Islas Las Perlas, Panama
The sea could not have been calmer as we began our day by exploring two small islands, Pacheca and Pachecilla, by Zodiac. At the northern end of the Pearl Island archipelago, these islands are home to thousands of roosting and nesting seabirds. Taking our time as we cruised along the shorelines, we were treated to great looks at magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, great egrets, American oystercatchers and night-herons (both black-crowned and yellow-crowned) among others. Limpets and Sally Lightfoot crabs dotted the rocky shores. A gentle breeze kept us comfortable in the tropical sun.
Still before lunch, Sea Voyager repositioned a few miles to a very different small island, Bartolomé. With a broad, sandy beach, it was ideal for relaxing or for a swim in the inviting water.
The rest of the day we were underway, sailing to the southwest, towards Punta Mala, the point where the Gulf of Panama and the open Pacific Ocean meet. Our wildlife watch was fruitful, as we spotted many seabirds as well as sea turtles and spotted devil rays. At about 2 p.m., the announcement came over the PA. Whales! As we approached, we found ourselves in the midst of a feeding frenzy of laughing gulls, brown pelicans and other birds, by the hundreds. Humpback whales surfaced and showed their flukes. Dolphins sliced through the water. It was magical.
Later in the afternoon, we had briefings to prepare us for upcoming snorkeling and kayaking adventures. Snorkel gear was distributed. Naturalist Fico Chacon presented his excellent program “Rain Forest Connections” late in the day.
A richly colored sunset and more dolphins led into evening recap and another fine dinner as we made our way towards Coiba National Park, our destination for tomorrow.
The sea could not have been calmer as we began our day by exploring two small islands, Pacheca and Pachecilla, by Zodiac. At the northern end of the Pearl Island archipelago, these islands are home to thousands of roosting and nesting seabirds. Taking our time as we cruised along the shorelines, we were treated to great looks at magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, great egrets, American oystercatchers and night-herons (both black-crowned and yellow-crowned) among others. Limpets and Sally Lightfoot crabs dotted the rocky shores. A gentle breeze kept us comfortable in the tropical sun.
Still before lunch, Sea Voyager repositioned a few miles to a very different small island, Bartolomé. With a broad, sandy beach, it was ideal for relaxing or for a swim in the inviting water.
The rest of the day we were underway, sailing to the southwest, towards Punta Mala, the point where the Gulf of Panama and the open Pacific Ocean meet. Our wildlife watch was fruitful, as we spotted many seabirds as well as sea turtles and spotted devil rays. At about 2 p.m., the announcement came over the PA. Whales! As we approached, we found ourselves in the midst of a feeding frenzy of laughing gulls, brown pelicans and other birds, by the hundreds. Humpback whales surfaced and showed their flukes. Dolphins sliced through the water. It was magical.
Later in the afternoon, we had briefings to prepare us for upcoming snorkeling and kayaking adventures. Snorkel gear was distributed. Naturalist Fico Chacon presented his excellent program “Rain Forest Connections” late in the day.
A richly colored sunset and more dolphins led into evening recap and another fine dinner as we made our way towards Coiba National Park, our destination for tomorrow.
