Bay of Panama & Panama Canal
Central America is a very small region, however, few places on earth have played a more important role in both natural and human history. Because of its location it has served as a bridge linking two continents, while it is also a barrier separating two oceans. The abundance of tropical rains, the presence of volcanic mountain ranges, extensive plains and coastal regions have made it one of the most intensely biodiverse places in the planet. For thousands of years humans have migrated through this land, profiting from its treasures and overcoming the obstacles it poses.
This morning, the trade winds which blow over the Isthmus delayed our arrival to the Bay of Panama. Finally around 9:00 A.M. we anchored by the islands of Bona, Otoque and Estiva. Due to the winds, the water on the surface was cold and full of nutrients and this phenomenon attracted fish, which in turn attracted shore birds. We spent the morning cruising on Zodiacs around these islands, looking at frigate birds, boobies and brown pelicans in all their splendor. We also visited the fishing village of Otoque where we saw how people manage to survive on artisanal fishing.
In the afternoon we arrived at the entrance of the Panama Canal. We entered this modern day marvel with a sense of awe. We were impressed not only by the fact that this Canal functions in exactly the same way it did almost a century ago when it was built, but also by pondering over the tens of thousands of human beings who gave their lives in breaking the obstacle that separated the two oceans. As night fell we entered into Lake Gatun, which is the highest point in the Panama Canal. We spent the night at anchor in the lake.
Central America is a very small region, however, few places on earth have played a more important role in both natural and human history. Because of its location it has served as a bridge linking two continents, while it is also a barrier separating two oceans. The abundance of tropical rains, the presence of volcanic mountain ranges, extensive plains and coastal regions have made it one of the most intensely biodiverse places in the planet. For thousands of years humans have migrated through this land, profiting from its treasures and overcoming the obstacles it poses.
This morning, the trade winds which blow over the Isthmus delayed our arrival to the Bay of Panama. Finally around 9:00 A.M. we anchored by the islands of Bona, Otoque and Estiva. Due to the winds, the water on the surface was cold and full of nutrients and this phenomenon attracted fish, which in turn attracted shore birds. We spent the morning cruising on Zodiacs around these islands, looking at frigate birds, boobies and brown pelicans in all their splendor. We also visited the fishing village of Otoque where we saw how people manage to survive on artisanal fishing.
In the afternoon we arrived at the entrance of the Panama Canal. We entered this modern day marvel with a sense of awe. We were impressed not only by the fact that this Canal functions in exactly the same way it did almost a century ago when it was built, but also by pondering over the tens of thousands of human beings who gave their lives in breaking the obstacle that separated the two oceans. As night fell we entered into Lake Gatun, which is the highest point in the Panama Canal. We spent the night at anchor in the lake.
