Traveling by boat and bus, the trip included visits to the mountain town of Boquete and the provincial capital, David. The first stop was Paradise Gardens, an animal sanctuary and refuge in the cool highlands of Boquete, a thriving hub of coffee production and nationally famous for its coffee and flower fair. Here, we enjoyed interactive tours of monkeys, exotic birds, endangered mammals, and an enclosed butterfly park. Most all the animals at Paradise Gardens have been rescued and are awaiting release back into the jungle.

After a picnic lunch in Boquete’s main plaza, it was down to the warmer climes of David, Panama’s thriving western hub of agriculture, business, and tourism. The group visited Culturama, a historical and cultural society located in one of the oldest buildings in Chiriqui. We learned about local history and were treated to entertaining stories by one of the area’s best storytellers.

What is a field trip without a little down time, so we headed over to the theater and caught the new Disney holiday movie Enchanted followed by a stop at MacDonald’s. After dinner we went to see David’s new million-dollar plaza, probably the nicest plaza in Panama, if not Central America. The fountains and manicured gardens are beautifully lit at night. Just by luck, a local philanthropic organization was presenting a Christmas performance of dance, music, and holiday dramas in the park’s amphitheater. It was a lovely tropical evening and we enjoyed the festivities besides being tired from a day of busy events. Finally, we made it to a comfortable night’s sleep at Hotel Toledo.

Day two began with a fun breakfast at a popular downtown cafeteria where we were treated to a private reception room. From the restaurant we walked to the Sevillana Bakery where we enjoyed a full tour of the bakery’s back kitchens. In Panama, as in much of Latin America, the bakery still plays a major role in people’s daily lives. At Sevillan, fresh bread slides out of the ovens nearly all day.

A short walk from the bakery we stopped at city’s main fire station. Here we had a full tour of the facilities and then were treated to a simulated emergency call. We watched the firemen slide down the poles, put their suits on, and then leave the firehouse. Out in the driveway they stopped and started the hoses. The children loved the excitement and show. After some fun pictures with the firehouse staff, we were on our way to our final destination.

David’s International Airport is the second largest in Panama and Aeroperlas, the regional carrier, had invited us to board one of their planes as it was being prepared for a flight. Probably not something we could have done in many countries, we all boarded the plane, visited the cockpit, and then relaxed in the cabin seats while the flight attendants answered questions from the children. After our brief “flight” on the ground, the staff took us safely to the gate. Wow, what a thrill for the children.

With just a few hours left before we needed to begin our journey back to camp, we spent a few hours looking around the busy commercial district of David, bustling with holiday activity. In Latin America, so much of the activity begins out in front of the stores so just walking around the streets is fascinating.

It is hard to imagine how our trip could have been more fun, rewarding, or educational. Sure we arrived back at the island tired, but the children were still buzzing with excitement from the events and what they had experienced. If you could have seen the smiles and eyes during the two days, you would all know how rewarding it is to share with those that are less fortunate. During the holiday time, it was especially rewarding for us to share a magical treat with the children from our island. We would like to thank all of you who have helped with the Morro Negrito Foundation. Your caring made this wonderful trip possible. Thank you.

Prices for Morro Negrito Surf Camp will increase in 2008. The old price has been $600 per week and the new price will be $650.

The reason for the new price is because of the increase in fuel costs and other commodities that have steadily increased over the past two years. The camp has also been in a steady state of improvement during this time period. Improvements have been in the area of another honeymoon suit, new wood decking, new tiled floors, new boat, new motors, new rental surfboards, improved port facilities.

However, if you would like to lock in the old rate from 2007, then you will need to make a reservation and pay the deposit by December 31st, 2007. Contact me by clicking this logo:
and I will be happy to reserve a week for next year for you at the 2007 price.Good Surfing,

www.surferparadise.com

 

Morro Negrito now has a fully equipped deep sea fishing boat that can take fishermen to the world class fishing spots located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama. The 25 ft deep V hull boat can smoothly cut through big swells and is equipped with new twin 115 hp 4 stroke motors, live bait well, GPS fish finder and an onboard stereo system.

The Gulf of Chiriqui is located south of David and covers an area of 14,740 hectares plus a great number of Islands and Islets. Among them you can find Isla Coiba, Isla Cebaco, Isla Montuosa, Boca Brava, Jicaron and Isla Secas with some of the best big game sport fishing, surfing and sport-diving in Central America. Hannibal Bank and Coiba Island are both well known sport-diving and salt water sport fishing destinations Panama Central America. Hannibal Bank is famous for its Sailfish, Tuna, Blue Marlin and Black Marlin among others. The bottom of the ocean or undersea topography in this area switches from over 3,000ft deep to 124ft in less than 2 1/2 miles. This creates currents that are convenient when going on an offshore fishing salt water fishing trip. This is the home for large Yellow Fin Tuna and schools of Marlin. 
 Coiba Island is located in the Gulf of Montijo and is the largest island in the Mesoamerican Pacific with 270,125 hectares. It is located 30 miles off the coast and 200 miles from Panama City. Recent studies reveal that Coiba Island was inhabited as early as 500 years B.C. The Coiba Island is now a patrolled national park and protected from commercial fishing within its boundaries. The island was first ruled by Coiba Indians and later ruled by Vasco Nuñes de Balboa who at some point was defeated by pirates. In 1918 a penal colony was established and was closed in 1992. This island had a penal population that reached up to 3,000 prisoners. Besides from sport fishing, here you will find great opportunities for adventure travel or eco tourism. You will find a great variety of monkeys, iguanas, crocodile, snakes and over 133 different species of birds for those birdwatchers.
Cebaco Island is located between Santa Catalina and Mariato “West Coast of the Peninsula de Azuero”. This island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and scenery for sport-diving, snorkeling or guided fishing trips. The Cebaco Bay is located south of the island and it is excellent for big game fishing or angling, sport diving and surfing. It’s reefs are home of Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish, Dorado, Monster Yellowfin Tuna (100 + pounds) and a variety of billfish such as sail fish 
Montousa Island is 10 miles off Hannibal Bank and it is also a great sport-diving spot in clear waters of Panama’s Pacific Ocean. The bottom floor also rises dramatically from approximate depths of 10,000 ft making it great for deep sea fishing in Panama. 
Jicaron Island is located south of Isla Coiba and it’s located at only two miles from the dramatic ocean floor drop off. The island setting of underwater rocks and reefs are home of Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Amberjack, Roosterfish, Amberjacks, Trevally and Marlin.
 Secas Island has a great diving site on the southwest side of the island. The dive spot is inhabited by large rays that will cruise by you on most dives. Moreover, this island is a boutique resort we operate with which was designed for those who want private, pristine surroundings with excellent service. 
Contreras Island is part of the Coiba National Park which means is great for diving. However, no spear fishing or similarities are allowed. 
Ladrones Island is a group of small islands that conforms a great deep sea fishing and diving spot. 
Boca Brava Island is located 1hr away from David Chiriqui. It also has excellent deep sea fishing and diving available. 

