Here were are, anchored near the glittery skyscrapers, giant cargo ships and noisy bustle of Panama City. Without a doubt, Western Panama is an amazing place to cruiseβyou can day-hop from one secluded anchorage to the next, getting your fill of tropical beaches, lush mountains and warm water. We spent three fantastic weeks poking our way to the big city, and if you were so inclined, you could easily spend twice that. While we settle in to city life for a bit, here are a few pictures to give you a little taste of the trip β¦.
Arriving in Panamanian waters! Up goes the courtesy flag. Wish you were here. As you can see, Aaron had no trouble getting back into the swing of cruising after two months at the dock. He spent the better part of two days just chilling and napping between two palm trees. Bella Star anchored off the sand spit on Isla Carvada. My fun, new shorts thanks, Andrea! A lone palm tree. The poor dodger and bimini are self-destructing in the sun.
I do what I can to ease their suffering with a few stitches in between beach walks and snorkel outings, of course. Hiking the trails at Ensenada Naranjo, mainland Panama β¦ just watch out for cow pies! The free-range cows roam the hills and take naps on the beach. Back at sea level. The beach may look like mud, but its fine, sparkly, dark brown sand very soft on your toes!
Vancouver Island-style rocks minus the starfish, mussels and seaweedβand 42 degree water. So we settled for a more accessible stream to fill the jugs for our showers. Three things I love: They just wanted to check our paperwork and have a look around. They approved of our Christmas decorations.
On the way to Punta Mala. The tiny, protected anchorage on Isla Bona was the just the ticket after sailing close-hauled in 20 knots of wind and bashing into steep seas all night. Rusted out remnants of an old manufacturing operation litter the beach β¦. We heard there were wild bananas on Isla Bona, but drat! Nothing classes up an arm shot like a machete strapped to your back. So pretty - love the sunshine, beaches, gorgeous water and adventures.
