Reefs & Roots

We’ll begin our week by boarding our private boat for a scenic 30‑minute crossing to our mainland property, Ojo Bio.

Morning – Creek to Coral

• Sedimentation walk: Trace the journey of freshwater from our jungle creek to the sea, and see how sediments shape mangrove roots and nearby reefs.
• Zonation & speciation talk: Learn how shifting light, salinity, and substrate create distinct life‑zones—and the clever adaptations organisms evolve to thrive in each.
• Reef primer: Master the field identification of some of the 150+ fish and invertebrate species that call our reef home.
• Snorkel: Slip into calm, clear Caribbean water and meet those species face‑to‑fin.

Midday Recharge
Enjoy lunch on the dock, then use your free time to swim, snorkel, or kayak quiet lagoons.

Afternoon – Into the Mangroves

• Mangrove immersion: Walk beneath the green canopy and compare the three mangrove species that anchor our coast, from salt‑excreting leaves to stilt‑like roots.
• Hands‑on conservation: Ready to get muddy? Head into the mangroves to collect propagules for our nursery, plant them, and be a part of our reforestation project.

Rinse & Return
Finish with a refreshing ocean dip, wash off the mud, and cruise back to Isla Colón in time for sunset—leaving only footprints and taking home new ecological insight.

Morning – Build a Reef, Restore a World

• Boat transfer to Isla Solarte: Cruise to the Caribbean Reef Restoration (CRR) headquarters.
• Guided snorkel on a living experiment: Compare the vibrant biodiversity flourishing on CRR’s artificial reef with yesterday’s natural reef at Ojo Bio.
• Coral clinic: In the propagation tanks, CRR staff will outline the threats facing Bocas del Toro’s corals—and the innovative techniques they use to help reverse the damage.
• Hands‑on reef construction: Roll up your sleeves to assemble a concrete artificial reef frame. Your structure will soon be seeded with corals and deployed as the next underwater habitat.
• Picnic lunch on the pier (we’ll pause long enough to refuel!).

Saving the World is Hungry Work
Enjoy a quick lunch, then we have to get back to saving the planet!

Afternoon – Mangrove Mission

• Reforestation in action: We’ll make a beach landing on a small islet off of Bocas Town and join the team from Fundación Naturaleza Panamá. They have planted 3,000+ mangroves from Ojo Bio since 2021! Those propagules you collected and planted in our nursery yesterday? Their older siblings are what you will be planting today—an anchor against erosion and a nursery for juvenile fish. Expect mud, laughter, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from making a difference.

Morning – From Pod to Pure Chocolate

• Boat to Ojo Bio & jungle hike: Walk shaded, but steep, trails to our cacao orchard, the livelihood crop of the local Ngäbe community.
• Harvest demo: Watch skilled indigenous hands harvest ripe pods (we’ll keep the machetes on their side) and sample the delicious white pulp that wraps each freshly harvested bean.
• Processing tour:
  • Fermentation: Hear why wild yeasts and five steamy days make chocolate possible.
  • Solar‑drying hut: Peek inside and see how the beans are dried before taken to market.
  • Fire‑side roasting: Join an Ngäbe member to roast beans over open flame.
  • Winnowing challenge: Try flicking hulls away in the breeze, leaving behind cacao nibs—harder than it looks!
  • Grinding: Crush nibs into 100% organic cacao- the purest and freshest dark chocolate on the planet. Prefer sweeter milk chocolate? We’ll do that, too!

Midday Splash
Have lunch on the dock and swim/snorkel.

Afternoon – Edible Rain‑Forest Ramble

• 13‑acre food forest safari: Wander terraces bursting with staples and rarities alike. Taste sun‑warm bananas, pineapples, papayas, and mangos, then hunt for rare gems—biriba, guayabana, rambutan, mangosteen, water apples, and more.

Return
You’ll head back with a both a full belly and mind from the day’s adventures!

