Bay of Panama, Bona, Otoque Estiva & Iguana Island
Early this morning, we left the city of Panama behind and hundreds of birds escorted our arrival to the Gulf of Panama. Brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, brown and even a few blue-footed boobies spotted the rising sun with their effortless and graceful flight.
Being surrounded with such nature is always energizing and gratifying. The islands of Bona, Otoque and Estiva were radiant waiting for us nature lovers to admire their secrets. As we explored these islands we were witnesses of the interactions among species. Some male frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches announced their presence vigorously, hoping for a female to be interested. On the other hand, some other males interlaced their heads with their new mates, celebrating their existence and the opportunity to continue with nature’s life cycle.
Also as we were exploring on our Zodiacs, we noticed the essential lifestyle of the local fishermen from Otoque village. With their dugout canoes and small fishing boats, their main goal was to net some sea bass, mahi-mahi or tuna fish. Their precious bounty would be sold in the local markets, providing another ingredient to the rich gastronomical heritage of Panama.
After returning to the ship, our younger explorers were welcomed to the bridge where our Captain Adames and Chief Mate Soto gave them details about marine navigation and GPS technology aboard the ship.
As the sun started to set toward the peninsula of Azuero, the rising afternoon tide provided access to the delightful Iguana Island. Discovering the colony of frigatebirds, the busy movement of hundreds of hermit crabs and the snorkeling in the rocky reef finished a great day understanding the vast dynamics of nature in Central America.
Early this morning, we left the city of Panama behind and hundreds of birds escorted our arrival to the Gulf of Panama. Brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, brown and even a few blue-footed boobies spotted the rising sun with their effortless and graceful flight.
Being surrounded with such nature is always energizing and gratifying. The islands of Bona, Otoque and Estiva were radiant waiting for us nature lovers to admire their secrets. As we explored these islands we were witnesses of the interactions among species. Some male frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches announced their presence vigorously, hoping for a female to be interested. On the other hand, some other males interlaced their heads with their new mates, celebrating their existence and the opportunity to continue with nature’s life cycle.
Also as we were exploring on our Zodiacs, we noticed the essential lifestyle of the local fishermen from Otoque village. With their dugout canoes and small fishing boats, their main goal was to net some sea bass, mahi-mahi or tuna fish. Their precious bounty would be sold in the local markets, providing another ingredient to the rich gastronomical heritage of Panama.
After returning to the ship, our younger explorers were welcomed to the bridge where our Captain Adames and Chief Mate Soto gave them details about marine navigation and GPS technology aboard the ship.
As the sun started to set toward the peninsula of Azuero, the rising afternoon tide provided access to the delightful Iguana Island. Discovering the colony of frigatebirds, the busy movement of hundreds of hermit crabs and the snorkeling in the rocky reef finished a great day understanding the vast dynamics of nature in Central America.
