We arrived in David, Panama and went to the store to get supplies for the trip. We weren’t going to be on Boca Chica Island long, but we were all excited to shed our normal schedules and spend some time together. The captain met us at the port and helped us load our goods and luggage into the boat. The kids were excited to get out to the island. The novelty of speeding through mangroves out into the Bay is something that never gets old.
They were already planning their adventures. It seemed that fishing was the first on the list followed by swimming, finding Dart Frogs, then getting coconuts.
Once we arrived, the caretaker unloaded and took our supplies up to the house.
We decided to skip fishing for now and go down to Playa Mystica, the beach area on the island and go swimming. There were a bunch of crabs on the beach and the water was really clear that day. In between making sand castles, jumping in the water to cool off, my wife went on her maiden voyage on the paddleboard.
She paddled out into the bay as she built up her confidence keeping balanced on the board. She loved it and was excited to try it again soon.
The sun was setting so we signaled the captain and packed ourselves into the Panga for the quick trip home. We all went to bed early, tired from the day’s activities.
The first morning, after being rudely awakened by the sounds of Howler Monkeys outside our windows we made some coffee. Enjoying the moment, we just sat around all morning slowly sipping the strong Panamanian brew enjoying the view.
Islands have such special qualities. On one hand they are hard to reach. But on the other, that is what makes being out there so protected and secure.
Being on the island you feel like you have permission to relax and enjoy it. There is no rush to do anything. You can just let the day unfold.
The kids really love not having every moment scheduled. They explore the island and run around the decks of the cabana.
There Is No Need to Rush, Ever
Someone discovered a praying mantis on the door and we all gathered around to see it. Having the time to share this experience with the family was really satisfying.
It was time to do a little foraging, so we grabbed some bags and headed out behind the house for mangos and avocados. There are several fruit trees that drop way more fruit than you can possibly eat. There is something special about gathering our own food right from the source. With bags overflowing we were stocked for making as much guacamole as we could possibly handle.
The sun would be gone soon so we we went fishing off the dock, and jumped in the water to cool off. Unfortunately we didn’t catch anything, but a group of dolphins swam by and that was really cool.
The next morning we were torn between a repeat of yesterday morning or a little more adventure.
The kids won out with adventure, so we headed out to the Marine Park about 20 minutes away. It’s a park with several uninhabited islands that you can go out to and lounge around on the amazing white sand beaches. Exploring them and finding your favorite places is a process that is enjoyable to undertake.
One of the most fun day trips from Boca Chica Island for sure. Lounging in the sun amidst the coconut palms or going snorkeling at one of the coral reefs is a classic tropical experience. After spending the day in the water and enjoying the sun, we headed home exhausted.
My son wanted to do an evening paddle before dark, so he and I jumped onto my paddle-board and went for the short paddle around Castillo Rock, a little tiny island/reef just across from Boca Chica Island.
We explored it a little bit, climbing up some rocks and looking for any signs of wildlife. I saw my wife waving and knew it was time to go home and eat dinner.
It was a short trip. The next morning we had to head back to Costa Rica where we live since school was starting again. No one really spoke much on the boat ride back, it seemed everyone was relaxed and happy as we watched birds diving into the water in search of food.
In a busy world, true luxury is to let go of all our commitments and enjoy being together and sharing an adventure. My wife and I discussed how extravagant it felt to just sit around all morning drinking coffee watching the sun rise higher in the sky without a care in the world.
Island life is great in that you really are away from it all which makes it easier to let go and recharge. The kids were happy as always, and they keep asking when we are going to go back.
I tell them not soon enough.
Sharing an adventure can be one of the most memorable events in our lives. From hiking a new trail to summiting a mountain, if it’s a new experience and with someone else that is all it takes to create a lasting memory.
I’m reminded of an adventure I shared with my good friend a few years ago.
The adventure brought us feelings of danger, elation, satisfaction, and gratefulness. These are feelings we want available to everyone who spends time in an Adventure Colony.
