This region is divided into cities:
• Carti
• San Blas Islands
• Puerto Obaldia
• Rio Sidra
• Norgana
• Playon Chico
• Ailigandi
• Mamsucum
• Mulatupo o Sasardi
• Carreto

Ecotours, fishing, snorkeling, and touring of nearby villages are the main activities of the region. There are many beaches in the island of Carti, Ukupseni and Isla Pino.

Attractions of Kuna Yala and around:
• PEMASKY which means Proyecto de Estudio para el Manejo de Areas Silvestres de Kuna Yala: It is a bioreserve inside Kuna yala which started in 1983. This is a natural park near Nasugandi. This bioreserver preserves the heritage and marine and land ecosystems of Kuna Yala.
• The San Blas Islands are a group of 378 islands out of which only 49 are inhabited. It is an archipelago of Panama. These islands lie off the north coast of Isthmus. To its east is the Panama Canal. It has been home to Kuna Indians which are part of Kuna Yala tribe along the Caribbean coast of Panama. These tribes welcome tourists very warmly into their ancestral home. Their official language is Tule but Spanish is prevalent in schools. Tule is the spoken language of Kuna Yala tribes.
• Dog Islands: These islands are famous for snorkeling. One can find variety of tropical fish in these waters.
• There are tiny islands with beaches that are used for sunbathing or swimming.
• Isla Pelicanos: These island beaches are soft with white sand and clear with shallow water over a coral reef making it perfect for snorkeling. One can see tropical, colored fishes. The waves are calm and gentle here.
• The island of Achutupu: This Island has the best beaches for scuba diving. It is here that off of the coast one can see a shipwreck of a Colombian cargo boat which is a popular dive spot. The beaches have transparent turquoise waters.
• Kagantupu, Wichubwala, and Coco Blanco: These have secluded beaches with white sand and palm trees lined up.
• Thatched Hut Village: A tour through a Kuna village where one can see their huts, lifestyle, and costumes is a must do on these islands visit.
• Mola Shopping: The Molas that are created by The Kuna is great for look out as well for buying.
• Pargue Soberania: This is about 15 minutes away from Panama City and is a hiking place. The hiking trail goes through the rainforests with caves and lakes and bird watching, with fishing also being a part of it.
• The Panama Canal: This canal is about 77 km (48 miles). It is a shipping canal that is in Panama and this canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and has been the key for the maritime trade. The traffic is about 1000 ships in early days and present it is about 14,702 vessels a day. This canal has its own measurement system called Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) in tons. It is one of the largest engineering projects of the times. The alternate route is via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
• Panama Viejo: This was once the gateway city for the Spanish conquest of Latin America. Presently there are ruins of the battles which were fought with the English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. There is a museum with Spanish exhibits near the site. One need to know Spanish or take a guide for translation for understanding as most of the exhibits is in Spanish.
• Casco Viejo: This is an established Spanish colonial city of 1671. This city was established after the downfall of Panama Viejo in battles and until 20th century, this city was Panama City. Panama bay and other sites depict its history with Spain, France and United States.
• Panama Canal Rainforest: The Panama Canal rainforests are one of the pristine rainforests in the world. The Soberania National Park is about 30 minutes away from Panama City and 45 minutes from the international airport. This is a base for ecotourism.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit these islands is from April to June and November to December. This time of the year is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, as the water is warm, clear, and calm. From January to April is the dry season and a perfect time for sun bathing.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: There are daily flight services from Panama City to El Porvenir via Air Panama. Air Panama also services Achutupu, Corazon de Jesus (Rio Diablo/Nargana), and Playon Chico.
By boat: There are boat options from Colombia.
Sailing boats are to/from Colombia/Cartagena.
Cargo boats leave to/from Carti Island and Porvenir Island (San Blas Island/Kuna Yala) to Puerto Obaldia into Colombia and motorized boats take only 5 to 6 hours.
By land: The road into San Blas Kuna Yala is vastly improving and is accessible all year round. A bridge has been opened, eliminating the need to cross the river in the vehicle. One can drive from Panama City to Carti in the San Blas Islands.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
• Hotels at virtual panama
• Hotels at costaricahotels
• Hotels at costaricapages
• Restaurants at wikitravel
• Hotels at wikitravel
• Hotels at you.travel

Blogs / Sites about Kuna Yala, Panama

• Blogs and reviews at travelblog
• Blogs and reviews at travelpod
• Blogs and reviews at travbuddy
• Blogs and reviews at the lonely planet
• Blogs and reviews at blogtopsites

