Our good friends and travel buddies, Lyn and Ty Gilbert invited us to go on an adventure to the Caribbean side of the country with them. We were tasked with taking a look at a boat at Marina de Panama for some friends. We left on Saturday morning for the three hour journey to the marina. We found the boat and gave it a good inspection. The twenty year old yacht was priced well, but we found that it did not meet the needs of their friends. It was interesting and fun to explore this area. 
Marina de Panama was east of the town of Portobelo. Our reservation was further east at the small resort port of Puerto Lindo. Our accommodations were at a bed and breakfast called Bambu Lodge. The lodge was across the road from the bay and backed up into a dense jungle mountain setting. Bambu had three guest rooms. Our room did not have internet or television. The shower in our room offered cold water only, but otherwise it was clean and comfortable. We were lulled to sleep by the howler monkeys in the jungle nearby, but we didn’t get the opportunity to see them. Our host offered a wonderful dinner and we took full advantage. The Panamanian cook was very good and we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality. Our host also arranged for an awesome island tour which we fully enjoyed on Sunday. The occupants of the other guest room were from South Africa, and also in the area to look at a boat. Before turning in we enjoyed a game of dominoes on the deck overlooking the bay.
Our boat captain picked us up early and took us to the dock. He spoke no English, but the communication was not an issue. He gave us a great tour which included the extensive Mangroves called the Tunnel of Love, Isla Grande, Monkey Island, and Isla Mamey. He let us swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beaches on Isla Mamey and Isla Grande. We made two attempts to see the monkeys on the monkey island, but we had no luck seeing them. We also got to see a marina on the tour. The cost of our boat tour was only $15 each.
In Portobelo we were excited to explore the ruins of Fuerte San Jeronimo. This fortress was the largest ever built to protect the bay. The Spanish troops protected the bay until they left in 1821, when Panama declared its independence. Many of the cannons are exactly where the Spanish left them nearly 2oo years ago. We walked about what is left of the officers’ barracks, quarters, guardroom and observation terrace over the water.
This whirlwind weekend ended much too soon. We always enjoy exploring with our friends, but wanted to be home in Coronado before nightfall. We are doing a lot of exploring in Panama, and hope that you are enjoying these adventures as much as we enjoy sharing them. Please, let us know what you think. Like and share our blog if you find it worthy. Our travels are going to take us further in the very near future. We are looking forward to an upcoming trip to Costa Rica where we will catch up with some other good friends.
Happy Travels,
Greg and Jen
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Hi My wife and I have been visiting Panama for the last 4 years. We hope to retire there when we sell our business this year. Please keep up your good work, I enjoy reading about the parts of Panama I have yet to explore.
Thanks for your kind comment Mike. We are having a great time exploring the country and now beyond. We just returned from Costa Rica and we are anxious to share our adventure in the next couple of days. When you get back to the area drop us a message. Perhaps we can meet for lunch.
Panama Greg