In the open waters off Punta Chame, just thirty minutes by boat from the coast, lies a little-known but extraordinary group of islands: Bona, Estiva, and Otoque. These largely uninhabited islands, teeming with wildlife, offer a tourist experience reminiscent of the famous Galapagos, with the feeling of being in the presence of nature that still sets its own pace, far from human intervention.
A Journey Led by Local Fishermen
The journey begins aboard a boat led by local fishermen who know these waters well, under the strict supervision of the Panamanian Air and Naval Service, prioritizing safety and environmental respect. From Punta Chame, the boat heads towards Otoque Oriente, where Visitors can appreciate a tranquil village from the sea, inhabited mostly by retirees. From this point, the complete circuit begins.
Estiva and Bona Islands: A Natural Spectacle
The Estiva and Bona Islands tour allows you to observe, from the boat, colonies of frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and other seabirds that transform the sky into a constantly moving, living spectacle. The guides—the fishermen themselves—interpret these scenes, explaining behaviors, reproductive cycles, and the natural history of the archipelago. On these islands, you can also appreciate basalt tower formations, visible evidence of the birth of the Panamanian isthmus from the seabed, a geological process that transformed life on the planet millions of years ago.
Otoque West Island: An Eco-Social Experience
After touring the archipelago, the boat disembarks on Otoque West, where the most significant experience of the tour takes place: the eco-social experience. Tourists visit the island’s public school and participate in an authentic exchange with the local students. A spontaneous encounter that allows one to look at island life from within and that concludes with the delivery of school supplies to the school principal, a direct and transparent contribution to the community.
Lunch—homemade, simple, and prepared by a local family—reveals another essential aspect of sustainable tourism: the community economy. Fresh fish of the day, accompanied by traditional dishes, offers Visitors a genuine taste of the island diet and the opportunity to share a meal with the hosts.
A Tour that Integrates Nature, Education, and Culture
This approximately five-hour tour generally runs from 8:00 a.m. until after 1:00 p.m. It’s an experience that integrates pristine nature, environmental education, cultural exchange, and community support. From birdwatching to lunch in a local home, everything is designed with respect, collaboration, and a positive impact.
The Bona–Estiva–Otoque tour is a model of responsible tourism in Panama. A journey that demonstrates that the country also has islands where wildlife and its relationship with humans coexist in balance. A real example of how tourism can conserve, educate, and transform, all while inspiring wonder.
For information on this tour: Panamapats@gmail.com