Chapera & Mogo Mogo Islands, Pearl Islands

 

Early in the morning we heard the anchor being dropped. The sky was covered with stars and the lights of some little yachts could be seen. We were anxious to see where we had arrived so we patiently waited for the sun to rise.

 

Many began to gather out on deck and others at the lounge. As the first rays began to show, the scenery began to be revealed to us. The National Geographic Sea Lion had anchored close to a group of island in the Gulf of Panama, the Pearl Islands.

 

These islands emerged from the bottom of the ocean three million years ago by the most significant geological event. The islands were first occupied by natives of the “Cuevas” and “Cocle” culture. They were wiped out within two years of the islands' discovery by the Spanish in 1513. The Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa named the islands Pearl Islands due to the many pearls which were found there.

 

In their desire for more pearls, the Spaniards hastened the destruction of the native population and then needed workers to harvest pearls. They imported slave labor in the 16th century from Africa whose descendants now live on the islands.

 

Eager to go and explore the coastline of these islands, right before breakfast we geared up and took the Zodiacs. The islands to explore were Chapera and Mogo Mogo, this last one in native dialect means “Bird Island.” Big colonies of seabirds plus pelicans, cormorants, and frigatebirds were easily spotted. Ospreys where soaring looking for the catch of the day. These sightings gave honor to the name of the island. Beside seabirds, several Diamond Head stingrays swam away as they felt the Zodiacs approaching. There were a lot of things to enjoy.

 

After the cruises, we landed in a gorgeous white sand beach in Mogo Mogo. Some went to walk around the beach, others went kayaking and others couldn’t resist the clearness of the water and went swimming. We all enjoyed this hidden paradise.

 

We would have loved to stay all day here, but 200 nautical miles had to be covered in order to reach our next destination of our trip, Coiba Island National Park. So back on board, we weigh anchor and navigated the rest of the day.

 

As the sun began to set, we all gather at the lounge to comment on our great day.