TWO OCEANS EXPEDITION
How many dive trips allow you to dive two distinct oceans, each with it's own unique animal life, all within nine days? Our Two Oceans expeditions features diving in both the Atlantic/Caribbean ocean basin and the Pacific with a transit through the incredible Panama Canal and visit two of the most primitive indian tribes in this hemisphere. Few divers have had this unique opportunity to compare, contrast and study the startling differences in marine life, habitats and oceanography this expedition offers.
Again chartering the M.V. Coral Star, our dive team will
start in one ocean, experience several dives on typical area habitats,
travel across the isthmus of Panama through the Panama Canal and then
dive and explore another completely different environment in another ocean
before returning to Panama City. This unique trip becomes affordable by
conducting two 10 day expeditions back to back in each direction.
The first expedition will start in Panama City where
we'll overnight before departing to Taboga Island in the Las Perlas Archipelago
on the Pacific side of Panama. This island, called the "island of
flowers", has all the charm of a small, early century Spanish town.
It has excellent diving and most of the pelagic and tropical species along
this undeveloped coast inhabit this protected refuge. After sampling this
areas diving, we'll head northeast to the Panama Canal.
While the ship is waiting to enter the canal (remember,
14,000 ships use this amazing shortcut each year) we'll leave the boat
for several hours to visit a community of the primitive Embera Indians
in Chagres National Park. We will take a 45-minute trip on a motored Indian
Canoe from Corotu Port across the last side of Lake Alajuela going up
the Chagres
River to reach the Indian community of Embera Drua. You will enjoy the
natural beauty of the tropical rainforest; sharing customs and lifestyle
of the indigenous population; as well as a folkloric presentation. We
will also enjoy lunch well prepared by the Indians. Finally, we will take
a hike through a botanical and medicine trail 
guided
by expert Embera guides and swim in the Chagres River.
After transversing the canal, our team will visit the
old city of Portobelo on the Caribbean side of the continents. Portobelo
was the jumping off port for
all the gold, emerald, and silver laden fleets of galleons bound for Spain.
Most of the treasure ships sunk along the the Florida coast began their
journey in this old, fortified city.
As
we snorkel and dive some of the hundreds of uninhabited islands in the
San Blas Archipelago, we'll visit and learn about the mysterious Kuna
Indians. They are of Caribe origin. Many live in villages built completely
over the water. They are small in stature, short necke
d
and big head, broad backs, strong chest, short legs and small feet. They
dress moderately. The indian women dress in Molas with showy colors. They
wear gold earrings and a ring in their noses. They keep their traditions
and legends, their beliefs and myths, their Gods. They believe in superstition.
Their language is rich and vast. They practice monogamy and adultery is
a felony. Their leader is the Sahila who has authority on the co
mmunity
in which he lives. The Nele is the leader of several communities. They
practice agriculture and cultivate Coconut which is their main staple
and which they have for sale. They also cultivate corn, rice, cocoa and
yucca. Essentially they are fisherman. The National Government provides
elementary schools for them and also a Junior High School at the Nargana
Island. This is still one of the most unspoiled and primitive areas on
the planet.
After several days of exploration, we will return to Panama City for our flight home.
When: TBA
Accommodations:
First night stay at Caesar Park Hotel, Panama City, Panama.
On the boat, deluxe rooms with air-conditioning, ocean view and all luxury
amenities.
Cost: $2,595.00
Transportation: All flights, transfers, canal fees within Panama. (Does not include departure taxes or international airfares.)
Meals: All meals aboard M.V. Coral Star, and with the Embera indians.
Diving: Unlimited diving and snorkeling. At least one night dive as well as drift, and monitoring dives are scheduled.
General
- Chartered research vessel and project oceanographer on board to lead expedition
- All tanks, weights, oceanographic equipment and project specific gear provided
- Oceanographic Diver Team shirt
- Expedition Banquet on last night
- Research Diver Course and Oceanographic Diver certification
Experience: To ensure a safe, productive expedition, certified divers must have logged 75 logged dives and a minimum of 3 night dives. Due to the exploratory nature of the dives on this expedition and sometimes rigorous diving conditions on seamounts and pinnacles, teammembers should be in good physical condition
Limited Space: Team size limited to 14 divers. Cost based on double occupancy, "C" cabins. Special cabins available for a slightly higher cost.
Deposits: A $500.00 deposit will be required to secure your position on the team. Balance is due 75 days before departure. Team members will receive a detailed Expedition Plan before departure.
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