Bona & Otoque Islands, Bay of Panama, Panama
Our first morning on the Pacific side found us anchored at the islands of Bona and Otoque. The greenery of this realm refreshes our eyes as we take our Zodiacs in two scheduled outings. A soft breeze, a light drizzle and overcast conditions kept us fresh, while we were discovering the largest colony of sea birds in southern Central America. Many bird species are found in the Gulf of Panama, an oasis of provisions. At this point, a low pass in the mountain chains that parallel the western side of Panama let the trade winds blow over the continental divide pushing surface waters away. The cooler waters from below upwell to replace the warmer ones, transporting nutrients to many creatures of the surface.
The horizon was filled with blackish spots against the the sky. Flying by were several hundred specimens of brown and blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and brown pelicans, flying in an almost perfect symphony. Afterwards a good revitalizing swim from the stern prepared us to conclude our immersion at the Canal of Panama. A video presentation, with a session of questions and answers with Ivan brought to a close our transit of this engineering marvel.
We ended our day at sea with a special sigthing of a Bryde’s whale, which slowed our navigation down around Peninsula de Azuero and a colorful sunset heading to our next destination into Coiba National Park.
Our first morning on the Pacific side found us anchored at the islands of Bona and Otoque. The greenery of this realm refreshes our eyes as we take our Zodiacs in two scheduled outings. A soft breeze, a light drizzle and overcast conditions kept us fresh, while we were discovering the largest colony of sea birds in southern Central America. Many bird species are found in the Gulf of Panama, an oasis of provisions. At this point, a low pass in the mountain chains that parallel the western side of Panama let the trade winds blow over the continental divide pushing surface waters away. The cooler waters from below upwell to replace the warmer ones, transporting nutrients to many creatures of the surface.
The horizon was filled with blackish spots against the the sky. Flying by were several hundred specimens of brown and blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and brown pelicans, flying in an almost perfect symphony. Afterwards a good revitalizing swim from the stern prepared us to conclude our immersion at the Canal of Panama. A video presentation, with a session of questions and answers with Ivan brought to a close our transit of this engineering marvel.
We ended our day at sea with a special sigthing of a Bryde’s whale, which slowed our navigation down around Peninsula de Azuero and a colorful sunset heading to our next destination into Coiba National Park.
