Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado Island
4.5
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Barro Colorado Island et attractions proches : les meilleures façons d'en profiter
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Attractions
1 dans un rayon de 10 km
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4.5
47 avis
Excellent
34
Très bon
8
Moyen
2
Médiocre
2
Horrible
1
NewJerseyBen
New Jersey38 contributions
janv. 2024 • En famille
If you are in reasonable shape and you're willing to pay the (imo) sorta expensive fee ($125 per person) then the Barro Colorado official tour may be for you. Unless you're a scientist with special permission you can't just hike around, but rather you'll have to have an official Smithsonian guide. You must arrive early, before 7AM, in Gamboa where the STRI boat docks. There will be a line forming of BCI staff, about 30 people by the time the boat leaves. You will meet your guide on the boat. You hope that your guide will follow the unconventional protocol of a very brief orientation followed by starting the hike. The official tour would start you with a movie that no one in our group needed or wanted and which robs you of over an hour on the trail. Our guide (Irisol - she is excellent) got us started before 8:30 which gives you a much longer tour and which allows the early part of the tour to be in cooler air. She then did the presentation and movie after lunch (which is included, provided by the BCI cafeteria) which is a second benefit - you aren't sitting around for hours waiting for the boat to return to Gamboa. The hike is exertional and quite sweaty. There are multiple ascents but anyone that does occasional hiking and is in reasonable condition can do it. We saw a few birds, including parrots, several turkeys, woodpeckers, and a lot of trees whose names we were given. We saw no sloths, marmosets, coatis, capuchins, or even agoutis, but the howlers hung around above us for about 25 minutes and were a delight. We also saw scientists in the bush collecting insect specimens. Our hike was in January and we did follow the recommendations that they made for clothing, footwear and repellant but in the end there were very few bugs.
Écrit le 18 février 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
NYCtravellerxxx
New York7 contributions
janv. 2019 • En couple
Great all-day trip to view wildlife and Smithsonian research facility. Boat leaves exactly on time at 715am, so be sure to be on time. We went with a group of ten. Need to book in advance. Facility may be affected by govt shutdown if it extends through March.
Écrit le 21 janvier 2019
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Ken M
Oaxaca, Mexique57 contributions
sept. 2018 • En famille
Our trip was excellent. We saw 2 kinds of monkeys, a crocodile, toucans and many other animals on a day hike led by a kind knowledgeable and patient guide (Luisa)
A 20 minute boat ride, coffee and bananas, then the hike, which was followed by a really good hot lunch then a viewing of a Smithsonian documentary. The pace was great. We had our tour arranged by Ancon Expeditions and can’t say enough good about Rich Cahill , who helped our family and our 88-year old dad make this trip. (He didn’t complete the entire hike but a third of it)
A 20 minute boat ride, coffee and bananas, then the hike, which was followed by a really good hot lunch then a viewing of a Smithsonian documentary. The pace was great. We had our tour arranged by Ancon Expeditions and can’t say enough good about Rich Cahill , who helped our family and our 88-year old dad make this trip. (He didn’t complete the entire hike but a third of it)
Écrit le 29 septembre 2018
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
jaswindells
Londres, UK10 contributions
févr. 2018 • En couple
Other travellers had expressed rather negative views about their visits to the Research Station but we went anyway. Our guide took us on an interesting and informative walk in the forests and we spoke to a few researchers about their projectst. But after lunch we were not able to do anything and sat round for nearly 2 hours waiting for the boat back to Gamboa. None of the other activities promised were available and we were very disappointed that we couldn't watch the film giving an overview of the work o the STRI. This could easily have been organised with a bit of forward planning. Not even an apology! It was a disappointing and expensive experience.
Écrit le 22 février 2018
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Jomo_OpenMind
Seattle, Etat de Washington58 contributions
févr. 2018 • En solo
I visited for the second time, 1st time was in May 2011, this time around I was invited.
When i learned how much they charge to visit now: 100$ PER PERSON!!!
This is outrageous. Is it because they lack funding? Or they try to squeeze all they can from the ppl that are actually interested and concerned about the well being / threat to our ecosystems?
It’s a visit that should not cost more than 25$ per person.
Avoid and spend your money eslewhere. Or best, write an email and tweet the STRI to ask for a just pricing.
I used to recommend STRI barro colorado, now I feel that I have to warn ppl it’s really a waste of money.
When i learned how much they charge to visit now: 100$ PER PERSON!!!
This is outrageous. Is it because they lack funding? Or they try to squeeze all they can from the ppl that are actually interested and concerned about the well being / threat to our ecosystems?
It’s a visit that should not cost more than 25$ per person.
Avoid and spend your money eslewhere. Or best, write an email and tweet the STRI to ask for a just pricing.
I used to recommend STRI barro colorado, now I feel that I have to warn ppl it’s really a waste of money.
Écrit le 12 février 2018
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
maria k
Amsterdam, Pays-Bas61 contributions
nov. 2017 • En couple
The Smithsonian Institute charged for the boat trip from Gamboa dock to the Barro Colorado Island (about half an hour each way), a jungle trip with an experienced guide of less than 2 hours (relatively easy tracks and during a very limited time reducing the chances to see any animals) and coffee/tea/water, a banana and a simple lunch 100$ per person. The rest of the time on the Island (about 7,5 hours we were kept busy with films, seeing the labs and buildings of historic value. Really bad spending of time.
