Bocas del Toro, Panama
The 4th of July, we entered Panama and had the chance to explore the Bocas del Toro Province. This archipelago is the latest destination for Panama’s eco-marine tourism along the western Caribbean coast, the same area Christopher Columbus himself had explored in his fourth and final voyage. Here we welcomed the warm and calm waters, sheltered by red mangroves and coral reefs. Bottle-nosed dolphins followed our ship as we entered the idyllic islands.
We had a wonderful opportunity for snorkeling and diving at Nancy’s Key, as well as visiting the friendly town of Isla Colon. In this small town it was a pleasant surprise to find a Kuna Indian marketplace, small craft stores, several hotels and bars indicating its popularity and warmth.
After lunch, we explored Bastimentos Marine National Park. Here we crossed this privately owned pass where an agroforestry project landscaped our trail with teak trees, pineapple, taro and a wide variety of ornamental plants. During this walk towards Red Frog Beach, Ged challenged us to find a Dendrobates pumilio, the poison dart frog of this protected area. Fortunately it was not a difficult task, poison dart frogs were in abundance.
We celebrated our independence day with a great Panamanian host, who offered us his private secluded house – known as Sweet Bocas - located in the middle of a bay, surrounded by red mangroves,. Right from his deck we all gazed at the six reef squids, and an array of Caribbean fish. We all had the chance to swim and enjoy the wonderful spread that Erasmo and the crew had set up for this wonderful festivity. What a place to enjoy the 4th of July!
The 4th of July, we entered Panama and had the chance to explore the Bocas del Toro Province. This archipelago is the latest destination for Panama’s eco-marine tourism along the western Caribbean coast, the same area Christopher Columbus himself had explored in his fourth and final voyage. Here we welcomed the warm and calm waters, sheltered by red mangroves and coral reefs. Bottle-nosed dolphins followed our ship as we entered the idyllic islands.
We had a wonderful opportunity for snorkeling and diving at Nancy’s Key, as well as visiting the friendly town of Isla Colon. In this small town it was a pleasant surprise to find a Kuna Indian marketplace, small craft stores, several hotels and bars indicating its popularity and warmth.
After lunch, we explored Bastimentos Marine National Park. Here we crossed this privately owned pass where an agroforestry project landscaped our trail with teak trees, pineapple, taro and a wide variety of ornamental plants. During this walk towards Red Frog Beach, Ged challenged us to find a Dendrobates pumilio, the poison dart frog of this protected area. Fortunately it was not a difficult task, poison dart frogs were in abundance.
We celebrated our independence day with a great Panamanian host, who offered us his private secluded house – known as Sweet Bocas - located in the middle of a bay, surrounded by red mangroves,. Right from his deck we all gazed at the six reef squids, and an array of Caribbean fish. We all had the chance to swim and enjoy the wonderful spread that Erasmo and the crew had set up for this wonderful festivity. What a place to enjoy the 4th of July!
