Bocas Biodiversity: Birding & Wildlife Eco tours by @stacebird

On my late afternoon kayak and snorkeling ecotour out of Saigon Bay, I will take you through a variety of beautiful and fascinating ecosystems here on the main island Isla Colón. In addition to snorkeling a rich, colorful coral reef, we’ll also explore a magical mangrove tunnel and some peaceful canals. While kayaking surrounded by nature, I often come across three-toed sloths, iguanas and, if we’re lucky, a troop of howler monkeys up in the trees as we paddle through the vitally important mangrove ecosystem as we follow a cathedral-like tunnel that takes us into another world.

This outing is designed to be a late afternoon paddle/snorkel (snorkeling optional) to experience the marine ecosystems that gain shelter and food from my all-time favorite ecosystem, the mangrove forests.

For our bird lovers, there’ll also be possibilities of seeing parrots & parakeets, toucans, various egrets & herons, and any of the Ringed, American Pygmy AND Green Kingfishers which hunt from edge of the mangroves. And I almost always seem to get a peek at the beautiful mangrove yellow warbler and if we’re really lucky, a mangrove cuckoo!

Meanwhile, I will regale you in mangrove tropical ecology, the fascinating world of these salt- adapted species that provide protection and shelter for our colorful reef fish and commercially caught fish which grow up in the safety of the spiderlike “prop roots” of the red mangrove. The wonders of this fascinating ecosystem go on, but I’ll save it for our adventure together!

For our snorkeling part of the tour we will visit a thriving reef with a lovely abundance of branching fire coral, finger corals and sponges every color of the rainbow and, as we peer into the mangroves, we’ll see how much life is supported by their specially adapted, saltwater-immersed “prop” roots.

Part of what sets my ecotour apart from other snorkel tours is I will not only teach you the identification of the array of underwater fish and invertebrate species (sponges, corals, worms, crustaceans) we come across, I will be explaining some of the fascinating behaviors of the marine life we may see. I’ll also go more into detail as we’re kayaking on how coral reef ecosystems function, their essential connection with mangrove ecosystems and seagrass beds, and how altogether these systems provide enormously vital importance for humans and a healthy Mother Earth.

For folks wanting more of a full day trip with more snorkeling options to see how different one reef can be from another, we can head to a floating restaurant that’s super kid friendly. The snorkeling there is super, you’re guaranteed to see the famous red-cushioned sea stars and even snorkel around a sunken ship teeming with life! Tacos and a drinks after snorkeling can make for a lovely afternoon (cash or card)!

And as we find our way back to Saigon Bay as the sun goes down and the colors catch the clouds, we can enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Talamanca mountain range.

Quick note:
Let me know ahead of time if you are comfortable kayaking for longish distances, 3+ miles (or we can simply go shorter distance, it’s your day!).

Also: The snorkeling will be from the kayak, I will help support one side and you will scoot in. To get back into the kayak, I will hold the opposite side from you and you will have to pull yourself in. I imagine myself something like an elephant seal hauling out onto land. No judgement!

All tours include the cost of kayaks and snorkels (if needed). If guests want to opt for the full day (5-6hr) tour, we can follow the coastline for some different, beautiful reef options including the Floating Bar/Restaurant which is incredible for snorkeling. Food/drinks is paid for by the guests (cash only) and I’ll say, the Lionfish tacos are absolutely delicious!

$80/per person (w/ kayak rental included) for Saigon Bay snorkel/kayak tour (3-4hrs) with a start time at 3:30pm to meet at Santuarios del Mar’s dock on Saigon Bay.

*If guest prefers not to snorkel,we’ll be over shallow reef, I like to call it paddle-snorkeling, because you can see so much underwater life right from your seat!

$100/per person w/ kayak rental included for the longer, full day kayak/snorkel with additional snorkeling options including the floating restaurant for lunch/drinks if desired (bring cash or card)! (4-6hrs).

Gratuity not included but much appreciated!