Images and photos of Kuna Yala, Panama

• Images at google
• Images at travel-images
• Images at igougo
• Images at galenfrysinger

Videos of Kuna Yala, Panama

Kuna Yala Molas

Kuna yala

Kuna Yala montage

San Blas Panama , Kuna Yala

Kuna Yala (San Blas) Panamá por Marco Simionato (fotos)

KUNA YALA an ECO EXPLORER TOUR

Molas Kunas San Blas Islands Panama

Attractions in Contodara and around:
• Fishing is very popular in these islands. Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Yellow Tail Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, Red Snapper, Mero, Corvina, RoosterFish and Bojala are among the fish species that are found here on these islands.
• Pacheca Island is a spot for frigate birds and an ideal spot for bird watching. Swimming from Playa Sueca to Playa Larga is also enjoyable. It is also an area to spot sharks and turtles. Playas Cacique, Galeon and Canoa are other beaches of the place.
• Coral Reefs: One can find arrays of stony corals and reefs in Contadora.
• San Jose Island is another island which is spread over a land area of 44 sq. kilometers and has forests and beaches.
• Golf Cart Rental: There are golf carts available for rent; these being two seater, for golfing or to just move around the island.
• Beach Combing: One can enjoy walking along the beach or looking for shells, sea glass and green stones in beach water. The waters are crystal clear and warm. Mogo Mogo beach can be reached by boat.
• Walking Around: The walk along the island and in the streets is pretty enjoyable.
• Snorkeling from the Beach: There are rentals like Coral Dreams for snorkeling gear. They take one to the best spots for snorkeling from the beach.
• Snorkeling and Whale Watching Tours: There are snorkeling tours along with whale watching by companies like Roxanna and Guillermo at Coral Dreams Dive Shop.
• Fishing and Island Hopping Tours: The local fisherman offer to take the tourists on excursion for fishing. There are different species that one may catch like Sierra, Roosterfish, Dorado, a variety of snappers and Tuna.
• Scuba Diving: Guillermo at Coral Dreams Dive Shop offers even Scuba diving for divers.
• Sailboat Tours: There are sailboat tours by 44ft catamaran with facilities of lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment and kayaks.
• Whale Watching: there are Humpback whales that migrate from both the Southern & Northern hemisphere. About 30 species are available for watching. There are tour packages available for whale watching such as Whale Watching Panama which is offering 5 day and 2-3 day tour packages which include swimming with whale and dolphins too.
• Rio Mar: This offers warmest water and is a best surfing spot. One can also enjoy the beach wind and sip a drink enjoying the view and hear the waves splashing and relax.
• Punta Chame: This beach is ideal for wind surfing and the dry season is the best time for it. The other activity is kite surfing.
• Buenaventura: This beach offers plenty of water activities like surfing, snorkeling, swimming etc. If one is not going for these, just the peace of the beach is enough to enjoy.
• Gorgona: This beach is one hour away from Panama City. One can enjoy the beach activities here too in its warm waters.
• Playa Blanca: This beach resembles Florida beach, Nikki beach. One can swim in warm waters and other water activities.
• Amador Causeway: This causeway gives the best views of Panama City’s skyline and the Panama Canal. This is about a mile long causeway that connects four small islands with rock excavations. They also serve as breakwater to the Pacific Coast to the Panama Canal. A Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research aquarium, souvenir and specialty shops, a cruise port and a yacht marina are some of the causeway attractions. Some of the restaurants have ocean and Canal views

Best time to visit / climate:
The rainy season starts from May through November and a dry season from December through April and hence the best time to travel is from December through March as the humidity is low and rain chances are the least.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By Air: There are multiple flights every day from Albrook Airport in Panama City which takes about 20 minutes.
By Sea: A ferry service is present between the causeway near Panama City and Contadora Island.
Get around: Golf carts, scooters or ATVs are used to travel around the islands. The size of the island is small and hence walking around is also a good option.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels at tripadvisor
• Hotels at contadoraislandpanama
• Hotels at travel.yahoo
• hotels at bigtravelweb

Blogs / Sites about Contadora, Panama

• Blogs and reviews at travelpod
• Blogs and reviews at blog.panamatotal
• Blogs and reviews at travelblog

Images and photos of Contadora, Panama

• Images at google search
• Images at travelpod
• Images at contadoraislandinn
• Images at pearl-islands-contadora

