Photograph the Biodiversity of Panama's Caribbean Coast
Leader: Jason P. Odell, Ph.D
Discover the biodiversity of Central America as we photograph the wildlife of western Panama at a unique island eco-lodge. You'll photograph rainforest birds, mammals, insects and more. Observe and photograph colorful birds from a 65' high observation tower, tour the rainforest with experienced naturalist guides, and enjoy home-cooked meals at our luxury air-conditioned eco lodge retreat.
Our Base Camp: Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge
Wildlife photography on a private island reserve
Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge is strategically located in the epicenter of national parks and protected reserves. The well-appointed lodge and its amenities, reside on 200-forested acres covering three distinct ecosystems, adjacent to Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, within the La Amistad UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The main lodge’s veranda and canopy observation tower provide elevated decks for a birds-eye view of the extraordinary wildlife found here. Here you will encounter sloths, White-faced Capuchin and Panamanian Night Monkeys, Nine-banded Armadillo, Spectacled Caiman, Central American Woolly Opossum, Grey Four-eyed Opossum, Northern Tamandua, Greater White-lined Bats, kettles of migrating raptors, Three-wattled Bellbird, Golden-collard Manakin (several leks), and hummingbird bathing pools.
All cabins are air-conditioned and have their own water purification system.
When: October 12-19, 2025 from Panama City, Panamá VALID PASSPORT REQUIRED
Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced
You are expected to have a working knowledge of exposure and how to set up your camera's exposure and autofocus settings.
Physical Activity Level: Mild to Moderate
You must be able to carry your camera gear on open-deck boats, up stairs, and on paved pathways. Walking distances are extremely short.
Maximum Group Size: 8 (Min: 4 photographers)
Non-photographer companions are welcome on this safari!
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive in Panama City, where you will be transferred to our group hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you are free to explore Panama City on your own, or take a short ride to the Panama Canal Locks or the Metropolitan Nature Park. We will meet for a brief orientation and welcome session.
Day 1: Monkey Island excursion on Gatún Lake, which is part of the Panama Canal system. Get up close to monkeys and sloths in a safe environment! Travel by boat on huge Gatun Lake, where we'll look out for crocodiles, toucans, turtles, and basilisk lizards.
Day 2: Air transfer to Bocas Del Toro, Panama. We will be met by our guides and taken by boat to Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge. After we check into our air-conditioned cabanas, we'll take nature walks into the rainforest to photograph birds and other wildlife on-site. We'll keep an eye out for sloths, hummingbirds, and even caiman!
Days 3-5: Wildlife photography sessions on-site at Tranquilo Bay. Private guides will asisst us to find all the wildlife hotspots on-site, including sloths, parrots, hummingbirds, basilisk lizards, and poison dart frogs.
Boat Excursion to SAN SAN POND SAK WETLANDS (Date TBD)
We'll have an early start and travel by boat to the Changuinola canal. We'll board a stable pontoon boat with upper and lower decks where we will seek out toucans, kingfishers, tanagers, herons, and other shorebirds. We'll also spot iguanas, the magnificent emerald basilis lizard, and we'll make a stop where we'll find the unique strawberry poison dart frog! Keep your eye out for sloths, as they are commonly seen in this area. After a picnic lunch, we'll continue to Bird Island, where we'll see tropicbirds and brown-footed boobies as they fly around their island nesting sites.
Day 6: Return to Panama City by air and transfer to our group hotel near Tocumen International Airport
Day 8: Transfer to the airport and return home
What's Included
- Hotel accommodations with breakfast in Panama City
- Monkey Island Boat Tour from Panama City
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Air transportation to Bocas del Toro
- 4 nights at the Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge Includes:
- Lodging in single occupancy cabanas, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, all taxes, WIFI, entrance fees to national parks, meals, snacks and beverages during outings.
- Guided photography tour by boat to San San Sak Ponds Wetlands
- Bilingual naturalist guides
Not Included
- Travel to and from Panama City from your home city
- Tips, departure tax, alcoholic beverages, meals in Panama City.
Safari Fee
- $4899 per person (double-occupancy in a shared cabana) $500 per-person deposit due by May 31, 2025
- Non-photographer companions are welcome, and receive a discounted fee.
- Solo supplement: $900
- Save $200 per person when you place a deposit by March 1, 2025
Deposits are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organizer.
Final payment is due 90 days before the tour date. Final payment is not refundable (I recommend trip insurance to protect your investment)
*Non-photographer companions will have access to use of all on-site facilities, and one session each day with available naturalist guides. Any additional activities or excursions can be purchased onsite.
Trip Insurance (Required)
All participants are required to have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies during the trip. You can also use travel insurance to protect your investment in this tour in the event that you are unable to attend (optional). Contact me for a no-obligation travel policy quote.
