Only on board National Geographic Sea Lion can you wake up anchored in the middle of the Panama Canal. There is no other ship in the world allowed to interrupt the transit through the canal and there is a good reason to do so.
The exploration of Barro Colorado island (BCI) trails and shoreline supplied our guests with options to enjoy this wonderful science research center.
Run by the Smithsonian Institute since 1923, this ancient hill top has witnessed many investigations on tropical ecology, animal’s behavior and flora, to mention two of very many themes researched throughout almost a century of history.
Expedition landing crafts allowed our explorers to see different species of reptiles, mammals, birds, bats and trees. From the American crocodile to iguanas, toucans, herons, egrets, birds of prey a sloth and monkeys were some of the creatures seen during the journey.
The American crocodile is one of the most prehistoric animals on Earth. Known to be in the planet since millions of years ago, crocodiles are animals that live in fresh and brackish water, but also have a gland that allows them tolerate some salt, therefore it is not surprising to see them occasionally in river mouths or even venturing into sea.
Other people decided to join some researchers on the BCI trails and learned about the diverse amount of projects that are taking place in the island to provide the world with a better understanding of species interaction and roll in Mother Nature. Howler monkeys, golden orb weaver spiders, agoutis were some of the creatures seen in site.
We returned to National Geographic Sea Lion and didn’t have to wait too long to start our day transit through the last set of locks, Gatun. No matter how many times you go through the canal, it will always be impressive, once you put in perspective the accomplishment of this marvel of modern world with all the limitations existing one hundred years ago.
One of our guests said: “After this visit to Costa Rica and Panama, I have a better understanding of this part of the World…today I can say I loved the beauty of the region and can go home impressed by the appreciation I have from what I learned during this journey through Costa Rica and Panama”
