Leaving Panama City at 6:00 am, travel to Portobelo National Park (Caribbean side) with 56 Km (35 miles) of coastal areas. We will appreciate the great diversity of coral reefs (over 50 coral species) and other organisms associated to corals, ideal scenario for the underwater photographer. There are more than 40 possible diving sites along sea grass meadows, mangroves, reef-flats, and reef slopes over 30 m (100 feet) deep.
Includes: Ground transportation; lunch; snacks and soft drinks; 2 tanks, weights; 2 boat dives; visit to the ruins of the city and forts of Portobelo.
Optional: Scuba and/or snorkeling equipment.
Duration: 1 Day or Overnight
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Columbus discovered this archipelago on Panama's northwest Caribbean coast on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, the town of Bocas del Toro was the center of commerce for Central America and still reflects the colonial influence resulting from worldwide activity in the once booming banana, coconut and cocoa business. Jungle islands, hundreds of mangrove keys, white sand beaches, virgin coral reefs and pristine waters against a backdrop of the 10,000 foot peaks of the Cordillera create a micro-ecology of unspoiled beauty.
Leaving Panama City by plane, we will travel to Isla Bocas, staying at Mangrove Inn Eco-Dive Resort built in the vicinity of a mangrove forest, over a shallow marine plain. In the afternoon you can choose between a scuba (or skin) dive in one of the thousand diving spots close to the hotel, and an ecological tour. The hotel offers a variety of tours that include visit to an Indian community, tropical forest hike, sea turtles nesting beaches, and others. If you decide to stay more days you can still choose each day between two scuba or snorkeling dives and an ecological tour. So, even if your companion is not a certified diver, will be able to experience adventure and learn about tropical ecosystems. Bocas del Toro coral reefs are fringing reefs that form large reef flats along most islands and mainland, and reach the 60 m (200 ft) depth. Their age ranges between 15,000 and 20,000 years and is formed by 52 of the 71 coral species found in the whole Caribbean. They are inhabited by more than 250 species of fishes.
Includes: Airplane ticket, airport transfer, all meals, specialized guide, board and lodging in cabins over the sea with private restroom, daily ecological trip. For certified divers two tanks and weight belt per day, two boat-scuba or snorkeling per day, snorkeling equipment for non-divers. No scuba diving on departure day.
Duration: 2 nights & 3 days
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