- Address: Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Tel .: +507 757-9642
- Area: 132.26 sq. M. km
- Date of foundation: 1988.
Many tourists believe that in Panama , in addition to the famous channel , there is nothing interesting. Fortunately, this is not so. Do not forget that we are talking about Central America, which has its unique climate, as well as flora and fauna. All this can be seen in the Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Introduction to the National Park
Bastimentos (Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos) - one of the natural parks of the Republic of Panama. It is located in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, mostly on the island of Bastimentos, and also occupies a number of small islands near it.
Geographically, this is the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Panamanian province of the same name, which is part of the state of Panama. Some of the islands are inhabited, but there are no entertainment and shops here, as there is no public transport .
The total area of the National Park is 132.26 square meters. km, about 85% of the whole territory is the waters of the Caribbean. Management of the National Park is entrusted to the organization of ANAM. The government is trying to preserve the natural heritage of its state, especially mangroves, which are very few.
What is interesting about the park?
The Bastimentos National Marine Park is literally full of flora and fauna. Here you can find more than 300 species of interesting vascular plants, for example, sapodilla, andiroba, Amazon terminal, Honduran voshisia and others.
The animal world is primarily reptiles and terrestrial mammals. Here live and reproduce large hare-lays, night monkeys, Hoffman sloths, ordinary capuchins, paku and lingv-rooted sloths. On the island of Bastimentos there is a beautiful fresh lake, which is home to red-bellied turtles, sharply crocodiles and crocodile caimans. The manatees (sea cows) float off the coast, poisonous red frogs live comfortably in the marshes. The water area is saturated with several hundred species of diverse tropical fish.
In the park nest about 68 species of birds, mostly new-species species. It is worth noting the magnificent frigates and Aztec gulls. In the wooded part of the islands of the park you can see some species of parrots and hummingbirds, as well as three-ringed bell ringers.
The territory of the park is inhabited and multiplied by some sea turtles: tadpole, green, leathery and turtle hills. The park's treasures include coral reefs, which, according to forecasts, may completely disappear by 2030.
How to get to the National Marine Park Bastimentos?
On the islands of the park, there are various organized excursions for tourists . Entrance to the park is 10 dollars for a self-guided walk on one of the islands, and 15 dollars for an excursion. For visiting some territories, an additional 1-2 dollars is charged. If you are trying to get to the park by yourself on a leased ship, orient yourself to the coordinates: 9 ° 18'00 "N. and 82 ° 08'24 "W.
Excursion programs of different islands vary considerably from each other. For example, on the island of Kayos Sapatiyas conduct group dives of tourists to observe underwater inhabitants. In addition, near the island at the bottom lie the remains of an ancient wreck, which adds emotions and photos.
Whole flocks of dolphins multiply in the waters of the island of Dolphin Bay . You will be offered walks and excursions by boat, but you can not always swim to these friendly mammals. Also the island is famous for pineapple groves and beautiful beaches. On some islands you can stay with an overnight stay: tourists are provided with guest houses on the coast or rooms in modest hotels.
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