Day 5: Colon, Panama

Monkey Island Boat Tour

After docking in Colon, we had a leisurely morning of breakfast and getting ready for our excursion. It started with an hour and a half bus ride, which sounds rough, but our guide, Nydia, kept us entertained with facts about Colon, Panama, and the Canal. She was easily the best guide we’ve had on any tour.

We arrived at Gaton Lake and boarded a boat with some of our fellow sailors for a high-speed trip to the islands where monkeys and other local wildlife are easily spotted.

Fist sighting was the Howler monkeys, which we heard before seeing them lounging in the trees. They’re the dark colored blobs… I know, I’m not a professional photographer.

Getting close enough to elicit a “Don’t touch the monkeys! They get irritated easily!” (honestly, same) were the Capuchins. Intelligent little creatures, they know the boat guides will give them pieces of banana.

Then the tiny Tee Tee monkey. That’s just what the locals call them, I don’t know their government name. They were super cute until you saw them up close, then kind of terrifying

As we came closer to one of the little islands, the holy grail of Panamanian wildlife was sighted… the sloth. You’re going to have to take my word for it though because that guy was hard to photograph. Our whole boat was trying to see a better view of him, and honestly he couldn’t have cared less. That cream colored lump in the leaves is as good a picture as we could get.

After monkeys and sloths, things took a turn towards less cuteness. We saw bats sleeping on a tree trunk, and got to hear about how they are tarantulas favorite cuisine.

A cayman posing for the cameras.

A big old iguana, sunning himself on a branch.

And a giant ants nest, hanging from a tree branch. Reason #432 why I don’t want to live in a jungle.

Once back on land we took a couple photos at the marina, then the long return bus ride to the ship.

Back onboard, we enjoyed happy hour with some new friends, then a lovely meal at Extra Virgin. This lamb pasta dish is our favorite thing we’ve eaten on the cruise so far.

We came back to our room to a sweet thank you note and towel heart from our cabin hosts for bringing them snacks we procured while on our excursion. Take care of the people who take care of you. 💕

Next up, the Panama Canal!