Check our website: http://www.panamadeepseafishing.com/  

Panama Fish Chart

Fish Quarry      

             

: Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Amberjack, Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi or Dolphin Fish), Snappers, Wahoo, Roosterfish, Trevally, Snook, Mackerel, African Pompano, Jewfish, Jacks, Sharks and a great variety of fish.  

  

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In late December, the Morro Negrito Foundation led a trip from the island school to visit the national treasures of Panama City. With a theme of “Hacia el Futuro,” or “Towards the Future,” the trip was for many of the participants their first travel outside the province and their first visit to the capital of Panama City.

Over a period of two days, the group of students and parents, led by Morro Negrito Surfguide Jeff Healion, traveled to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the ruins of the first settlement of Panama, the Presidential Palace which included a surprise meeting with President Martin Torrijos, and the new continent-spanning Centenario Bridge. Along the way, the group enjoyed some out-of-the-ordinary treats of pizza, ice cream, and holiday shopping at the new Albrook Mall at the site of the former US Albrook Air Base.

The design of the trip was to bring the students in contact with the past, the present, and the future of their country through the ruins, the Canal, and the government buildings. The group enjoyed special presentations at each location. At the Canal, the group was treated to a private presentation of the Panama Canal movie and then witnessed two giant Panamax ships passing through the locks. Nothing could have been more surprising though than when Panama’s President pulled up just as the group was visiting his palace. With no one else around, he got out of his car to talk with the students. As he left for his office, he commanded his staff to give the group a special tour inside the palace.

Healion reported “the smiles, excitement and gratitude we saw during the trip were heartwarming reasons why we know the Foundation can do good work. “Hacia el Futuro” was a great success.”

The trip was the first of several projects the Morro Negrito Foundation will lead in an effort to bring social and environmental improvements to the island where the surf camp operates.

Local children have access to a very basic education at the small government school on the island where the surf camp is located. This education ends for the students at about age thirteen. If a student wishes to continue, the family must send the child to the high school on the mainland. For most families, the cost of transportation, food, housing, and school supplies is a great burden and many are unable to send their children, especially those with several children.

The educational assistance program will provide families with the funds necessary for supporting their children in higher education. Currently, there are five children studying off the island. In 2007, another two will be eligible to continue at high school if their families so decide. With the new program we hope that money will no longer be a factor whether families send their children.

The surf camp enjoys close contact with all the families that will be involved in the program and will be able to monitor the progress of the students. We have seen many of these children grow up and it is especially rewarding to know they will have new choices and opportunities for their futures. We know their ties to the island will always be strong but we also hope that by continuing their education their new paths will show them what a truly special place their home is. We know that because we are lucky to share the island with them.

-Jeff Healion

If you are interested in participating in this Education Fund for the children of the island, then please contact me for further information at educationfund@surferparadise.com

Click the photo below to view the album.

The surf camp has been using solar panels since 2000, but it was necessary to occasionally supplement the power with a gas powered generator on cloudy or rainy days. September 2006, a one thousand watt wind turbine was installed that has been doing an excellent job of supplementing the solar system with wind generated power. Previously, the solar batteries would automatically disconnect themselves due to low voltage at about midnight. Now, there has been 24 hours of electricity at the camp since the system was installed two weeks ago.

The solar/wind generator systems perfectly compliment each other because quite often when the sun isn’t shining, the wind is blowing in the late afternoons, evening and night hours.

“We are very happy to be able to generate enough power through these alternative energy sources to take care of all our electrical needs”, states Steve Thompson, part owner of the surf camp. “Hopefully, we can help inspire the camp visitors that come to surf camp to perhaps consider installing their own clean energy systems, wherever they may come from. Since we are on an island, there is no “grid” system that we are able to tap into. Continuously burning gas or diesel didn’t seem like such a good idea to us. We decided instead to invest in these systems to help keep the tropical paradise of Panama clean and pure as it might possible be.”

There are also a large number of independently powered solar lights around the camp, reducing the drain on the battery bank that stores the electricity.

Future plans that are on the drawing board entail a possible hydro-electric system. “There are a number of artesian springs pumping a large amount of water out of the ground, so much that it has created several water falls on the island,” explains Steve. “With all that untapped energy coming out of the ground, I am sure we will be able to harness it for the energy needs of both the surf camp and perhaps even the local islanders.”