Isla Tobago is just a short ferry ride (offered twice a day) from La Playita de Amador , Panama City. I made my way to the island on a Wednesday and I shared the boat ride with only five other travelers and a few more Panamanians.

Upon leaving the boat, I forgot my snorkeling gear and was surprised a day later when it was found and returned to me on the island after a good effort by a crew member from the boat.

This small island has a lot of history and it is immediately evident upon arrival. A dilapidated hotel stands just off the dock and less than 100 meters from there is the second oldest church in the western hemisphere. I intended to visit the church, but never did.

Almost immediately after arriving at the island, I made my way to my hotel to check in and drop off my pack. It was a short hike and the beauty of the island made me ever more anxious to get settled in. My room was much more than satisfactory and I even had a balcony with a fantastic view. Slowing down to enjoy my surroundings, I procured a cervaza downstairs and returned to enjoy it on the balcony. It was at about this time, that I discovered that I had left my snorkeling gear aboard the boat. However, my disappointment was short-lived, being wiped away by the appealing surroundings and the fact that I had seen a place that I could rent snorkeling gear on my way the hotel.

I enjoyed the rest of my afternoon relaxing on my balcony and planning my activities on the island. I watched a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean and afterward made my way downstairs for dinner. I dined on delicious ceviche, frijoles, and plantains and washed it down with a couple of Panama cervezas .

After dinner, I leisurely walked through the small village and found a small stand offering melons and mangos that I could not resist. Here, I was treated to a seco. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but after the second or third seco, I was pretty sure I did. The company was good, as well as the seco, but it was late. I said goodbyes to my new friends and found my way back to my hotel and room and needless to say, I slept well that night. After a very good sleep, I awoke hungry and anxious to hit the beach.

I had a breakfast of sweet hojaldras and strong coffee. As I was about to leave my table on the patio, I recognized a crew member (Roberto) from the boat and saw that the was carrying my bright red bag containing my snorkeling gear, Elated, I greeted him warmly and insisted that he join me. I had another serving of hojaldras and he ordered gallo pinto , which came served in a large bowl. As we ate he asked if I was interested in snorkeling around the island off of his brother's small boat. I could not believe my luck and after agreeing to a very reasonable price, checking in with the hotel front desk, we were off to the pier.

At the pier, Roberto introduced me to his brother, Vic and a French couple, Evette and Phillip on holiday who were also going snorkeling. Unfortunately, I don't speak French and they did not speak English, so our communication was slight to none. However, they were all smiles, and it turned out that we had a good time together.

The boat was small, but sound, and Vic obviously knew what he was doing. He motored us to a spot on the west side of the island and set anchor. We found the water to be cool, clear, and full of marine life. We stayed on the one spot for good while and then Vic took us to one more area. Here, we snorkeled again and we spotted some underwater caves and many schools of fish. Afterwards, Vic returned us to the pier and I made my way back to the hotel for a shower and a short nap.

That evening I returned to the village for dinner and drinks. I made several new friends and found the native Panamanians to be excellent hosts. I tried some new foods and again drank seco. Vic found me late in the evening and insisted on introducing me to his wife and children. The adults among us had coffee and we talked well into the morning. Eventually, I said my goodbyes and trudged back to my hotel. I still remember smelling the blooming flowers on my trip back to my room, After arriving back at my room, I showered, wrote in my journal for a while, and then climbed into bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Later that same morning, I awoke to another beautiful day. I enjoyed another sweet breakfast, hiked around the island, and saw some remnants of WWII bunkers, a thousand birds, and an ancient Spanish cannon battery. In the early afternoon, I swung by the hotel and picked up my bags and expressed my thanks to the staff on hand. I then made my way down to the dock just in time to catch the boat back to Panama . On the return trip, Vic and Roberto kept telling me that I should move to their island. We shared a few stories and laughs and I shared with them that my short journey to Isla Tobago had been a real joy. Some day, I hope to return.