This is outrageous for what this trip offers. We hardly saw any animals (one type of monkeys, some frogs and a very limited number of birds), which of course can not be "ordered" but we saw the day thereafter on the Pipeline road (for free) multiple mammals, birds and other species.
This is outrageous for what this trip offers. We hardly saw any animals (one type of monkeys, some frogs and a very limited number of birds), which of course can not be "ordered" but we saw the day thereafter on the Pipeline road (for free) multiple mammals, birds and other species.
Écrit le 22 novembre 2017
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Susan K
Palm Harbor, Floride4 contributions
juin 2017 • En couple
Without the help of Jenniffer at The Smithsonian at Barro Colorado we never would have made this trip. Our guide, Olga, was a world-class naturalist and educated us on the importance of biodiversity and how it relates to the world. The boat ride was a big highlight and the lunch served was outstanding. Meeting students from all over the world was a big bonus.
If traveling from Panama City to Gamboa boat launch, we highly recommend contracting with an Uber driver ahead of time. Cost will vary between $60-$80 R/T.
Sue & Jerry
If traveling from Panama City to Gamboa boat launch, we highly recommend contracting with an Uber driver ahead of time. Cost will vary between $60-$80 R/T.
Sue & Jerry
Écrit le 4 juillet 2017
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
intlwanderlust
Europe843 contributions
mars 2017 • En couple
The trip starts and ends with a nice boat ride, which we enjoyed. Our guide studies ants at the Smithsonian and was quite interesting to listen to. Our group had about 10 people in it and I was impressed with them all, especially the older ones, as the island is very hilly and steep. We climbed a lot of stairs and did about 5 miles of walking and no one complained.
You get to eat with the scientists at lunch in the canteen, which was also interesting.
Would have been nice to see a bit more of the island but I understand the limitations.
You get to eat with the scientists at lunch in the canteen, which was also interesting.
Would have been nice to see a bit more of the island but I understand the limitations.
Écrit le 5 mai 2017
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Teresa R
New York, État de New York224 contributions
mars 2017 • Entre amis
Visiting the Smithsonian center on Barro Colorado was a great day trip from Panama City.
The $80 included ferry transportation to and from the island, a very knowledgeable, English-speaking guide for the day, and lunch at the Smithsonian cafeteria, which was actually really delicious (and they made us extra food when we told them we were vegetarians). There's also plenty of water to fill up your bottles, and coffee and bananas in the morning. (It's also great to be supporting the research going on here.)
The hike through the forest yields a wonderful amount of animal, insect, and bird sightings, and the guide finds so many things that an untrained eye would miss. It's hot, of course, but the canopy provides cooling shade from the sun, and there's actually a refreshing breeze when you get to the higher elevations. The hike proceeds at a pretty leisurely pace, although it's a bit steep at times, but I'd say anyone in reasonably good shape (and comfortable hiking shoes) will have no problem. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray.
Unfortunately you have to book ahead, but if possible I'd recommend going on an unpopular day: Although we went on a Tuesday, our group was still 10, which was really too many for the trail, since those at the back of the group couldn't hear the guide well and missed some fast-moving animals. Also, this family that was on our tour really shouldn't have been there: The one kid kept pushing in front of everyone to get pictures on the animals--don't get me wrong, I'm glad she was interested in science, but it could be a little frustrating--and the other kid was really out of shape and couldn't keep up. Because he was tired the whole group had to turn back early, and didn't get to do a second trail in the morning, which was super annoying--instead we had to sit around the visitor center for ages until lunch. The family was also wearing super bright neon pink, blue, and orange shirts, which scares away animals (we saw so many more birds when they sat out the afternoon hike).
Obviously it's not the Smithsonian's fault that they were on the tour, but they really should enforce the dress code and emphasize that people have to be in reasonable shape (and have a contingency plan if someone can't make it, rather than making the whole group suffer).
Moreover, the Smithsonian has to go by the boat schedule, which I understand, but that means there's also a little too much downtime. They had us watch this show (which I actually saw at home before on the Smithsonian channel) for 45 minutes--while it was great to be sitting in the AC in the heat of the day, it seemed like wasted time, as was the fact that we got to the dock nearly a half hour early, and just sat on the boat for 20 minutes waiting for it to leave.
All in all I would definitely recommend it, as we saw a lot of animals and learned a lot. I just wish the time was better managed and we hadn't been held back by people who shouldn't have been there.
The $80 included ferry transportation to and from the island, a very knowledgeable, English-speaking guide for the day, and lunch at the Smithsonian cafeteria, which was actually really delicious (and they made us extra food when we told them we were vegetarians). There's also plenty of water to fill up your bottles, and coffee and bananas in the morning. (It's also great to be supporting the research going on here.)
