Diving Itinerary

he following information is intended to give you a general guideline of what to expect during your days aboard the M/V Coral Star diving the Hannibal Bank, Coiba and adjacent islands.  In no way should it be construed as gospel, since there are too many variables.

Coiba National Park, Panama Two Oceans Expedition Special Research Diving Expeditions

We will, however, try to follow this outline as closely as possible.  Please keep in mind this itinerary includes our hotel and "in-country" air transfer package.

Arrival in Panama City

After your arrival to Panama's Tocumen International Airport, a shuttle or taxi will be waiting to transfer you to your prearranged hotel in Panama City.

Panama City is the capital of the Republic of Panama, a hub of trade and commerce and an international banking center. As the crossroads of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, via the Panama Canal, this area opens up a multitude of diverse activities for you to enjoy during you stay. We highly suggest that you extend your holiday in Panama to enjoy the many wonders this splendid country has to offer.

Tour Panama City, traverse the canal, or spend some extra time in this area around David exploring rain and cloud forests and the Baru Volcano. Go river rafting, bird watching, shopping or enjoy the local restaurants. Take advantage of the many possibilities you have to delve into in this newly awakened country.

For more information on eco-tours and Panama, contact the M/V Coral Star/Teton Aquatic Supplies booking office. If you plan on extending your stay in Panama, we will contact Startlite Travel which is located in Panama to set you up with additional sightseeing and tour options.

Day One

After an evening at your hotel in Panama City, the next morning you'll catch a taxi or the pre-arranged transportation to the regional airport to meet your flight to David, Panama. (You must be there one hour prior to your departure time so give yourself ample time due to the city traffic.)   Please keep in mind that the security in the Panamanian Airports is very thorough so don't be offended or lose your patience while security officers completely check all baggage. We highly suggest limiting your luggage due to excess baggage charges.

After an enjoyable one-hour flight across the Panamanian countryside and upon arrival in David, Panama, you will be greeted by a M/V Coral Star representative. Typically by 10:00 am, we will depart to the seaport of Pedregal to board the M/V Coral Star. The M/V Coral Star must depart the Port of Pedregal at the closest high tide to departure, due to the depth of the Chiriqui River which we travel to exit the port. This is a very pleasurable ride, meandering through the river spotting parrots, monkeys and variety of boats along the way.

Upon boarding the M/V Coral Star you will be given a cold drink and snack, while all the necessary forms are filled out and your luggage is placed in your stateroom. Thereafter you will be briefed on the specifics of the vessel, the do's, don'ts and how-to's. After finishing an enjoyable lunch and preparing your dive gear, we will continue our journey to our anchorage for the evening. Depending on time of boarding, we  may have the chance to get a late afternoon check-out dive done before dark. The islands surrounding the region are typically uninhabited and offer flowers, forests and secluded beaches.

Day Two through Day Six

Breakfast is served from 7:00 - 8:00 am with dive departure promptly by 8:30. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Happy hour is around 5:30 pm featuring a daily drink and hors d'oeuvres special. Dinner is served around 7:00 pm, either outside or in the dining area of the ship. All meals are prepared by our excellent chef and there is a chance there will be a fresh catch of the day for dinner no matter what else is being served.

After dinner activities include board games, slide shows, movies, reading, listening/dancing to music at the Fantail Bar or choosing from three separate decks to just relax and gaze at the never ending array of stars.

If you are looking for a diversion during one of you days of diving, enjoy fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling or exploring the many beaches and tropical rain forests on uninhabited islands filled with flora, fauna and wildlife.

One of the highlights of our trip will be a stop at Coiba National Park and its adjacent islands: Isla De Contreras, Isla Jicaron and Isla Jicarita. After arriving ashore at Park Headquarters and park permits have been issues, you may want to go on a tour of the island trails with a Park Ranger to look for Howler Monkeys and Scarlet Macaws.   Personnel of INREUARE, the governmental environmental agency, will explain the most interesting aspects of the islands ecology at their Research Center. On Coiba, as with any National Park, take only photographs and leave only footprints.

For the snorkelers, the area of Granito De Oro offers incredible species of colorful, plentiful and tame fish. Be sure to bring your fish guidebook to this area! The exact location of the M/V Coral Star on a day-to-day basis varies depending on the weather and the diving capabilities of the passengers. Typically you may have the opportunity to navigate the Hannibal Bank area including the Isles of Coiba, Jicaron, Jicarita, Montuosa, Ladrones, Secas, Contreras and Rancheria.

Day Seven

After a satisfying early morning breakfast, you'll reluctantly board the airplane in David for your flight back to Panama City. Once you arrive in Panama City you will either catch your flight back home or return to the hotel if you plan on spending an extra night in Panama City.

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