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| Isla Espiritu Santo - Eastern Beach |
January, 2013
Isla Espiritu Santo
Las Perlas Islands
Panama
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| Fishermen load water in the lagoon of Isla Canas |
ISLA CANAS– The three anchorages on the south end of Isla Cañas, although they offer the promise of lovely beaches, are open to the SE swells and not advisable during the rainy season. We took a peek (see our route) and decided for the channel between Isla Cañas and Isla del Rey. Better to enter the channel by the north where 2 anchorages can be found. The first one is at the entrance of the channel, more suitable for deep-drafted yachts.
The second one is just north of 08*23N, at the entrance of a lovely and quiet lagoon. Once more, the entrance is treacherous, strewn with rocks, and only attempted with good visibility. But once in the lagoon, it’s the perfect anchorage: flat, protected on all sides, good fishing in the channel and around the north tip of the island. There is even a fresh water spring (in the rainy season) where local fishermen congregate to load water, refresh and do their laundry. If it were not for the “chitres” (annoying little bugs), we would have stayed there longer.
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| Isla Espiritu Santo's west beach: singing sands - At spring low tide, the sand bank extends far into the channel. Don't get caught and allow plenty of room |
ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO- The locals referred to the anchorage as “The American” anchorage. It is, indeed, one of the prettiest spots in the islands (second, perhaps, to Isla San Jose), one of the most protected in all weather conditions, with good holding, good fishing and splendid beaches.
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| Isla Espiritu Santo: east beach |
The sand spit NE of Isla Mamey (approx. 08*25.75) is a great spot to dry out and get into some bottom cleaning.
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| Isla Espiritu Santo: north of the channel - Good snorkeling |
If the channel west of Espiritu Santo gets overly crowded and for those who prefer solitude, the anchorage at Punta Matadero is an alternative: easy in, easy out.
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| The emerald waters at Isla San Pedro, north of Espiritu Santo |
We love hanging out at Espiritu Santo. So much to do! Walk the singing sands on the western beach; take the 20-yard path to the eastern beach, all the while carrying a machete since large snakes (boas, anacondas) have been spotted in the island; swim the shell-shaped eastern beach;
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| Espiritu Santo - Western beach |
kayak around the island and discover the hidden treasures of the eastern islets, the “Hole in the Wall,” heavy fronds dipping into the emerald water, shelter to majestic great egrets, haughty blue herons and skittish kingfishers; diving the north coast for pearl oysters; hunting the reef at isla San Pedro while staying clear of the resident black-tip sharks; trolling for “pargo” around Bajo Bartolome; or just catching triggerfish on a line without leaving the comfort of the boat, we could spend weeks at Espiritu Santo.
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| Trolling on a kayak, JP brought back a nice snapper |
Our Paraguayan friends, Daniel and Malou joined us for New Year’s in this marvelous spot and we were only too glad to share this special island with them. If only they could have stayed longer…
Until next stop…
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| DOMINO at Espiritu Santo |
dominomarie
Until next stop…
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| Local yachts and their sportfishing tenders anchor at Espiritu Santo |
dominomarie
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| Lobula ray soaring off the water |