Can I be honest? I’m not sure what to expect from today’s adventure! You will literally be the first tourist group to head deep into the forest of the Ngabe indigenous village of Loma Azul across from Ojo Bio! Plan for hiking trails that few outside people have been on, seeing some amazing views and wildlife, and visiting an authentic indigenous home to see how they live day to day. I’m hoping to get a demonstration of the mochila bags that they make and maybe even an authentic lunch! Stay tuned as this experience develops over the next several weeks! Our goal is to bring economic opportunities to this isolated village, and your visit and participation is the first step!

Morning – Jungle Adventure

We’ll cross to sprawling Isla Bastimentos, gliding into Bahía Honda—a model of indigenous community‑run, tourism.

• Sloth Waterway: Trade hiking boots for paddles as we slip quietly along a mangrove‑lined channel nicknamed the Sloth Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for dozing sloths, white‑faced monkeys, shy caimans, and a chorus of rainforest birds.
• Nivida Bat Cave: Landfall brings a short jungle stroll to the legendary Nivida Cave, where thousands of nectar bats flutter overhead and an assortment of creepy-crawlies cling to limestone walls—a true “Indiana Jones” moment in the rainforest’s living cathedral.

Local Lunch
Back in the village, share a traditional meal prepared with local produce.

Evening – Let’s get Glowing

As darkness falls, we’ll board a boat and glide into hidden coves where bioluminescent organisms light up the water! Our trip is perfectly timed with the new moon, creating ideal conditions for this magical display. Watch how different stimuli trigger bursts of light. Then, slip into the water and swim in this glowing galaxy. It’s a breathtaking end to our amazing week of discovery!

Fly to Panama City (PTY): Use tools like Google Flights to compare routes into Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Transfer across town: Bocas flights leave from Albrook’s domestic airport (PAC) on Fly Trip or Air Panama. Allow at least 5 hours between landing at PTY and departure from PAC (immigration, baggage, customs, and a cross‑city Uber).

Strongly consider an overnight in Panama City: Delays are common and flight schedules rarely align with a 5‑hour window.

Stay near PAC: I highly recommend my good friend Greg’s Airbnb (scroll down to see his listings). Tell him Mary Middlebrook sent you. Albrook Inn is also a convenient option.

Arrive in Bocas the day before workshops begin.

Make it a mini‑vacation: Arrive a few days early to explore Panama City’s highlights (Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, rainforest parks).

Recommended English‑speaking tour guide: Johany (Services Coronado)—mention Mary Middlebrook. Coordinate with other families to make it a group outing!

Ground transport in Panama City

Uber is cheap and reliable; taxis are not.

Private driver option: Adrian (WhatsApp +507 6530‑0821).

For mobile data, buy a local SIM or e‑SIM in town (cheaper than airport kiosks).

Arrival in Bocas del Toro

Taxis sometimes wait outside the Bocas airport; most drivers speak English. Here are a few you can whatsapp if you want to arrange pickup in advance (advised):
Julio +507 6351-6915 Juan Carlos +507 6245-0764 Roy +507 6647-2856

Travel smart, build in buffer time, and you’ll reach Bocas relaxed and ready for adventure!

I’ve secured an excellent group rate at Playa Tortuga, a beautiful beachfront resort on Isla Colón! While you’re not required to stay here, many families have found it fun and convenient to all be at the same hotel—especially for hanging out together in the evenings.

If you choose to stay elsewhere, please note that you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from Playa Tortuga each day, as this is our daily departure and return point.

