Let me take you on a journey to the Islands off of the Chiriqui coast starting from our recent visit to Isla Palenque or as I call it, “Fantasy Island”. I could never get tired of this place as it is so beautiful and there are so many diverse areas and eco systems both on land and at sea. You have jungle, lagoons, beach front, rock ridges and lots of monkeys, coral reefs, underwater sea mounts, pelagic fish and whales along with other wildlife.
Susie and I were invited by our friends to go out on their 80 foot long twin masted wood schooner that they had just sailed over from Turkey. They are starting up a private charter for up to three couples and will sail and motor around the 60 plus islands offshore as well as Coiba Island and Isla Montuosa, that are some of the prime Marlin and Tuna grounds here in Panama. Three nights of world class cruising coupled with fine wine and gourmet food. Before I get started and show you pictures of our trip, let me take the time to cast the setting. My friends live on and island and picked us up on an island to take us to another island! But first here is my Fantasy Island where we were picked up directly in front of the hotel on the beach.
When I was first invited by the developer to stay for four nights to experience it first hand I did not know what to expect. The phrase “expect the unexpected ” then came to mind when we got off the boat.
We were greeted by the hotel manger and staff with a cold cocktail and wet napkin to freshen up before we headed to the resort by car. Of course I could not get the picture out of my head that this was just like….
and I expected to see Tattoo at any moment and yes the hotel manager did look a little like Ricardo Montalbán. Just kidding folks but the Fantasy continued.
Arriving at the hotel after driving through the jungle canopy and past the organic farm we saw what I expected, low impact and incredibly beautiful world class design.
The place beckons you to come down the path to see what is around the corner and you will continue to be impressed every inch of the way.
Susie had to dip her toes in the water right away as our luggage was brought to the room.
So we spent a wonderful day of leisure and the next day we watched the schooner sail up in front of the hotel so we hurried down to the beach and were picked up by a zodiac and the captain who had a bandana around his head that matched this most wonderful looking sailing ship.
The minute we got aboard and met the other people who would join us for the day cruise, we were treated to fresh squeezed orange juice and a lot of smiles.
Max’s wife, Vittoria told us the story of their journey from Turkey and how they planned to set up special cruises for people who appreciated personal service, fine wine and dining as well as the spectacular sights that abound off shore. While we listened to Vittoria, Max pointed out a Humpback whale next to the boat that was slowly cruising along undisturbed by the ships quiet motor.
Max is quite a fellow having sailed all of his life and he has made 4 crossings on the Atlantic. This trip he cruised from Turkey down to the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa and then across.
Susie and I have cruised on small boat cruise ships before, even on a private 61 foot Sea Ray Sun Dancer, which at 45 knots, is a pretty impressive ride but this is a cruise on a wooden ship that was indeed majestic and magical. Susie could not stop smiling as she was having so much fun. Yes folks, this is the life!!
Anyway, before you knew it, we approached Gamez Island and the white sandy beach, crystal clear water and coconut palms. I kept hearing the jingle from Gilligan’s Island all afternoon.
We jumped in the emerald green water that was the most perfect temperature and swam ashore for a look. What a place this was and soon our host beckoned us back for a sighting of another Humpback whale, dolphin and turtles all playing around us, indeed incredible! What could top this? Well how about a selection of curried lentils, lobster salad, fresh bread, chicken scallopini and more good wine. The afternoon was complete with a quick rain shower and then it was time to head back. I would encourage you to look at the slide show and Max and Vittoria’s web site to see more about their trip here from Turkey and about this world class opportunity to sail away for 3 days and nights with the Albatros Feliz. Spend three nights on Isla Palenque and three nights at sea for the ultimate getaway!! Contact us and say that you read this on The Panama Perspective so we can set up a package rate for you.
Here are some videos that I took as well.