Advertisement

Chartering in Panama

A weeklong charter on the Caribbean side of Panama ends and takes on a new life—on the Pacific side, at the entrance to the world-famous canal.
  • Updated: February 22, 2013

bocasdsc00677-copy.jpg

We kayaked into a narrow creek at Isla Colon. Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00684-copy.jpg

Yours truly can’t resist another typing session, even when aboard. Juliana Linsdell

bocasdsc00687-copy.jpg

Elizabeth reaches in for a sample of the bounty of Starfish Beach. Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00704-copy.jpg

Rick Martell takes a dip in the cool waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00737-copy.jpg

Starfish, and more starfish, are everywhere you turn! Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00740-copy.jpg

A feather duster sways in the calm waters of the Hanging Gardens. Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00756-copy.jpg

Starfish are everywhere, even at the Hanging Gardens. Elaine Lembo

bocasdsc00766-copy.jpg

Elizabeth is caught in a starfish shower. Elaine Lembo

bocasphoto-(3)-copy.jpg

Rick and Elaine relax in the hammocks. Juliana Linsdell

bocasphoto-(1)-copy.jpg

How could I resist an onboard hammock? Juliana Linsdell

chicken.jpg

Delicious meals like this one, skewered teriyaki chicken and coconut rice, were presented round the clock on this charter. Elaine Lembo

bocasimg_0105-copy.jpg

Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn conducts tests on coral to assist in her research of white band disease, which has destroyed up to 95 percent of Elkhorn and Staghorn coral throughout the Caribbean. Elaine Lembo

bocasimg_0153-copy.jpg

A carrier approaches the Bridge of the Americas; boats moored at the Balboa Yacht Club anchorage are in the foreground. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010443-copy.jpg

Captain Paul shows the Linsdell girls the day’s itinerary, using charts of the Bocas del Toro area. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010463-copy.jpg

Elizabeth makes friends with Freddie the Gecko. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010526-copy.jpg

Trade Winds Explorer rests at anchor while its crew explores the Cerutti cacao plantation and chocolate factory. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010551-copy.jpg

Dave Cerutti offers up fresh seeds from a cacao pod he’s just cracked open, he says, “like an egg.” He swears that this “is the best way to eat chocolate.” Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010565-copy.jpg

The Explorer crew and guests walk the Cerutti property. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010597-copy.jpg

Cacao seeds dry in the hot Panama sun. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010633-copy.jpg

The Spastic Sea Slugs perform a nighttime light show. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010651-copy.jpg

CW editor Elaine Lembo kayaks to the mangroves on a hunt for the elusive three-toed sloth. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010656-copy2.jpg

Diehard sailors, the Linsdell family grab as much time outdoors and on the water as work and school schedules allow. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010748-copy.jpg

A sailboat motors through commercial craft with the dramatic Panama City skyline in the background. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010767-copy.jpg

Any sailor with her salt can’t miss a visit to the Balboa Yacht Club off the entrance to the Amador Causeway. Elaine Lembo

bocasp1010770-copy.jpg

Bill Nokes and Barbara Wade of the Gulfstar 41 Someday rent a mooring from the Balboa Yacht Club when they need to reprovision and do boat work. Elaine Lembo
Advertisement
Advertisement

Read More

SUBSCRIPTIONS
ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
FIRECROWN BRANDS
Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Cruising World may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Copyright © 2025 Cruising World Firecrown. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.