Bona and Otoque, Gulf of Panama
After completing a successful crossing on the Panama Canal last night; the rising sun warmed us anchored at the islands of Bona and Otoque at the Gulf of Panama. As soon as we lowered our Zodiacs, guests and naturalists were marveled at the flight of the gracious marine birds of the area. We were the only witnesses along with a couple of local fisherman, of the natural dynamics that occurred at this site: Magnificent frigatebird courtship and sharing nest chores, brown boobies raising their downy feathered chick and brown pelicans plunge diving for their food. It was a magic moment to be connected with nature.
By mid-morning we lift anchor and head toward the southern end of the Azuero Peninsula, leaving the Gulf of Panama behind with a mission: to stop for a couple of hours at Iguana Island National Park. As we proceed to this region we were escorted by a small flock of pelicans, boobies and laughing gulls, and as we were reaching Iguana Island a group of pantropical spotted dolphins gratified us with their presence.
We disembarked into the island thanks to the good weather and tidal conditions that granted the possibility of our visit. We explored the rocky-coral formations trying our first snorkeling outing or even walked around the island to explore the vegetation and more nesting areas for frigatebirds. The swimming and the snorkeling combined with this breathtaking white sand beach and turquoise waters were the ideal closure for a great day to be connected to the natural world.
After completing a successful crossing on the Panama Canal last night; the rising sun warmed us anchored at the islands of Bona and Otoque at the Gulf of Panama. As soon as we lowered our Zodiacs, guests and naturalists were marveled at the flight of the gracious marine birds of the area. We were the only witnesses along with a couple of local fisherman, of the natural dynamics that occurred at this site: Magnificent frigatebird courtship and sharing nest chores, brown boobies raising their downy feathered chick and brown pelicans plunge diving for their food. It was a magic moment to be connected with nature.
By mid-morning we lift anchor and head toward the southern end of the Azuero Peninsula, leaving the Gulf of Panama behind with a mission: to stop for a couple of hours at Iguana Island National Park. As we proceed to this region we were escorted by a small flock of pelicans, boobies and laughing gulls, and as we were reaching Iguana Island a group of pantropical spotted dolphins gratified us with their presence.
We disembarked into the island thanks to the good weather and tidal conditions that granted the possibility of our visit. We explored the rocky-coral formations trying our first snorkeling outing or even walked around the island to explore the vegetation and more nesting areas for frigatebirds. The swimming and the snorkeling combined with this breathtaking white sand beach and turquoise waters were the ideal closure for a great day to be connected to the natural world.
