If you’re planning a sailing vacation from Colombia to Panama, you’re probably expecting to see lots of clear blue water, stunning sunsets, and palm trees. While these tropical sights are sure to be part of your sailing adventure, you should also be on the lookout for the unique animals that are native to this region. Both countries are home to a vast array of exotic creatures, from colorful parrots to enormous whales.
Sloths: Lazy and lovable, sloths are among the most famous animals in the rainforests of Colombia and Panama. Because they’re slow and well camouflaged, sloths can be notoriously tough to spot in their native habitat. If you’re an animal lover, it can be worth detouring to a wildlife sanctuary to see these peaceful creatures close up.
Humpback Whales: Colombia’s Pacific Coast is one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching. During the summer, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the region to give birth in its warm waters. The whales remain for several months, offering ample opportunity to see these majestic creatures.
Tropical Birds: Both Colombia and Panama are top destinations for bird watchers; the San Blas Islands alone are home to 147 species of birds. You can expect to see colorful species including toucans, macaws, tanagers, hummingbirds, and even the harpy eagle.
Howler Monkeys: 36 species of mammals call the San Blas Islands home, but none of them are louder than the Coiba howler monkey! These large monkeys are native to rainforests across Central and South America, where they live in groups of up to 15 animals. If you’re near a howler monkey, you’ll certainly know it—their trademark calls can travel up to three miles.
Jaguars: These big cats are solitary and largely nocturnal hunters, making them a relatively rare sight for travelers. However, the jaguar population is surprisingly robust in Colombia. For a chance to see these elusive felines, consider joining a late-night drive with an experienced guide.
If you’re planning a sailing vacation from Colombia to Panama, you’re probably expecting to see lots of clear blue water, stunning sunsets, and palm trees. While these tropical sights are sure to be part of your sailing adventure, you should also be on the lookout for the unique animals that are native to this region. Both countries are home to a vast array of exotic creatures, from colorful parrots to enormous whales.
Sloths: Lazy and lovable, sloths are among the most famous animals in the rainforests of Colombia and Panama. Because they’re slow and well camouflaged, sloths can be notoriously tough to spot in their native habitat. If you’re an animal lover, it can be worth detouring to a wildlife sanctuary to see these peaceful creatures close up.
Humpback Whales: Colombia’s Pacific Coast is one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching. During the summer, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the region to give birth in its warm waters. The whales remain for several months, offering ample opportunity to see these majestic creatures.
Tropical Birds: Both Colombia and Panama are top destinations for bird watchers; the San Blas Islands alone are home to 147 species of birds. You can expect to see colorful species including toucans, macaws, tanagers, hummingbirds, and even the harpy eagle.
Howler Monkeys: 36 species of mammals call the San Blas Islands home, but none of them are louder than the Coiba howler monkey! These large monkeys are native to rainforests across Central and South America, where they live in groups of up to 15 animals. If you’re near a howler monkey, you’ll certainly know it—their trademark calls can travel up to three miles.
Jaguars: These big cats are solitary and largely nocturnal hunters, making them a relatively rare sight for travelers. However, the jaguar population is surprisingly robust in Colombia. For a chance to see these elusive felines, consider joining a late-night drive with an experienced guide.
