Gulf of Panama and the Panama Canal, 12/16/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Today we visited the islands of Bona and Otoque in the Gulf of Panama. Bona Island is currently uninhabited. Many decades ago, the island was home to a guano quarry operation. Today, it is on its way to becoming a wildlife refuge, thanks to the thousands of pelagic birds that nest on these rocky islands.
Later in the evening, we started our Panama Canal crossing through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks.
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 in Panama is complete and now everyone is ready for Costa Rica and all the wildlife sightings that await! We arrived today in Golfito, a small town on the border of Panama surrounded by mangroves and hills. This little community was mainly formed by workers of the banana plantations back in the day. Now its surroundings are protected, and it is an incredible place to find wildlife. Kayaking offered a great opportunity to explore life in the mangroves up close. We learned about how the mangroves work, not just as a barrier protecting the mainland for flooding, but also as a nursery for several fish species. The roots of these trees create a whole web that look like bridges for crabs and monkeys. In the afternoon we visited an impressive reserve known as Rio Seco. It was a fantastic trip with monkeys, macaws, falcons, flowers, and rain which created a unique experience. It is a place full of biodiversity and wonder to interpret.
This morning, guests aboard National Geographic Quest visited the little island of Coco, a pristine snorkeling destination within Coiba Island National Park. The crystal-clear waters revealed an extraordinary array of marine life. Guests snorkeled over a rocky reef teeming with vibrant fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, and angelfish. A thrilling highlight was the appearance of a whitetip reef shark, the star of the day. Guests also spotted eels and graceful sea turtles, making for an unforgettable underwater experience. After returning to the ship for a delicious lunch, the afternoon was spent on the main island of Coiba. The stunning beach offered a serene environment for relaxation. Guests engaged in exciting water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddling, taking in the breathtaking coastal views. It was a perfect day of exploration and adventure, offering a combination of vibrant marine life and the natural beauty of Coiba Island National Park.
The sun kissed our faces as the ship glided through the calm waters of the Pacific. Having just navigated the intricate locks of the Panama Canal, a marvel of human engineering, we were now embarking on a new adventure — a visit to the enchanting Iguana Island. The island, a pristine gem, emerged on the horizon, its white sands contrasting with the turquoise waters. As we disembarked, we were greeted by a sight straight out of a nature documentary: hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds, in the sky. We donned our snorkeling gear and plunged into the crystal-clear waters, a kaleidoscope of colors and life unfolding before our eyes. Schools of vibrant fish darted through coral reefs. Back on land, we explored the trails, home to a myriad of black iguanas and halloween crabs. The tranquility of the place was palpable, a stark contrast to the bustling activity we left behind by crossing the canal. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the island, we gathered on the beach to return to the ship and continue our journey. We will cherish the memory of this idyllic day, a perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
