Barro Colorado Island (BCI) and the Panama Canal, 12/21/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Barro Colorado Island and the Smithsonian Tropical Institution (STRI) have a symbiotic relationship with the Panama Canal and the town of Gamboa. This relationship has endured for almost 100 years since the island was set aside as a nature reserve in 1923. The island is an important spot for tropical biologists. Today we had the opportunity to visit both the town and the island.
Mauricio was born and raised in Panama City. He is studying at the University of Panama to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Biology and has worked on research projects collaborating with institutions like the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute an...
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National Geographic Quest woke early in Gatun Lake to a beautiful sunrise and stillness. Breakfast was early as well so we could head out to our morning activities. Local pangas (a term for a skiff with outboard motor) met the ship to take guests to the discovery center on Barro Colorado Island. This hike provided monkey sightings and great information about the island. Zodiac rides in the morning were held around the lake and led by local guides provided by the Smithsonian Institute. We were able to see the keel-billed toucan high in the trees, which was a treat to see in the wild. Excursions on the lake were also had this afternoon as we awaited a transit of the last and final lock to make our way to the Atlantic side of the canal at the end of our incredible expedition.
Early this morning, our ship anchored off the tranquil shores of Otoque Island. Guests eagerly boarded our Zodiacs to explore the island’s lush coastline and abundant bird life. The gentle waves lapped against the boats as they navigated through hidden coves, offering glimpses of the hundreds of frigatebirds, brown boobies, and pelicans that thrive in this secluded paradise. As evening approached, the ship set its course toward the Panama Canal, entering through the Pacific coast. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. Passengers gathered on deck to witness this engineering marvel that connects two oceans. The ship glided through the Miraflores Locks, rising steadily as it transitioned into Gatun Lake. There our ship anchored for the night, surrounded by the serene beauty of this vast artificial lake. Guests enjoyed dinner, reflecting on their day’s adventures. The sounds of nature enveloped them as they prepared for another day of exploration through one of the world’s most iconic waterways.
Our first day in Panama caught us in the spectacular archipelago of Coiba, a former prison turned into a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site due to its importance as the second largest reef on the Eastern Pacific. Guests explored Coiba Island Ranger Station, walking through its premises viewing scarlet macaws. Some guests exercised their upper body with paddleboarding, or sea kayaking with stingrays. At Cocos Island we enjoyed snorkeling along a healthy reef inhabited by whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles, bicolored parrotfish, Cortez rainbow wrasses, a spectacular snowflake moray eel, king angelfish and many more forms of life. We also spotted an underwater tropical garden, where a geological feature formed by refraction currents created a bridge of sediments between it and a pinnacle known as a tombolo. Pantropical spotted dolphins accompanied our sailing. Photographers : Fico Chacón, Naturalist , Dan Baldwin, Undersea Specialist , and Ronald Calvo, Naturalist