The hike through the forest yields a wonderful amount of animal, insect, and bird sightings, and the guide finds so many things that an untrained eye would miss. It's hot, of course, but the canopy provides cooling shade from the sun, and there's actually a refreshing breeze when you get to the higher elevations. The hike proceeds at a pretty leisurely pace, although it's a bit steep at times, but I'd say anyone in reasonably good shape (and comfortable hiking shoes) will have no problem. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray.
Unfortunately you have to book ahead, but if possible I'd recommend going on an unpopular day: Although we went on a Tuesday, our group was still 10, which was really too many for the trail, since those at the back of the group couldn't hear the guide well and missed some fast-moving animals. Also, this family that was on our tour really shouldn't have been there: The one kid kept pushing in front of everyone to get pictures on the animals--don't get me wrong, I'm glad she was interested in science, but it could be a little frustrating--and the other kid was really out of shape and couldn't keep up. Because he was tired the whole group had to turn back early, and didn't get to do a second trail in the morning, which was super annoying--instead we had to sit around the visitor center for ages until lunch. The family was also wearing super bright neon pink, blue, and orange shirts, which scares away animals (we saw so many more birds when they sat out the afternoon hike).
Obviously it's not the Smithsonian's fault that they were on the tour, but they really should enforce the dress code and emphasize that people have to be in reasonable shape (and have a contingency plan if someone can't make it, rather than making the whole group suffer).
Moreover, the Smithsonian has to go by the boat schedule, which I understand, but that means there's also a little too much downtime. They had us watch this show (which I actually saw at home before on the Smithsonian channel) for 45 minutes--while it was great to be sitting in the AC in the heat of the day, it seemed like wasted time, as was the fact that we got to the dock nearly a half hour early, and just sat on the boat for 20 minutes waiting for it to leave.
All in all I would definitely recommend it, as we saw a lot of animals and learned a lot. I just wish the time was better managed and we hadn't been held back by people who shouldn't have been there.
Écrit le 31 mars 2017
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Alison M
Maryland659 contributions
oct. 2016 • En couple
We were greeted by toucans and soon after that we saw a variety of mammals, fish, insects, plants and many more birds (and bats)! This island has a very interesting history and plays an enormously important role in preserving and understanding biodiversity. Ian was our well-informed guide (a geologist) and was able to answer all of our questions - or knew someone who could. Follow this up with a visit to the BIodiversity museum in Panama and you will be so glad you did! Biology is fun and so interesting and at Barro Colorado it is AMAZING!
This island is in the middle of the canal and contains the most researched tropical forest on the planet; it is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). They do a great job!
This island is in the middle of the canal and contains the most researched tropical forest on the planet; it is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). They do a great job!
Écrit le 22 novembre 2016
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
It's October 2023 and the most recent review of Barro Colorado is January 2019. Seems odd since a tourist can still book "a trip" to Barro Colorado thru the Smithsonian's STRI website. It's $125 per person if you are a "foreign" tourist. Regardless, I'm interested and I'll book it, but why are there no recent reviews?
Rédigé le 23 octobre 2023
I have a fear of isolation and being trapped, but I want to experience Barro Colorado Island. Did you feel trapped and scared or were you so enthralled with the area that you didn't think of that? What if someone got sick on the tour? How would you get out? How long did you walk in the jungle? Is it hard to walk on the trail? Did you walk one hour or more? How was the boat ride there? Beautiful?
Rédigé le 13 septembre 2016
You won't feel isolated. There are scientists and staff on the island and carrying out their work around the island. You'll have a guide throughout, right from the dock on the mainland.
The guide has a radio to communicate with "base" if need be.
There was an older couple on our tour, one of whom felt they couldn't complete the hilly part of the walk. They radioed for assistance and when we returned they were enjoying lunch back at base.
We walked for around 1 1/2 hours but we were asked beforehand with an alternative option if we preferred.
After lunch we asked to go back to an early part of our walk as we'd seen so many beautiful birds there. They happily accommodated us.
If you are moderately fit you will be fine. There is a short steeper section and it can be hot and humid. But no more than you would expect in Panama.
The boat is the one that is used to transport all staff and scientists to and from the island. It's not really designed for tourists and watching the view. You could stand outside at the back to make more of the view if you prefer. The trip was fairly fast. We had a good view of some of the giant ships transiting the canal from the island.
We really enjoyed it. Our guide was absolutely lovely and took very good care of us.
Rédigé le 17 septembre 2016
Eu gostaria de saber como chegar até lá da Cidade do Panamá e se a visita tem que ser feita através do Smithsonian Institute apenas?
Rédigé le 23 août 2016
Hay que hacer reserva en varios meses de antelación?
Rédigé le 4 mars 2016
Good Evening
I booked my tour through the "Canopy Tower", where I'll be staying next September 22nd- 25th. Approximately how long do the tours last? How close do you get to the animals?
Thank you.
Margaret Maire
Rédigé le 28 novembre 2015
I would love to know the company name and website where I can book this trip. I would like to go first thing when I arrive in Panama. Thanks!
Rédigé le 30 octobre 2015
Is Barro Colorado Island an optional excursion on a Panama Canal Cruise
Rédigé le 11 janvier 2015
Is this an optional excursion from the Celebrity cruise ships?
Rédigé le 11 janvier 2015
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