BOCAS DEL TORO ADVENTURE
3 days / 2 nights

Five hundred years ago, the great discoverer Christopher Columbus arrived at a tropical paradise in the western Caribbean coast of what is now Panama.  Overwhelmed by the most incredible contrasts of vivid color and sheer unspoiled natural surroundings, Columbus decided to drop anchor and immerse in this heavenly place. Not much has changed since that pristine time with the exception of the provocative Calypso beat, the constant smiles of the people and the alluring island accent of the Caribbean inhabitants.  Bocas is the best place to sink your toes in the white sand, to explore lush tropical rainforests and coral reefs and to look for the faithful sea turtles that have come to these islands for millennia.

2007 Departure Dates: Available on request year around. Please inquire to confirm space availability.

2007 Rates: $425 per person in double occupancy; plus 5% government tax. Extra night at Bocas Inn with all meals and activities is $130 per person.
Minimum of 2 people required for the tour. Prices valid through November 30, 2007.

ITINERARY:

Day 1                PANAMA CITY - BOCAS DEL TORO – BOCA DEL DRAGO TOUR
This morning we are picked up at our hotel in Panama City and transferred to Albrook domestic airport to board the scheduled flight to the town of Bocas in Colon Island, the capital of Bocas del Toro province. We will be met at the local airport on arrival.  After checking in at the Bocas Inn we will receive a briefing on the activities that will take place during our trip.  Start the adventure with a boat ride around Colon Island to Boca del Drago.  Weather permitting, we visit Swan's Cay, a rock protruding from the depths of the Caribbean Sea, which serves as rookery for Red-billed tropic birds (the only place to be found in Panama) and Brown boobies.  After lunch at a local restaurant, we will enjoy the beach at Boca del Drago and search for colorful giant starfish. Along the coastline, returning to the lodge, we make stops at coral reefs and mangrove isles for snorkeling. 
Night at BOCAS INN (LD)

The Bocas Inn is listed among the top 20 destinations in Mexico and Central America by Outside Magazine's Travelers edition.

Day 2                SALT CREEK VILLAGE – BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
We depart by boat from the Bocas Inn early in the morning traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park. We reach Salt Creek by navigating through clusters of Red Mangroves, which provide sea creatures with a protective area during their reproductive and development stages. Upon arrival we first enjoy a walk along Caiman trail.  This trail takes us through several stages of lowland forest dynamics.  Here, we will look for birds such as Red-throated Ant Tanager and Golden-collared Manakin (Cerritus sub sp.). Mammals such as Night Monkeys, White-faced Capuchins and Three-toed Sloths also live here.  An older tract of rainforest has tall trees that provide life to birds such as the Three-wattled Bellbird and Green-breasted Mango.  A nearby lagoon is home to Spectacled Cayman and Slider Turtle. On the ground we will look for the tiny endemic poison dart frog Dendrobates pumilio.  After the hike, we enjoy a visit to the Ngobe Bugle indigenous community to have a chance to purchase handicrafts such as painted woodcarvings and handbags, followed by lunch.  In the afternoon we will snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs, searching for numerous fish species, as well as dynamic and brightly colored sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish. 
Night at BOCAS INN (BLD)

Day 3                BOCAS DEL TORO – PANAMA CITY
This morning we will enjoy more reef snorkeling at Nancy’s Key, near Hospital Point. After another delicious Caribbean style lunch at the Bocas Inn we are ready to come back to Panama City. On arrival to the city we are transferred back to our hotel. (BL)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Easy walking, hiking and snorkelling for all ages, flat trails with some slippery terrain.  Hotel or lodge accommodation comfortable.

INCLUDED:  Two nights of lodging, land, air and water transportation within Panama, meals as specified (B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner), local guide fees, day tours, park and related fees and taxes.  Snorkel equipment is available at the lodge for a small fee.  Diving outfitters are present on the Island and may be contracted separately.  Additional nights at the Bocas Inn are also available.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), Panama City hotel, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotel or gratuities.

NOTE:  Weight restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and chartered flights within Panama.  A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage per person is allowed.  Arrangements can be made at the hotel to store luggage that will not be needed.  Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellent, sun protection, hat, water bottle, day pack/dry sack, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, sandals or sneakers, aqua shoes, rain gear, money in small denomination, toiletries & personal medications.
 
DEPARTURE DATES: On request