Monday, April 2, 2007

Maritime forest

Many of the Panama islands which make up the archipelago of Bocas del Toro are surrounded by lush maritime forests. These mangrove forests are home to many different sea creatures and plants. It is these forests which allow so many of the fish and coral to prosper in our waters.

Traversing amongst these maritime forests in a kayak is an unique experience. You paddle along side of the islands and you feel that you have plenty of room to roam. You can take off into the open ocean if you so choose or you can stick closer to the islands and navigate in a mangrove tunnel.

If you keep your eyes to the different pockets within the mangrove you may spy a cayman or other tropical animal which makes its home on the edge of the ocean and the forest.

You can kayak in a hidden bay towards a group of caves. These caves are home to stalagmites, stalagtites and a large number of bats. Of course the choice to enter into the cave or not is entirely yours, but the paddle to get there is an amazing one.

Some people choose to take a fishing rod with them as they kayak along the mangrove. Casting into the mangroves is a opportunity you do not encounter on a regular basis.