Today is our final day on this expedition. Guests enjoyed Zodiac tours, forest hikes, and crossing the last set of locks during the daytime. What a wonderful way to finish an unforgettable experience.
3/12/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Bona Island and Panama Canal
Sailing along the Pacific Coast, we are finally due to start crossing the Panama Canal. Our first stop of the day was the remote island of Bona where we boarded Zodiacs to explore its rugged coastline. Steep cliffs, hidden coves, and rich wildlife created a breathtaking scene as we navigated the waters, spotting lots of brown pelicans, cocos boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. Continuing our voyage, we entered the legendary Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that connects two oceans. As we passed through the locks, the scale of human ingenuity became evident. By evening, we reached Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir surrounded by lush rainforest. Here, we dropped anchor for the night, enveloped by the sounds of the jungle. The stillness of the lake contrasted with the bustling canal, offering a serene and immersive experience in nature. Under a starlit sky, we reflected on our journey—an adventure blending coastal exploration, history, and the raw beauty of Panama’s landscapes. Tomorrow, the passage continues, but for now, we savored the tranquility of Gatun Lake, a perfect pause in an extraordinary voyage.
