many to list, but rest assured you’ll be encountering a plethora of colourful fish. From an array of butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish as well as tangs, wrasse, grouper and more…. you won’t quite know where to look. Watch for the pufferfish, who will quickly ingest huge amounts of water when in danger to turn themselves into a large ball. Other interesting fish you may encounter are the goofy looking porcupine fish, elegant Moorish Idols or long and narrow trumpetfish.
Other Marine Animals
With such a rich marine life in these areas, keep an eye out from the upper decks of the ship for dolphins or whales as they frolic near the surface. While scuba divers can be extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of small reef sharks, manatees or whale sharks, snorkellers will be underwater in much shallower depths, so encounters will more likely be smaller creatures such as seahorses, spiny reef lobsters or moray eels.
From protected areas like Manual Antonio National Park in Costa Rica to the stunning Pearl Islands of Panama, the calm turquoise waters of the sea are so enticing that you’ll want to jump right in and float along the gentle currents of the shore. And with a clear enough view, you’ll be able to see all these amazing animals straight down to the bottom of the seafloor.
Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and high visibility vest) is provided, but we recommend bringing your equipment if you own, for optimum fit and comfort.
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