Gulf of Panama, Panama
As we approach the much-expected destination of the Panama Canal, we entered last night into the Gulf of Panama. This big body of water is one of the richest in marine life in the Eastern Pacific area. The northeasterly winds that pick up at this time of the year blow through the only space between the mountains right at this spot and as they do so, they remove the warm superficial waters and make space for the cold but nutrient-rich waters beneath. This movement of waters, called an upwelling, is very important to provide food for a large array of sea life. Small fish species feed and thrive on this plankton providing at the same time food for larger fish and eventually for an immense number of sea birds.
Today we explored by Zodiac a three-island “archipelago”. The Islands of Boná, Otoque and Estivá are located just twenty two miles off the entrance to the Panama Canal and harbour not only a phenomenal number of bird life, but also two small fishing villages on the Northern side of Otoque Island. We took our Zodiacs out this morning on an excursion around Boná Island; the high cliffs, the red colored rocks and the well-demarcated tidal difference were some of the most obvious features.
However, the stars of the outing were the blue-footed and brown boobies, brown pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds. These four species of marine birds make a living from the very abundant fishes in the Gulf; some of them take advantage of the situation to the point of breeding here. Young chicks of brown boobies and frigatebirds were the delight of all of us.
Back on board, our Captain and officers redirected our vessel towards the Panama Canal entrance; for some, the fulfillment of a lifetime dream, for others an expected pleasure, and for most of us the concluding highlight of an already wonderful trip.
