| The Caves of Batimentos |
| This is something entirely different from anything else you can do in Bocas. If you are adventurous, gutsy and sure footed, this is a Tour you should not miss. We heared comments like "the most unforgetable part of my vacation", "seen many caves before, but nothing like this", etc. Located inside the National Park of Bastimentos is the "Cave". |
Getting there is fun already. Going up a small creek,
navigating around half submerged fallen trees, and pointing
out animals along the way. There is a paddle for everyone
and you get a little exercise navigating the narrow water way.
The creek is lined with mangrove trees filled with sloths that
feed on the leafs. If you are quiet and lucky you might see a
crock as well. See photos below.
navigating around half submerged fallen trees, and pointing
out animals along the way. There is a paddle for everyone
and you get a little exercise navigating the narrow water way.
The creek is lined with mangrove trees filled with sloths that
feed on the leafs. If you are quiet and lucky you might see a
crock as well. See photos below.
| Last minute instructions before entering the cave. Use caution walking through the water and feel the bottom before you put your foot down hard. There is a very slow walk ahead. |
The ceiling of the entrance of the cave is lined with
several different species of bats. The floor
subsequently is lined with bat droppings. A
slippery situation. We did not spend too much
time directly underneath the bats as they keep
producing "droppings". Great creatures and not
dangerous.
several different species of bats. The floor
subsequently is lined with bat droppings. A
slippery situation. We did not spend too much
time directly underneath the bats as they keep
producing "droppings". Great creatures and not
dangerous.
Below are some examples of the incredible rock formations inside the caves. You don't
get to see all of this labyrinth as the caves have never been fully explored or suveyed.
Just recently it was visited by geologists and biologists who believe that it could possibly
be the largest known array of caves in central america. Click on the thumb nails to get a
taste.
get to see all of this labyrinth as the caves have never been fully explored or suveyed.
Just recently it was visited by geologists and biologists who believe that it could possibly
be the largest known array of caves in central america. Click on the thumb nails to get a
taste.
Walking through the water.
The water temperature is
moderate and is a welcome
refreshing change to the
humidity inside cave. In some
parts the water comes up to
your neck (It helps if you have
a nice back walking in front of
you). At the end of the cave,
not really the end but the end
of the accessble part, is a deep
pool. Fresh water is constantly
entering on one side and
exiting on the other side of the
pool. There we took a full
swim and cooled off nicely.
The water temperature is
moderate and is a welcome
refreshing change to the
humidity inside cave. In some
parts the water comes up to
your neck (It helps if you have
a nice back walking in front of
you). At the end of the cave,
not really the end but the end
of the accessble part, is a deep
pool. Fresh water is constantly
entering on one side and
exiting on the other side of the
pool. There we took a full
swim and cooled off nicely.
| Afterr exiting the cave you return to the cayuco and slowly paddle back down the creek. You can enjoy a cold drink at the "Jungle Bar", We left Bocas at 10:00 am in the morning and were back at 04:00 pm. |
Who should not consider this trip:
If you have a heart condition (obvious). If you are afraid of small spaces. If you are
afraid of the dark. If you are in less than "average" physical condition. If you are not
well on your feet. If you are afraid of getting wet. There are no extreme physical demands
to this trip, but it is not like watching football from your couch or going snorkeling.
If you have a heart condition (obvious). If you are afraid of small spaces. If you are
afraid of the dark. If you are in less than "average" physical condition. If you are not
well on your feet. If you are afraid of getting wet. There are no extreme physical demands
to this trip, but it is not like watching football from your couch or going snorkeling.
Who should want to do this trip:
If your health is of average condition. If you are well on your feet and don't mind walking
through water inside a cave. If you have a sense of adventure and want to do other things
beside snorkeling. If you think there is nothing to do on a cloudy day, this is a perfect
time to do this trip. If you like to have a tour guide who has a great personality and has
been playing around these parts since he was a child. Oscar the guide probably knows the
island of Bastimentos better than most people around.
If your health is of average condition. If you are well on your feet and don't mind walking
through water inside a cave. If you have a sense of adventure and want to do other things
beside snorkeling. If you think there is nothing to do on a cloudy day, this is a perfect
time to do this trip. If you like to have a tour guide who has a great personality and has
been playing around these parts since he was a child. Oscar the guide probably knows the
island of Bastimentos better than most people around.
| I am stating throughout our web site that comments are oppinions only. I have made this trip last week and it is a fact that I enjoyed the hell out of it. A definate A+ recommendation. |
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge pictures