Barro Colorado Island and the Panama Canal, 1/1/2017, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Early in the morning a Panama Canal Pilot came on board National Geographic Sea Lion and guided us to our morning destination. Lush green forests could be seen as the sun began to rise. Today was our opportunity to visit a big island in the middle of Gatun Lake. Here in Barro Colorado Island, scientists from all around the world are doing research and trying to learn more about the tropical rain forest.
Cristian is a Panamanian born in Chile. He grew up in Panama City until the age of 19 when he returned to Chile to go to college where he received a degree in metallurgic civil engineering. Since 1995 he has been working as a freelance naturalist in ...
Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, José has almost two decades of experience working as a naturalist and photography guide; as well as being recognized as an expert birder and nature photographer in Cost...
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Today marked the first day of the year and our inaugural day in Costa Rica. We began our morning in the picturesque port town of Golfito, where passengers embarked on an exciting array of kayak tours and Zodiac rides. The morning was filled with thrilling wildlife sightings, including a troop of monkeys and up to six different three-toed sloths. Numerous bird species, including vibrant toucans, were also spotted along the way. After returning to the National Geographic Quest for a delicious lunch, we set off for an afternoon adventure to Rio Seco in the Piedras Blancas National Park. Guests hiked through the stunning tropical rainforest, immersing themselves in the rich ecosystem and beautiful trails that wound through the lush jungle and vibrant gardens. Along the way, we encountered three species of monkeys and an impressive variety of birds, highlighted by the striking scarlet macaw. The day was filled with excitement and natural beauty, setting the tone for a fantastic journey ahead.
Our day began with an unforgettable snorkeling experience at the small but stunning Coco Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its underwater biodiversity. As we slipped into the warm Pacific water, we were greeted by a dazzling array of marine life. Schools of colorful fish darted among vibrant coral reefs, while whitetip reef sharks, rays, and other animals glided gracefully below. A few lucky snorkelers spotted a sea turtle leisurely swimming past. Before midday, we were all back on National Geographic Quest , where we enjoyed a delicious brunch while sharing stories of our aquatic adventures. In the afternoon, we took the Zodiac’s to the ranger station of Coiba Island, another UNESCO treasure. Immediately guests took the water to do some kayaking and paddleboarding, exploring the area. At the same time, other guests took a guided nature walk that revealed the island’s terrestrial wonders. We even spotted a white-faced capuchin descending to observe several colorful birds.
Our adventure today began at Iguana Island, near the Peninsula de Azuero. It’s a great place with an incredible rock formation that tells of the huge volcanic activity that created the Isthmus of Panama. The small island is also an important nesting area for seabirds. The most remarkable bird from this zone is the magnificent frigatebird, which at this time of year are starting their nesting season. Males show their big red pouches to insinuate being the best in order to have a chance to mate with the females. The red pouch combined with movements of their wings and clicking sounds with their bills are part of the courtship display to attract females. The animal that gives its name to the island is certainly present here, and we saw two species of iguanas from the island. The large green iguana and the spiny-tailed iguana approached our station, getting the attention of our guests. Iguanas are a protected species and are quite abundant on this small island. After time at the beach enjoying snorkeling and walking tours, we returned to National Geographic Quest and savored a great cocktail hour on the sundeck.
