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Chartering in Panama

A weeklong charter on the Caribbean side of Panama ends and takes on a new life—on the Pacific side, at the entrance to the world-famous canal.
  • Updated: February 22, 2013

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We kayaked into a narrow creek at Isla Colon. Elaine Lembo

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Yours truly can’t resist another typing session, even when aboard. Juliana Linsdell

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Elizabeth reaches in for a sample of the bounty of Starfish Beach. Elaine Lembo

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Rick Martell takes a dip in the cool waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Elaine Lembo

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Starfish, and more starfish, are everywhere you turn! Elaine Lembo

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A feather duster sways in the calm waters of the Hanging Gardens. Elaine Lembo

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Starfish are everywhere, even at the Hanging Gardens. Elaine Lembo

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Elizabeth is caught in a starfish shower. Elaine Lembo

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Rick and Elaine relax in the hammocks. Juliana Linsdell

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How could I resist an onboard hammock? Juliana Linsdell

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Delicious meals like this one, skewered teriyaki chicken and coconut rice, were presented round the clock on this charter. Elaine Lembo

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Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn conducts tests on coral to assist in her research of white band disease, which has destroyed up to 95 percent of Elkhorn and Staghorn coral throughout the Caribbean. Elaine Lembo

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A carrier approaches the Bridge of the Americas; boats moored at the Balboa Yacht Club anchorage are in the foreground. Elaine Lembo

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Captain Paul shows the Linsdell girls the day’s itinerary, using charts of the Bocas del Toro area. Elaine Lembo

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Elizabeth makes friends with Freddie the Gecko. Elaine Lembo

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Trade Winds Explorer rests at anchor while its crew explores the Cerutti cacao plantation and chocolate factory. Elaine Lembo

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Dave Cerutti offers up fresh seeds from a cacao pod he’s just cracked open, he says, “like an egg.” He swears that this “is the best way to eat chocolate.” Elaine Lembo

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The Explorer crew and guests walk the Cerutti property. Elaine Lembo

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Cacao seeds dry in the hot Panama sun. Elaine Lembo

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The Spastic Sea Slugs perform a nighttime light show. Elaine Lembo

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CW editor Elaine Lembo kayaks to the mangroves on a hunt for the elusive three-toed sloth. Elaine Lembo

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Diehard sailors, the Linsdell family grab as much time outdoors and on the water as work and school schedules allow. Elaine Lembo

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A sailboat motors through commercial craft with the dramatic Panama City skyline in the background. Elaine Lembo

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Any sailor with her salt can’t miss a visit to the Balboa Yacht Club off the entrance to the Amador Causeway. Elaine Lembo

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Bill Nokes and Barbara Wade of the Gulfstar 41 Someday rent a mooring from the Balboa Yacht Club when they need to reprovision and do boat work. Elaine Lembo
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