Departing from Panama City, the journey is now headed towards Bocas del Toro.
The Albrook Airport, consisting of two terminals, a check-in desk and a rather easygoing security screening, already provided a great start into the day.
After being checked off the attendance check-list, we were ready to board the plane, which departed 15 minutes earlier than scheduled.
After getting an amazing view of the different isles of Bocas del Toro from the plane, we were inspired to sing, while waiting for the luggages. It made a group of strangers feel united and carefree for the moment being. Reminding us of the little joys in life.
Starfish Beach – Colón
Before driving to Drago Beach, it was time to relax at the beautiful “Monkey Tiny House” surrounded by a tropical forest.
It was a breathtaking 20 minutes walk from Drago Beach to Starfish Beach. A beach known and famous for – who would have guessed – the starfishes that live there. Next to the calm sea and beautiful flora one can encounter monkeys, sloths, lizards and countless crabs during the walk.
The Starfish Beach was surprisingly… dull. Maybe due to it being designed to entertain hordes of tourists, making it feel rather abandoned with only a few people during the off-season.
The name however, is program. The calm sea and enough of food are fundamental for the abundance of starfishes present at Starfish Beach. An oddly boring and yet fascinating animal once you learn more about it.
An overall worthwhile experience, that was topped off by an elderly local, Miguel, who provided funny stories and intriguing informations about the life and wild life on-site.
Miguel, who somehow also resembled a sloth, helped spotting sloths in the trees and gave a crash course about Slothilosophy – being able to enjoy doing nothing.
Lastly, the day ended by enjoying some local street food, watching small lizards hunt insects and lying in bed while listening to the rain and animal noises from the tropical forest.
Horseback ride – Colón
Exploring the tropical forest on the back of a horse was… or might have been amazing, if the weather had played along. Thankfully, the art of slothilosophy made it possible to enjoy the time until midday – the breakfast might have helped as well.
After several hours it was apparent, that the rain wouldn’t stop at a foreseeable time.
Being rather inexperienced in slothilosophy, the decision was clear – let’s try it in the rain! After reaffirming that the tour could still take place, we were determined to pull it through. What’s the difference between being wet from sweat or rain anyway? Right?
For starters, it barely took 30 seconds on the road to be completely soaked in rain water. At this point it would be laughable to stop and return.
Every motivation and determination came to a forced halt, after a 15-minute drive, reaching a queue of cars, who were waiting in front of a blocked street – the only one leading to Martin, the guy with the horses. Turns out, 10 hours of tropical rain were too much to handle for a road being still in reconstruction.
To be better prepared for further rainy days, it was time to get a rain poncho… and some snacks to go with the upcoming slothilosophy practice.
The day came to an end after sighting some adorable, yet poisonous frogs, beautiful birds and having dinner at Octo – a great place to enjoy some local seafood.
Sailing Tour
Whatever was done to offend Zeus, or whoever they believe(d) to be responsible for the weather in Panama, must have been no joke. Let’s call the Panamanian version of Zeus Lluvrina for now.
Who are we though, to bend under the punishment of a mere god? Especially, with rain ponchos ready to get used. Luckily, the road for today’s destination was doable and we were soon facing the stormy rain in a boat.
Bahia Honda
The first stop was a bay at Isla de Bastimentos, where you can spot dolphins swimming around. However, Lluvrina made a good job at obscuring the water and limiting our sight. Luckily, some dolphins chose to great the sky and dance in the rain, making it possible for us to enjoy their majestic appearance.
Sloth Spotting
Continuing the cruise through the Caribbean sea of Bocas del Toro, we stopped at some of the hundreds mangrove tree isles. The sloths however, clearly not amused about Lluvrina either, were rolled up, resembling a fur ball contemplating their life.
It’s unclear if Lluvrina was having mercy on the sloths or simply gave up in trying to get our spirit down but the clouds started to dissipate and let the sun shine through after more than 36 hours.
Isla Zapatilla no. 2
Zapatilla, which translate to slipper, is a small , shoe shaped isle in Bocas del Toro. Actually two, since every zapatilla comes in pairs.
Zapatilla no. 2 is a beauty to behold but I’ll let the pictures talk for themselves.
Snorkeling
The snorkeling spot was refreshing but nothing out of the ordinary.
Bioluminescence
To end the day, we went out to the sea again, to be emerged in a sea of glowing algae. This phenomena occurs, when a chemical reaction inside an organism produces light as a by product.
A stunning view that revived the inner child and its innocent euphoria. Magic that couldn’t be captured with a mere phone. You will simply have to go and admire it yourself.
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