"San San Pond Sak is one of the few places in Panama where West Indian manatees can still be observed. Protecting these shy creatures requires keeping our boat engines off, staying quiet, and listening closely to the water."
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a shy, gentle giant that holds a deep place in our Afro-Caribbean heritage. Here in the Bocas archipelago, specifically in the San San Pond Sak wetlands, my family has lived alongside these creatures for generations. My grandfather was the one who first took me into the lagoons to see them, teaching me how to navigate the lagoons without disturbing the water.
The Lessons of the Lagoon
Years ago, life in the archipelago was different. While some people occasionally hunted manatees for food, it was never in large numbers. My grandfather always told me, "Papito, these are gentle animals. They don't have a mean bone in their body. We must not kill them; we must look out for them." He taught me to respect their peace, a lesson that became the foundation of everything I do today.
"The manatee doesn't ask for much, just a quiet space to feed and clean water to live. If we can give them that, they will always call Bocas home." - Capitán Papito
The Invisible Threat
The biggest challenge for our manatees didn't come from hunting, but from the changes on the land. When the big banana plantations, like Chiquita, started expanding in the region, the chemicals and pesticides used on the fruit began to wash down into our rivers and lagoons. This runoff poisoned the sea grasses that the manatees rely on. Protecting them today means more than just stopping hunters; it means fighting for the health of our entire water system.
A Legacy of Protection
Today, when I take guests to search for manatees in San San Pond Sak, I feel my grandfather's presence. Unlike most manatee tours that take you by bus or taxi to Changuinola & then by boat to the government feeding platform, we conduct our entire excursion by boat. We do not visit the platform or feed the animals, which allows you to observe them in their 100% natural, wild habitat. Because we travel fully by boat, we avoid long road transfers and can easily combine the trip with a stop at Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) on the same day.
Witness the gentle giants?
Join me for a quiet, respectful morning at San San Pond Sak. Discover the sanctuary that my grandfather taught me to love and protect.
Common Questions
What are the biggest threats to manatees?
While they were occasionally hunted in the past, the greatest modern threat is the chemical and pesticide runoff from mainland banana plantations that poisons the sea grasses they eat.
Is it better to go early in the morning?
Yes. Manatees are most active and visible at dawn when the water is calm and the human activity in the archipelago is still low. It’s an intimate encounter that is well worth the early start.
About Papito
Local Guide & Wildlife Expert. Born and raised in Dolphin Bay, Papito is an Afro-Caribbean conservationist dedicated to sharing the authentic soul of Bocas del Toro.