Videos of Contadora, Panama

Contadora, Panama

Contadora, Panama

Contadora Island Panama

Contadora Island, Pearl Islands – Playa Galeon Beach

Whale watching at Contadora, Panama

Flight from Panama City to Contadora

Silent Flight of Pelicans Over Contadora Island – Panama

Hotel Punta Galeon, Virgin Ocean Snapshots (Contadora Island)

Attractions of Elounda and around:
• Spinalonga Island: This Island is across the causeway from Elounda. This island is accessible by a boat from Elounda and the small village of Plaka. It is a popular tourist attraction in Crete. The name ‘Spinalonga’, means ‘Long Thorn’ that came from the Venitians, which is named after a small island near Venice. Kalidon is the official name. There is a fortress that was built on this island to protect the port of ancient Eloundians. Spinalonga Island is an archaeological site.
• Salt Pans: This is a 15th century site which had salt evaporation pans. These pans were used until the early 1970′s.
• Canal: This was built by the French engineers to ease trade between Elounda and Agioas Nikolaos.
• Elounda Village: This is a fishing village with many shops and beautifully situated restaurants too.
• Agios Nikolaos is a city or a coastal town on the island of Greek of Crete. The city lies to the east of the capital, Heraklion and to the north of lerapetra and to the west of sitia. This town is capital of Lasithi. The three faces to the sea of this town are The Lake & port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina.

Beaches:
• Ammos (sandy public beach by the marina)
• Kitroplatia is the town centre (shingle & sand) beach.
• Ammoudi and Havania beaches (on the way to Elounda).
• Almiros & Ammoudara (sandy beaches with organized facilities, about 2.5 km east of Agios Nikolaos)
• Istron/Kalo Horio – 2 good beaches (10 km),
• Plaka pebble beach (16 km).

Golf: There are 2 golf courses in Crete; one is a 9-hole course and the other an 18-hole course. The first is available about 10 km from Agios Nikolaos located at the Porto Elounda resort. The other is the Crete Golf Club with full facilities golf course that is about 45 km (about 30 minutes drive) from Agios Nikolaos, between Hersonissos & Kastelli.
• Plaka village: This village is about 15 km from Agios Nikolaos. This has fish tavernas, cafes and a crystal clear pebble beach.
• Lake Voulismeni: This is a small lake which connects to the sea. It is situated at the centre of the town of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island of Crete. The diameter of the lake is about 137 m and depth is about 64 m. This lake is connected to the harbour of the town with a channel. There is a small park around it. This lake is popular for the fireworks celebrations that happen on Orthodox Christian Easter day.
• The Cretan diet: This is a traditional local diet of the Mediterranean island of Crete, also called “Mediterranean diet” which is very popular in the place.
• The Archaeological Museum: This is a museum with exhibits from the whole of Eastern Crete, like the early Minoan cemetery of Mochlos, the Zakros palace, Lato and Elounda. There are plenty of coins ranging from about 330-350 BC to 200 AD exhibited here along with more than 1500 vases from that time.
• The Folklore Museum: This is a museum exhibiting woven textiles, embroideries, handicrafts and a model of an old traditional Cretan house along with Old photographs, paintings and costumes of the olden times.
• The Iris Museum: This museum is housed in a neoclassical building on the 28th Oktovriou pedestrian street that also holds a local flora exhibition.
• Walking: There are many routes and hikes, going through villages, hills and beaches which are ideal for walking.
• Diving: The scuba-diving centre is about 250 m from the lake.
• Almyros beach: This is a sandy beach entering the sea at the southern end. This beach offers a cooling paddle and is about a 20 minute walk from the town center. One can take a taxi from the town centre.

Best time to visit / climate:

The best time to visit this place is in summer. One can expect showers between October and April. The temperatures are ideal from July to August.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Agios Nikolaos (Crete) is about 40 miles from Herakleion Airport (HER). The journey takes about 45 – 60 minutes by car or taxi. Elounda is about 80 km from Heraklion Airport and it takes 60 – 75 minutes by car or taxi to Elounda.
By Bus: There are local bus services available in the place.

By Ferry:
Ferry services run to Agios Nikolaos from Athens (Piraeusport), Rhodes, Chalki, Karpathos and Kassos.
Major ferry lines operate to the port of Herakleion with buses connecting at the main bus station near to the port. Ferries run directly to the town via LANE lines from Pireaus and Rhodes. Take a connecting bus to Elounda from Agios Nikolaos.
By plane: The distance is 40 miles from Heraklion airport to Agios Nikolaos.

