After a great navigation, we decided to explore the small island of Bona. Bona shows off a lot of the volcanic action that occurred years ago in Panama. With lava rocks and basaltic walls, it is a spectacular place to learn about the formation of the isthmus. The island has large colonies of magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, and brown pelicans. This spot has been a natural reserve since 2019.
We saw male frigatebirds performing to attract females. They showed off their red pouches and made a lot of clicking sounds with their bills. The competition was serious. While we were taking photos, our Zodiac captain spotted about five golden rays pretty close to us.
Panama Bay is well known for trade winds during the dry season. Those winds lift nutrients from the bottom of the ocean and bring them to the surface, attracting all sizes of fish. It makes for great fishing for the locals and for birds. Blue-footed boobies make quite a trip to enjoy such a large amount of food.
After our excursion, the Panama Canal pilot got on board, and we were ready to start our unlocking transit. Views of the action at the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks kept our attention. The history of the canal and its operations are fascinating, and we enjoyed the lights at the locks. The locomotive mules helped us appreciate the teamwork the canal requires to make everything possible.
It was a successful day.
