After cruising through the Panama Canal, we dropped anchor early in the morning next to a group of islands in the Bay of Panama. This area is well known to be an important upwelling zone. Here in Bona Island, the trade winds blow the warm surface water allowing the cold currents from the bottom to rise. These waters are rich in nutrients so many seabirds love to roost and nest since there is plenty of food around.
After enjoying cruising around Bona Island in our expedition landing crafts, we return to National Geographic Sea Lion, weighed anchor and cruise to our afternoon destination, Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge. With only 55 hectares (136 acres) of protected area, this refuge is surrounded with coral reef and clear blue sea. And as the name implies, it’s also home of green iguanas and black spiny tailed lizards. Guided walks were offered to the nesting areas of magnificent frigatebirds. The white sand beach invited us to refresh after the walks in the tropical waters of the sea.
