Boná and Otoque Islands
After the unique experience of crossing the Panama Canal, we wake up on the waters of the Pacific Ocean! Surrounded by three small islands, the early risers started the day at 06:30 am with a Zodiac ride. But of course, there was an option for those who wanted to sleep in, so we went out again at 9:30 am after a rain shower that just made the trip feel cool. On both rides we went to Estiba Island, a small piece of land that has become a paradise for some shorebird species. Colonies of pelicans were perched all over like guards of their own territory. As soon as we arrived, we entered a cave formed by the interaction of marine currents eroding the rocks exposed from the uplifting of the terrain, and we realized that birds are not the only inhabitants of the island; dozens of bats were hanging from the cave’s roof while barnacles and crabs were active down at the lower levels. Then the blue footed boobies had their opportunity to show off and made their courtship like a performance for our expedition. On the other side, the island of Boná did remind us that it is a habitat as important as its neighbor; a flock of magnificent frigatebirds were flying around, and some males were perched on top of the trees and seemed to be proud of displaying their gorgeous red pouch, a behavior to attract females in breeding. At the same time, a colony of brown boobies were taking care of their young ones that made a beautiful contrast of their white plumage against the dark rocks.
To our surprise there were quiet a few species such as blue gray tanagers, yellow crowned night herons, the peregrine falcon, Amazon kingfishers, Panama flycatchers and even a green iguana exceeded our expectations in terms of the wildlife of the place.
Swimmers took advantage of the opportunity to swim in the Pacific while others decided to stretch their muscles paddling on the kayaks.
During the afternoon, we started cruising west towards our next destination. There was time to relax or enjoy the breeze. Some green sea turtles and spotted dolphins joined our sail just before Rick, our Panamanian naturalist, gave us the first great lecture on “The Raising of the Isthmus.”
Before dinner, we met up at the lounge and had a fun time during our recap as we tasted a delicious cocktail.
After the unique experience of crossing the Panama Canal, we wake up on the waters of the Pacific Ocean! Surrounded by three small islands, the early risers started the day at 06:30 am with a Zodiac ride. But of course, there was an option for those who wanted to sleep in, so we went out again at 9:30 am after a rain shower that just made the trip feel cool. On both rides we went to Estiba Island, a small piece of land that has become a paradise for some shorebird species. Colonies of pelicans were perched all over like guards of their own territory. As soon as we arrived, we entered a cave formed by the interaction of marine currents eroding the rocks exposed from the uplifting of the terrain, and we realized that birds are not the only inhabitants of the island; dozens of bats were hanging from the cave’s roof while barnacles and crabs were active down at the lower levels. Then the blue footed boobies had their opportunity to show off and made their courtship like a performance for our expedition. On the other side, the island of Boná did remind us that it is a habitat as important as its neighbor; a flock of magnificent frigatebirds were flying around, and some males were perched on top of the trees and seemed to be proud of displaying their gorgeous red pouch, a behavior to attract females in breeding. At the same time, a colony of brown boobies were taking care of their young ones that made a beautiful contrast of their white plumage against the dark rocks.
To our surprise there were quiet a few species such as blue gray tanagers, yellow crowned night herons, the peregrine falcon, Amazon kingfishers, Panama flycatchers and even a green iguana exceeded our expectations in terms of the wildlife of the place.
Swimmers took advantage of the opportunity to swim in the Pacific while others decided to stretch their muscles paddling on the kayaks.
During the afternoon, we started cruising west towards our next destination. There was time to relax or enjoy the breeze. Some green sea turtles and spotted dolphins joined our sail just before Rick, our Panamanian naturalist, gave us the first great lecture on “The Raising of the Isthmus.”
Before dinner, we met up at the lounge and had a fun time during our recap as we tasted a delicious cocktail.
