We are fortunate to be one of the only vessels that overnights in the Panama Canal. This gives us a chance to explore the canal and see some of the fascinating wildlife and experience what it’s truly like to be in the canal. Our ship divided into three groups this morning. One group visited Borro Colorado Island where the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located to learn about some of the incredible research that is underway in the canal zone. Another group enjoyed a Zodiac cruise around the island, while a third group, my group, visited the Canal Discovery Center to look for wildlife.
11/9/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Barro Colorado Island and the Panama Canal
The last full day of our expedition began with an early wake-up call performed by several troops of howler monkeys. From the bow of National Geographic Quest, several guests gathered to enjoy the majestic howl of these primates. They were announcing, up in the canopy of the trees of Barro Colorado Island, where they had decided to forage. Right after breakfast, we geared up and separated into three different groups. One group of our guests went to explore some of the trails of this island run by scientists of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Another group jumped in one of our Zodiacs and left to explore the surroundings of the island. The last group loaded onto outboard engine boats and cruised to the midpoint of the Panama Canal; from here they rode coach buses to a pristine area in the Soberania National Park. It was a very active morning, loaded with mesmerizing sightings of birds, primates, and reptiles. Afterward, we returned to the ship for lunch. Right after recharging our energy, we went out again and loaded onto local boats to explore other coves and small islets of Gatun Lake. Once back on board, we all gathered to share our thoughts of how amazing our journey has been, exploring the Caribbean coasts of Colombia and Panama.
