I have visited several Caribbean Islands but I had never thought of Panama as having islands, especially not Caribbean Islands. In talking to others, I found that few knew anything about Panama other than the Panama Canal ran through it, even those who had traveled to Mexico to dive, snorkel, fish and lie in the sun at Acapulco or Cancun. Thinking back to my school days I realized that I had spent little time studying Central or South America.
Recently I began to investigate Panama and was amazed at the resources of the country, it is a very special country in several ways:
- In size it is larger than Ireland, 1/5 the size of California about 400 miles in length (measured from east to west) and averages about 50 miles wide (measured from north to south).
- The Caribbean Sea that provides wonderful sailing, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling binds the North Coast.
- The South Coast is bound by the North Pacific Ocean and known for its 180 fishing records and 5 meter waves which serious surfers love.
- It is one of the few countries in the world with active rainforests
- It is a birders paradise for two reasons: a) the rainforest and b) being a narrow path taken by birds migrating between South and North America
- Mountain ranges make up the centerline of the country except for the Panama Canal area.
- A modern, cosmopolitan city, Panama City, with a population close to a million.
From a tourist point of view the greatest attraction in Panama is the Panama Canal. A cruise through the Canal is gaining in popularity. The wide variety of mountains, plains, and beaches plus rainforest, jungles, and islands make it a great attraction for excursions by tourists taking a cruise or traveling to the country by plane or sailboat.
Panama's Caribbean Coastline is about the same length as the Texas Gulf Coast line. Add to that Panama's Coastline on its Pacific Ocean side and you add the equivalent of the Gulf Coast that borders on Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and on into the panhandle of Florida. Sprinkled along the two Coastal borders, Panama has more than 1500 islands. For those that enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkeling, SCUBA, fishing or sailing, the opportunities are outstanding.
History buffs can fill some empty spaces in their storehouse of information in several ways:
- During the Spanish conquest of the Americas, Panama played an important role. Ships took gold and other treasures taken from Peru and other South American countries to a port that became Panama City. The treasures were moved by pack animals across the Isthmus of Panama (site of the future canal) to Colon, a port on the north coast of Panama. English and French privateers and independent pirates fought for the treasures on land and on sea. Great Forts were built to protect Panama.
- Prior to the building of the Panama Canal by the United States, a railroad was built for the shipment of merchandise. There was a French effort to build the canal that failed.
- During World War II, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and sunk or hurt much of the United States Pacific fleet, the US needed to rush ships from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Many were sent through the Panama Canal in order to save time, even one aircraft carrier that was too wide was sent through the Panama Canal. Its wide flight deck extended over the banks of the canal to the point that the lamps along the canal were in its way. It would have taken too much time for the lamps to be taken down. The ship knocked down the lamps to be later replaced.
The attractions continue. The Peninsula of Azuero furnished an area where many of the early Spanish immigrants settled. In those settlements many of the traditions and festivals are the same as they were in Spain in the 17th century. Visitors are invited to join the activities.
Jungles and rainforest offer their own special attractions with great trees, colorful plants, exotic birds, and active animal life.
The many mountains and heavy rainfalls have joined to create a multitude of rivers. Those that enjoy rafting can take a half-day trip and experience as many as 20 sets of rapids.
One of the greatest attractions is Panama City. The city and its suburbs contain a population over a million. It is a major financial center. Many new hotels have been built during the last decade, many of them are 5 star hotels and restaurants.
The country is divided into 9 Provinces (states). The Northwestern Province, Bocas del Toro, includes the Archipielago de Bocas del Toro. The description given by the Lonely Planet book is, "Laid-back villages, jungle-covered islands, coral keys and secluded beaches where adventurous travelers can play castaway."
Visit El Limbo On The Sea. You will have to drill through some pop-ups but the effort will be worthwhile. When you want the gallery of pictures, be sure to click on the text below the photo.
While El Limbo On The Sea is an island that I definitely want to visit, the Province of Bocas del Toro offers a great variety of attractions, including Snorkeling, Forest Trekking, Sightseeing, Marine Turtles, Surfing, Birdwatching, Indian Village, Diving, Excursions, History, Marinas, Fauna and Flora, National Parks, Real Estate and more.
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For more facts about Panama visit the CIA World Factbook/Panama.
