Stoney Family Panama Adventure: CAMPING AT ISLA BOLAÑOS

Matt had his 8th birthday on October 13th, and our gift to him this year was a camping trip to Isla Bolaños with his Dad. Last weekend, Greg and Matt loaded up their camping gear, hired a boat driver with a panga, and headed out to Isla Bolaños. This beautiful jungle covered island is part of the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park and has several sandy beaches backed by coconut palms. There are no facilities, water, food...etc. on this island, so the guys brought what they needed (tent, food, water, hammock, fishing poles, insect repellent,...etc.). After a 1.5 hour car ride from Boquete to Boca Chica, followed by a 45 minute boat ride to Isla Bolaños, the panga dropped them off, and Greg and Matt spent 2 nights and 3 full days on the island. While they had some visitors during the day who came to snorkel the beautiful clear waters, Greg and Matt had the entire island to themselves in the later afternoons and evenings. Greg surprised Matt with a big bag of fireworks and they celebrated Matt's birthday with fireworks and s'mores. Highlights of the weekend included snorkeling, fishing for snapper and jacks, exploring the island, seeing humpback whales breach, and surviving an entire night in a tent while a torrential tropical thunderstorm raged outside. The camping trip was a huge success, and what a treat it was for Greg and Matt to spend the weekend on an island and have it all to themselves! I think Monica and I will join them the next time around...