Getting around:
By Bus: Elounda, Kritsa, Sitia, Heraklion (and from there, Knossos), Malia and Hersonnisos are accessed with a regular bus service.
Among others are taxis, scooters, rent car facilities available in the place.

Some travel books from Amazon about Crete:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels at Tripadvisor
• Restaurants at wikitravel
• Hotels at Wikitravel
• hotels at elounda
• Hotels at booking.com

Blogs / Sites about Elounda:

• Blogs and reviews at aluxurytravelblog
• Blogs and reviews at completely-crete
• Blogs and reviews at explorecrete
• Blogs and reviews at travelpod

Images and photos of Elounda:

• Images at google
• Images at tripadvisor
• Images at travel.webshots

Videos of Elounda:

Elounda

Spinalonga and Greek Flag

Luxury Resort in Greece | Domes of Elounda

Elounda 2010 – Skisma to Plaka

ELOUNDA 2008 and THEA RESTAURANT

Elounda Beach Party 2011 *** official video in HD

Attractions of Boca Chica and around:
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat.
• Gulf of Chiriquí: There are many archipelagos and islands and reefs in this area. This area has some of the richest mangroves and pelagic marine species of the world. This area offers activities like boating, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui in Panama. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and 27 miles away. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. This island has a variety of fish life, and divers can see many varieties of fish species like king angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities are scuba diving and diving for 30-80 meters and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Isla Palenque: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is given this name is due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park is spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamps, marine meadows, forests, white sand, and with temperate air and weather. It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches. One can do scuba diving, snorkeling in the clear waters along with sport fishing in the Chiriquí gulf (which is beyond this national park). Islas Ladrones, Islas Secas, Boca Brava and Isla Palenque are the other islands.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Islas Secas: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Islas Secas is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Boca Chica is less than an hour from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. There are daily regular flights from United States and Canada to David airport.
To go around, one can access Boca chica by boat, water taxi or by foot.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels at wikitravel
• Hotels at bocachicabeach
• Hotels at designhotels
• hotels cheaper deals at hotelscombined

Blogs / Sites about Boca Chica, Panama:

• Blogs and reviews at travelblog
• Blogs and reviews at lonelyplanet
• Blogs and reviews at Travelpod

Images and photos of Boca Chica, Panama:

• a href=”http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&expIds=17259,17315,18167,23628,26761,26849,26869,27520,27557,27744,27868,27937&xhr=t&q=Boca+chica+images&cp=17&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=bqT8TL-lDImHrAeP-PGZCA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQsAQwAA&biw=1024&bih=653″ target=”_blank”>Images at google
• Images at holidaycheck
• Images at tripadvisor
• Images at travelpod

Videos of Boca Chica, Panama

Boca Chica

Playa Boca Chica

Attractions around Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:
• Volcano Baru: Which is also known as Volcan Barú; it is the highest and tallest mountain in Chiriquí of Panama. The road is very steep to the top. There are cellular towers and rock faces covered with graffiti and with a magnificent view in this place. It is about a height of 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) and is a dormant volcano. It is to the south of the Continental Divide which is in the western Chiriquí Province. The area is very fertile and served by Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. Cerro Punta is to its west and Boquete to its east. This is also known as the Baru Volcano National Park and is the core of the reserve. This core is the highest mountain of Panama which is known as the Baru Volcano.
• Finca Dracula Orchids farm: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• Sendero Los Quetzales: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• Parque Internacional La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on the volcanic slopes.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that are about 1/2 day long and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriquí River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season and from May till November it gets wet and above 3000 meters it gets very cold at night. To have best views one should be on the peak at dawn, else due to fog visibility is low.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
One can reach Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport and can also be reached by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport.

Enhance your trip through these travel books on Amazon:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotel
• iguide
• Tripadvisor
• Hablayapanama
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:

• Fodors
• isls.com
• WordPress Blog
• Lonelyplanet

Images and photos of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Image Search
• iguide
• http://boqueteoutdooradventures.com/sea/golfo1
• Venezuelapana

Videos of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí on Youtube:

PARQUE NACIONAL MARINO GOLFO DE CHIRIQUI

Island Property on Boca Brava, Panama

“Love at First Sight – Isla Boca Brava” Jdhermann’s photos around Isla Boca Brava, Panama

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Nassau is May to October. This island has a tropical monsoon climate with constant temperatures almost through the year. Summertime temperatures rarely exceed 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) and the winter months have daytime temperatures between 68 and 80 °F (20 and 27 °C), rarely falling below 50 °F (10 °C).

