The San San Pond Sak wetlands in mainland Bocas del Toro are home to a diverse range of species, including four species of sea turtles, monkeys, sloths and many birds. It is also one of the few known natural habitats in Central America for the elusive manatee.

The calm pace and the traditional canoes in which we paddle round the lagoon offer visitors the maximum possibility of observing the incredible fauna of this region, and to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mangroves and wetlands.

Our rustic cabin backs onto the beach, and after a tasty lunch you can take a stroll across the sand and visit the protected turtle nesting sites before we return to Changuinola.

Highlights

• Waiting silently on the specially built platform for the manatees to approach
• Visiting the turtle nesting sites and learnabout the conservation program
• A relaxing canoe ride round the lagoon with no motors to disturb the wildlife
• The chance to hear howler monkeys in the surrounding forests – their growls can be heard up to 5km away

Itinerary

8:30 Tour introduction at San San Puente

9:00 Travel by boat to the manatee observation platform

9:40 Arrive at the platform in silence. Coffee break.

12:00 Arrive at the cabin for a traditional lunch

1:00 Walk around the surrounding forests and beach

1:30 Canoe trip around the lagoon to see birds and enjoy the scenery

3:00 Arrival at San San Puente

Package Includes

• Return boat transportation from San San Puente
• Local guide (Spanish)
• Manatee observation tour
• Coffee break and lunch
• Canoe trip round lagoon

What to Bring

• Suitable walking shoes
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Plastic bags to protect cameras and other equipment
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

Sustainability

The Association of Friends and Neighbors of the Coast and Nature (AAMVECONA) is formed by local residents, and offers rural, community tourism. Tourists enjoy an incredible educational and cultural experience without creating a negative impact on this fragile and beautiful region.

AAMVECONA strives to preserve and protect the San San Pond Sak ecosystem through the development of activities which also benefit the local community. Turtle monitoring programs have generated the opportunity for environmental education and awareness, as well as providing a source of income for the residents thanks to the arrival of volunteers, researchers andtourists.

Offering the local community an alternative to hunting and logging has meant a reduction in the hunting of leatherback turtles, and has allowed AAMVECONA to begin managing the wetlands more effectively. As well as the successful turtle nesting program, they have begun to work on a strategy for protecting the manatees.

AAMVECONA also works with local artisans to promote products such as bags woven from discarded plastic bags – reducing the amount of dangerous waste contaminating the wetlands at the same time as supporting local artisans.

Reservations

Please contact BSTA to reserve this tour, or visit the Tourist Information Center in Bocas town, between Calle 1 and 2, on the road to the airport. Prices depend on the number of participants

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