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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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.
We awoke in Gatun Lake, the largest manmade lake at the time the Chagras River was dammed in 1913 to form the Panama Canal. Adjacent to our anchorage was Barro Colorado Island, home to the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Through the accomplishments of many hardworking biologists, the STRI laid the groundwork for foundational studies on tropical species. Guests visited the island and walked with STRI guides, or chose to venture into the town of Gamboa and visit the Rainforest Discovery Center. These outings resulted in epic wildlife sightings, including a tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), a puma (Puma concolor), and a baby American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). During afternoon panga rides guests explored the lake; we saw snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis), raptors that specialize in eating snails, and Geoffroy’s tamarins (Saguinus geoffroyi), notably small monkeys with a memorable face. We celebrated the day’s wildlife with our first cocktail hour, during which the expedition staff of National Geographic Quest introduced themselves and expressed their passion for all that Panama and Costa Rica offer as biodiversity hotspots.
After a late night passing through locks under a star-laden sky, we awoke inside Gatun Lake. This was the largest manmade lake at the time the Chagras River was dammed in 1913. Our anchorage was adjacent to Barro Colorado Island, home to the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Through the accomplishments of many hardworking biologists, the STRI laid the groundwork for foundational studies on tropical species, including leafcutter ants and tent-making bats. Guests visited the island and walked with STRI guides, or chose to venture into the town of Gamboa and visit the Rainforest Discovery Center. During panga rides there were sightings of snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) and Geoffroy’s tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi). Our youngest guests were invited to participate in a Zodiac driving lesson, and all were awarded certificates of achievement for their notable skills on the tiller. After the world premiere of our Guest Slideshow, we sailed into the Atlantic with our Christmas trip aboard National Geographic Quest held snugly in our hearts.