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By air: Lynden Pindling International Airport is the largest airport in the Bahamas. It serves most major U.S. airlines and flights to Nassau. Limited service from Toronto and London also exists.
By sea: A total of seven cruise ships can dock at the Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal which is adjacent to downtown Nassau.

Getting around:
• By water taxi: One can take a water taxi to get to Paradise Island from downtown.
• By minibus: These minibuses are also known as jitneys which are the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence Island. These are on and near Bay Street.
• By taxi: Taxis operate around the city and they are identified by their yellow license plates.
• By car: one can rent a car to roam around.
• By scooter: Scooter (small motorcycle) rental is also popular in Nassau.
• By bike: Bikes and bicycles also can be rented in Nassau.
• By foot: One can go around on foot in downtown.

Plan your trip to Nassau better with these books:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Restaurant
• Hotels
• Tripadvisor (hotels, restaurants)
• http://www.nassau-hotel.com/

Blogs / Sites about Nassau:

• Travelblog
• Travelpod
• Realtravel
• Virtualtourist

Images and photos of Nassau:

• Google Image Search
• Tripadvisor
• Cruises
• Placesonline

Videos of Nassau from Youtube:

Nassau Bahamas Cruise Dec. 2007

Nassau Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas, East Bay Street Shopping District, May, 2009

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau Straw Market

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau Bahamas Walking Tour – Dec 18, 2007 Pt 2

Plane Wreck at Nassau, Bahamas

nassau bahamas day & night life

Beach on Nassau, Bahamas

Attractions of Islas Ladrones Chiriquí, Panama
• Isla Palenque: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is given this name is due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times.
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is, as the name suggests, located on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a political prisoners prison and a penal colony for criminals in Panama.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is located in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was created in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadows with forests, and white sand with temperate air and weather. This has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.
• Islas Secas: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Islas Secas is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Attractions around Islas Ladrones Chiriquí, Panama:
• Volcano Baru: Also known as Volcan Barú, it is the highest and tallest mountain in Chiriquí of Panama. The road is very steep to the top. There are cellular towers and the rock face is covered with graffiti; there are some magnificent view in this place. The place is located at a height of 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) and is a dormant volcano. It is to the south of the Continental Divide which is in the western Chiriquí Province. The area is very fertile and served by Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. Cerro Punta is to its west and Boquete to its east. This is also known as the Baru Volcano National Park and is the core of the reserve. This core is the highest mountain of Panama which is known as the Baru Volcano.
• Finca Dracula Orchids farm: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the most complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• Sendero Los Qqutzales: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• Parque Internacional La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on volcanic slope.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours are about 1/2 days long and are full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriquí River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season and from May till November it gets wet and above 3000 meters it gets very cold at night. To have best views one should be on the peak at dawn, else due to fog visibility is low.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. One can reach this national park from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport and Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí can be reached by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica.

To go around, the archipelago can be rounded by using a boat.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotel
• iguide
• Hablayapanama
• Boutiquehotelcalamia

Blogs / Sites about Islas Ladrones Chiriquí, Panama:

• Blogspot
• Blogspot
• Chiriquifishingcharters

Images and photos of Islas Ladrones Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Images Search
• traveljournals.net
• Panamarick

Prepare a better travel plan through these books on Amazon:

Videos of Islas Ladrones Chiriquí on Youtube:

Islas Ladrones diving 24 April 2011

Manantes – Islas Para Ladrones

Attractions of Islas Secas, Chiriquí, Panama
• Diving: The Secas Archipelago with its neighboring island groups like Ladrones, Paredas and the Coiba National Park, gives us the best adventure diving in the world. This island is governed by five oceanic currents and is rich in eco-regions, such as the Tropical Eastern Pacific. The islands of the Gulf of ChiriquÌ are rich in marine biodiverse life and habitat which are not present in other islands like the Galapagos and Coco Islands. One can watch about 800 species of fish which include about thirty-three species of shark including the Reef White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Bull, Tiger, and the bizarre Guitar shark.
• Kayaking –Sailing- Surfing: There are hidden coves, reefs, beaches along with mangrove forests which is one of the biggest attractions of this island. One can go through all of these on a Kayaking safari.
• There is a blow hole which is also known as Buffona which is a natural phenomenon on Isla Cavada.
• One can do the best surfing from April through October.

