The first day of our adventure began quite early. We set out to explore a very picturesque and tidal-dependent river called Agujitas. The river is named for the abundant needlefishes that call it home. Aguja is the Spanish word for needle. We saw various shorebirds, a two-toed sloth, iguanas, and basilisks, or Jesus Christ lizards. Right after lunch, we repositioned our vessel and took various hikes and walks along Caletas Beach. Long walks, forest treks, and nature walks gave us the chance to explore the area and take great photographs.
1/14/2025
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National Geographic Quest
Bona Island, and Panama Canal
Sailing along the Pacific coast of Panama aboard a small expedition ship offers an intimate connection with nature and history. As the ship glided through calm waters, the lush coastline unfolded, dotted with secluded islands and vibrant marine life. One of the journey’s highlights was a stop at Bona Island. Accessible only by Zodiac, this pristine haven invites exploration of its rugged cliffs where we found big numbers of magnificent frigatebirds, cocos, boobies, and brown pelicans circling overhead. As we ventured closer to shore, we spotted hundreds of Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the rocks. Back on board National Geographic Quest , we continued toward the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. As we transited through the locks, the skillful coordination of this iconic passage amazed us. The ship anchored overnight in the serene expanse of Gatun Lake, surrounded by dense rainforest alive with the calls of howler monkeys and tropical birds. A tranquil evening unfolded, with the still waters reflecting the starry sky above. The overnight stay allowed for an immersion in the lake’s untouched beauty and a deeper appreciation of Panama’s remarkable blend of natural and human achievement.