Group Rate Details – Playa Tortuga

Room Type: Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds, Private Bathroom, Ocean View, and Continental Breakfast

Sleeps: Up to 4 people

Group Rate: $110 per night for 2 people

Additional Guests (per night):
Children (ages 5–15): $20
Children/Adults (16+): $40

Taxes: 10%

Essentials

• Sturdy water shoes (closed‑toe) – for boat landings and wet trails
• Closed‑toe walking shoes – suitable for light jungle hikes
• Lightweight, breathable clothing – quick‑dry fabrics; loose and modest styles work best
• Water‑activity attire – no swimsuits, please
  • Long‑sleeve UPF 50+ rash guard (order one size up for comfort)
  • Loose board shorts or swim leggings for extra sun‑and‑jellyfish protection
• Regular sunscreen– for days we aren’t in the water
• Reef‑safe sunscreen – mandatory on snorkeling days. Apply only to exposed skin (face, neck, hands); cover the rest with UPF clothing. No reef‑safe sunscreen, no snorkeling!
• Refillable water bottle – hydration is vital in this climate; water stations will be available
• Sun hat & sunglasses – wide brim and UV‑blocking lenses recommended
• Light rain jacket – sudden tropical showers are common
• Small daypack – just enough room for water, camera, and essentials
• Gel hand sanitizer – soap and water aren’t always handy
• Bug‑repellent wipes – sprays are not permitted (use only when needed)
• Itch relief – cream or stick for insect bites
• Positive attitude – be ready to get wet, muddy, sweaty… and have a fantastic time!

Optional Extras

Allergy medication (e.g., Benadryl) – handy when meeting unfamiliar flora and fauna

Underwater camera (e.g., Olympus TG‑7) for reef photos

Jungle camera with super zoom (I use Panasonic Lumix FZ300. The FZ80 is the upgrade, and students love that one as well)

Personal snorkel and mask (please don’t bring fins) – we provide snorkel gear, but fit isn’t guaranteed

Sea‑sickness tablets if you’re sensitive, though local waters are usually calm

Daily lunch included: Expect a simple sack meal—sandwich (turkey or PB&J), chips, granola bar, and fruit. Because we operate off‑grid, we can’t accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests. Occasionally we’ll substitute a locally prepared lunch. Feel free to pack your own, but the program price remains the same.

No snacking during activities—crumbs draw ants fast!

Hotel dining: Continental breakfast is complimentary at Playa Tortuga. A full‑service restaurant on‑site offers lunch and dinner for an extra charge.

Eating out: A quick, low‑cost taxi ride gets you to Bocas Town, where a wide variety of restaurants awaits. We love La Buga for the variety and the view!

Groceries: There are several small grocery stores in town and fresh produce stands.

Water: Tap water in Bocas isn’t recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled water; we’ll provide plenty for refilling your bottles during all activities.

Daylight: Sunrise and sunset are both around 6:30 a.m./p.m. year‑round.

Local vibe: Bocas Town has a very laid back, local vibe. This isn’t an upscale tourist resort destination.

Phone service: Arrange an international plan or buy a local SIM on arrival so you have data.

Language: Google Translate is handy if you don’t speak Spanish. Most businesses cater to English speakers.

Climate reality: Tropical rainforest = heat, humidity, sudden downpours, and bugs. Pack patience and positivity!

Tips: If you wish, $2–$10 for our local guides is appreciated but not required. We take good care of our people! Restaurant tipping norm is 10 %.

Safety: Violent crime is rare, but unattended valuables may walk away.

Health: No vaccines are mandated for entry to Panama.

Messaging: Install WhatsApp; it’s our group’s communication channel.

Money: Panama uses U.S. dollars. You may receive Panamanian–minted coins (Balboas) as change—spend them before departing.

Cash vs. cards: Keep cash for taxis, small shops, and optional family activities. Visa and Mastercard are common; AmEx and Discover are not.

Payment: Full tuition is due at registration; we cannot “hold” spots.

Refunds: Fees are non‑refundable unless a wait‑listed participant fills your place.

Cancellation by us: If we have to cancel the workshop for personal reasons or because the workshop does not meet the minimum number of participants, you’ll receive a 100 % tuition refund, but travel expenses are your responsibility—please purchase trip insurance. Please do not purchase airfare/lodging until we confirm that the workshop has enough participants.

Behavior standards: Safety violations, bullying, or other disruptive conduct are not tolerated. One warning will be issued (parent and student meeting). A second offense results in dismissal with no refund.