Wildlife:
• Whale watching: One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year as these are migratory whales. This archipelago allows tourists to get a glimpse of their acrobatic behavior as these leviathans of the deep travel here after miles on icy waters and winter feeding at the poles.
• Bird Watching: The Frigate bird colony on Coco Island at Islas Secas Resort is worth watching and a beautiful experience as one can watch many species of birds.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a location for keeping political prisoners and a penal colony for criminals in Panama. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui and is an island. The word Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. This island is full of fish life and divers can see many varieties of fish species like King Angelfish, Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Wrasse, Gobies, Blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can view species of eagles, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse are also seen all through the year. Among the activities are scuba diving and diving with a visibility of 30-80 meters and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Isla Palenque: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this island is given this name due to Central America’s colonial periods for the Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times.
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was found in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadows with forests and white sand with temperate air and weather. This has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be April through October. One can do the best surfing from April through October.

Location on Google Maps:

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Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&q=islas+secas+panama&ie=UTF8&hq=islas+secas&hnear=Panama&z=8

How to get there:
This island, Islas Secas is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. One can reach this island from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport and Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí can be reached by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. Boca chica is about an hour from David’s Enrique Malek.
To go around, the archipelago can be rounded by using a boat.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels
• http://www.hotelislaseca.com/
• Tripadvisor
• Travelpod.com
• Boutiquehotelcalamia

Blogs / Sites about Islas Secas Chiriquí, Panama:

• http://islassecas.com/fishing/
• Travelpod
• http://www.headhuntersflyshop.com/wp/?p=2135

Images and photos of Islas Secas Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Image Search
• Islassecas
• Photosntravels
• Panamarick

Enhance your travel plans through these books from Amazon:

Videos of Islas Secas Chiriquí from youtube:

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Panama

Islas Secas Resort

Jose Wejebe visits Islas Secas Resort

Isla Secas

Huge Tuna on Fly Islas Secas Panama

Fishing in Panama, Islas Secas

Landing on islas secas

Kokomo – Panama Islas Secas

History: Arawak inhibited the island first, and then Caribs came down here from South America. Trinidad was discovered by Christopher Columbus later, and then the Spanish claimed it. Later, French settlers came here and cocoa plantations were established. The British took over this island in 1798. Over a period of time, immigrants from the following countries – Portugal, France, Germany, China, and most importantly India immigrants came here (or were brought here by force) and settled in this island.
The main economy is based on petroleum and natural gas production. The other cities of the island of Trinidad comprise of Arima, Pointe-a-Pierre, Point Fortin, Point Lisas and San Fernando.

Attractions of Port of Spain and around in Trinidad:

• Downtown: This is the oldest part of the city, located between South Quay (that is to the south) and to the north is Oxford Street, to its east is the St. Ann’s River, and Richmond Street is to the west.
• Woodford Square: This is in the heart of the downtown. To its north are City hall and the Hall of Justice. To its west are the Red House; and the Anglican Holy Trinity Cathedral to the south; and to its south west is the National library. There are many government offices also in the neighborhood. It is a green oasis as it has a late-Victorian fountain and bandstand, trees, benches, and lawns.
• Independence Square: This is located to the waterfront and has many of the high rise buildings of the city. It is two blocks to the south of Wood ford Square. It was earlier known as Marine Square.
• Columbus square: This is behind the Cathedral that is in the east of Independence Square.
• Port of Spain lighthouse: This is a major landmark now and is no longer used for navigational purposes.
• Eric Williams Financial Complex: These are the twin towers which are on the south side of Independence Square. Nicholas tower is another office building in the vicinity.
• Towers C and D: These are the tallest buildings in Trinidad and Tobago and are considered the 7th and 8th tallest in the entire Caribbean region.
• Emperor Valley Zoo (Port of Spain) and the Botanical Gardens: This is the only zoo in the region, and it features species of lions, tigers, monkeys, birds and fish and it is located in the capital, Port of Spain. The Botanical Gardens contains many species of plants and is next to the zoo.
• Mount Saint Benedict: This is a Catholic monastery that is located near the village of Arima. This is high in the Northern Range. Pax Guest House is famous and Bentictine monks stay here.
• As Wright Nature Center: This is a bird watching center of the world and has cottages. One can go through former cocoa plantation, pointing out interesting species of birds, lizards, and other animals.
• Toco/Matelot/Grand Riviere: This is a scenic place with some beaches.
• Beaches: There are many beaches in Trinidad and Tobago and they are Maracas, Tyrico, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros and Quinam. The north coast beaches are beautiful with clear water. The beaches that are famous are in Tobogo and they are Pigeon Point, Store Bay and Man-of-War Bay.
• Bucco Reef and the nylon pool: Buccoo Reef is a natural coral reef that is on the North Coast of Tobago. There is a Glass Bottom Boat tour from Pigeon Point and Store Bay. The nylon pool has shallow water on top of the reef, the water of which is crystal clear and appears to be like a fishing line of nylon and so the name nylon pool. One can bathe here too.
• TTPBA Great Race: The month of August hosts an annual boat race from Trinidad to Tobago called the Great race. It starts from Chaguaramas, Trinidad and ends at Store Bay in Tobago and travel around the North West peninsula, then along the north coast then make a bee line to Tobago.
• La Brea Pitch Lake: This Lake is the largest natural reservoir of asphalt in the world. This lake contains sulphur and tourists bathe here as it is said to have healing properties.
• Leatherback turtles on Mathura Beach: The Leatherback sea turtles are seen on Mathura Beach in Trinidad. Turtles nesting can be seen here around Easter.
• Trinidad’s north coast (Toco/Matelot/Grand Riviere): The north coast is unspoilt, and has scenic beaches, and at the North east tip, there is the village of Toco.
• Pre-Lenten Carnival: This is the annual festival with beautiful dances. It is held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Music from steel bands, with calypso and soca music played in this carnival.

