Taboga Otoque & Bona Island
Today, the morning found us dropping anchor at the beautiful bay of Taboga Island.
After breakfast, our guests had the chance to reach the island while the second oldest catholic church of the western hemisphere was ringing its bell. The vivid town is celebrating a special mass for Catholic children and their first communion. Adding to the festivity, today is Mother’s Day in Panama. Consequently, the narrow roads flanked with several small gardens were empty. As we arrived to the church, we realized that most of Taboga’s inhabitants were attending the special ceremony.
While walking this fishing town, it was nice to think about its rich history, along with many of the explorers who came here for different reasons. Many of them, in their quest to fulfill a dream, made this place their temporary home.
Another great highlight was to have a personal welcome from Erasmo, our Hotel Manager, and his uncle. Both have spent many years on this island. After being our personal host and guide, Erasmo kindly invite us to enjoy some refreshments at his home. The view of the bay and the placid water made it easy to understand why many people choose this location as their home.
Before lunch we reached the nesting grounds of Otoque and Bona Islands. Using our Zodiacs, we went to explore in search of colonies of sea birds. The individuals that reside in good numbers in this area are attracted by the abundance provided by the upwelling currents. This phenomenon sustains the reproduction and proliferation of brown pelicans, brown boobies and magnificent frigatebirds.
After a successful morning with nature and cultural encounters, we returned to the Sea Voyager. This afternoon we head south continuing our voyage to our next destination: Coiba Island National Park.
Today, the morning found us dropping anchor at the beautiful bay of Taboga Island.
After breakfast, our guests had the chance to reach the island while the second oldest catholic church of the western hemisphere was ringing its bell. The vivid town is celebrating a special mass for Catholic children and their first communion. Adding to the festivity, today is Mother’s Day in Panama. Consequently, the narrow roads flanked with several small gardens were empty. As we arrived to the church, we realized that most of Taboga’s inhabitants were attending the special ceremony.
While walking this fishing town, it was nice to think about its rich history, along with many of the explorers who came here for different reasons. Many of them, in their quest to fulfill a dream, made this place their temporary home.
Another great highlight was to have a personal welcome from Erasmo, our Hotel Manager, and his uncle. Both have spent many years on this island. After being our personal host and guide, Erasmo kindly invite us to enjoy some refreshments at his home. The view of the bay and the placid water made it easy to understand why many people choose this location as their home.
Before lunch we reached the nesting grounds of Otoque and Bona Islands. Using our Zodiacs, we went to explore in search of colonies of sea birds. The individuals that reside in good numbers in this area are attracted by the abundance provided by the upwelling currents. This phenomenon sustains the reproduction and proliferation of brown pelicans, brown boobies and magnificent frigatebirds.
After a successful morning with nature and cultural encounters, we returned to the Sea Voyager. This afternoon we head south continuing our voyage to our next destination: Coiba Island National Park.