Best time to visit / climate:
Trinidad and Tobago has tropical climate, specifically tropical wet-and-dry climate. The rainy season is from June to December and the island is outside the hurricane belt. But hurricanes did damage this place and so dry season is the best time to visit the place. The dry season is from January to May and the best time to visit.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

Entry requirements:
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Caricom countries (except Haiti), and most EU and Latin American countries do not require a visa for vacation or business of 90 days or less. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate of TT abroad.
By plane: Piarco International Airport is the airport that is in Trinidad, it offers services from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, New York (JFK & Newark), and San Juan, Puerto Rico; Toronto, Canada; London, UK; Caracas, Venezuela; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Barbados and various other islands in the Caribbean.
The following airlines serve the place:
? American Airlines
? Caribbean Airlines
? British Airways
? Liat
? Continental Airlines
? Delta
? Copa Air

By boat: Trinidad serves yachts and cruise ships also dock in Port of Spain.

Getting around: One can get around by taxi or car rental. There is Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago that has services from Port-of-Spain, King’s Wharf in San Fernando and various other terminals. There are domestic ferries on the island of Trinidad between the two main cities of Port-of-Spain in the north and San Fernando in the south. Car driving is on the left.
The other two options for travel between Trinidad and Tobago are by ferry and by air. Caribbean airlines have service between the islands and ferry services are fast and conventional.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Tripadvisor
• Hotelscombined
• Planetware
• Hotels.com.au

Blogs / Sites about Trinidad and Tobago:

• Travelpod.com
• Mytripjournal
• Metagini
• Travelblog.org
• Travelpost.com

Images and photos of Trinidad and Tobago:

• Google Image Search
• Tripadvisor
• Traveljournals.com
• Triniview
• Greatmirror.com

Videos from Youtube of Port of Spain:

Port-of-Spain Waterfront

Port of Spain Trinidad

Fly away Trinidad Port of Spain

Trinidad Port-of-Spain Independence Square

Driving through Port of Spain

Port-of-Spain 360 Panorama

Port Of Spain carnival in Trinidad & Tobago people watching at Arapita Avenue 7th March 2011

Carnival Tuesday Port-of-Spain 2011

Bahamas Attractions
• The Dig, Atlantis: It is known to everyone that Atlantis Island was very lavish and submerged in water. But it is said that it was located in Bahamas and this dig is the underwater tour of the ruins of the Atlantis city. There are many lagoons too that houses shark and manta rays. Blue lagoon, the Predator lagoon and The Mayan Temple Shark lagoon are the major lagoons.
• Joker’s Wild Comedy Club: This club is between Beach & Coral Towers where Comedians perform and one can have a hearty laugh.
• Atlantis LIVE: This is a concert series that The Atlantis Resort hosts which features the popular performers from all different genres.
• New Providence Island is dominated by the capital Nassau and is the most populated island in Bahamas. Its best attractions are small vessel harbors in the Caribbean.
• Junkanoo: This is known to be the biggest event in the Bahamian calendar. This is a street carnival which is held on December 26 which is also known as the Boxing Day. On New Year’s Day Junkanoo groups rush all through the town. Nassau town is the centre of this festival. Junakanoo music is played which has African rhythms and medley on cacophony. Every year the costumes are made from scratch. Junkanoo rush is held on Friday and Saturday evenings at Marina Village.
• Bimini Islands: These islands are a group in the Bahamas with an underwater cave system. It is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and has an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island of North Bimini, is seven miles long (11km).
• Nassau: This is the capital of the Bahamas and is on New Providence Island. This is a colonial Caribbean city which has modern American culture. It is a combination of old and new in its facilities with an old-world charm. Many of the town’s buildings are dated back to 18th century.
• Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island: This Island has white beaches and aquamarine seas and is fifty miles, that is, 80 km, east of Miami. Free port is an inland which is preferred by visitors fro stay or they choose Lucaya which is a seaside suburb.
• Andros Island: This is the largest island in Bahamas. This island is ideal for scuba divers and fisherman. This island is not that developed but tourist enjoy on the island.
• Exumas Islands: The Exumas comprises of myriad of islands and cays. They are spread over hundreds of miles. There are two parts of the islands, the largest is the Great Exuma and the little is the Little Exuma.
• Long Island: This Island hosts one of the main events of Bahamas, a yachting race called Long Island Regatta. It is held in the town of Salt Pond every may. People from all over the world come here to watch it. It is one of the unspoilt islands of the Bahamas.
• Abacos Islands: The chains of tiny islands are spread around 200 miles (322km) and is the most north part of the Bahamas. It is only 200 miles (322km) from Miami.
• Eleuthera Island: This Island has no hotels nor cruise ships and hence not very crowded. It is spread almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Harbor Island is considered to be its satellite island.
• Half Moon Cay: This is a private resort and people from Holland America line cruise ships get to stay here.
• Hartley’s Undersea Walk: One can take a walk along the oceanic floor here. Diving is popular and is easy with the use of undersea botanical helmet which is for normal breathing and dry hair.
• Pirate Museum: This is a tour which takes us to a journey to the heart of downtown Nassau and back to 1716. There is a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” which can be boarded and known from inside.
• Pinetree Stables: Here people are taking on a two hour Bahamian horse back ride. This ride starts from Freeport and through the Pine Tree forest, through a castle and then to the dunes and along the beach.
• Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island: The Atlantis resort that is located on Pirate island houses the largest water park of the world and is spread on a 97-acre Park. There are many waterslide and river rides with special effects that are great fun.
• Dolphin Encounters: Dolphin encounters are where one gets to swim with dolphins. One can also watch from the side. This is located on Salt cay.
• Bahamas Historical Museum: This museum is housed in Nassau and exhibits the pre Columbian times to present times which is around 50 years of the history of Bahamas. It has interesting historical artifacts.

Best time to visit / climate:

This island has a tropical marine and waters of Gulf Stream are warm. The place is attacked by hurricanes and tropical storms and floods, with the hurricane season, lasting (officially) from June to November. The hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period from mid-December to mid-April and are the peak period for touring. Late summer or summer is the best time to visit the place.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Visitors from US, Canada, EU and Japan do not need an advance visa for stays of up to three months.
By plane: the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and Freeport, on Grand Bahamas are the largest airports of Bahamas. There are smaller airports in other places.
By road: Paradise Island is connected to New Providence Island (Nassau) by two bridges (one incoming, one outgoing). There’s an entrance fee of $1 per vehicle.
By boat: The capital, Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports, and is served by ships that originate from Florida, Freeport on Grand Bahamas Island. There is also a ferry from Paradise Island to the main land. Dock at Hurricane Hole Marina if there is a private yacht. The dock allows yachts of 200 feet in length.
Get around: One can go by Bahamasair from Nassau or take bus services from Nassau/New Providence or take a taxi or rent a car to go around the place. Mail boats are served in almost all islands in Bahamas and are the cheapest mode of transport.
Windward Islands, a yacht charter company is served in Bahamas starting from Abaco.

Plan your trip to Nassau better with these books:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Paradise_Island#Eat
• http://wikitravel.org/en/Paradise_Island#Sleep
• Tripadvisor (link1, link2)
• http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/paradise-island-resorts/
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Paradise Island:

• realtravel
• travelpod
• http://www.blogcatalog.com/./blogs/island-paradise
• http://www.practicalparadiseisland.com/Paradise-Island-blog.html
• http://www.blogtoplist.com/rss/paradise-island.html
• http://www.travbuddy.com/Paradise-Island-travel-blogs-1291944

Images and photos of Paradise Island:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor (link)
• http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-l2095-Paradise_Island_photos.html
• http://www.paradiseislandphoto.com/

Videos from youtube:

Paradise Islands Caribbean Beaches
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Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas