Sea Turtle Conservancy began working in the Bocas del Toro and Comarca Ngabe-Buglé region in 2003. The research project started to monitor and conserve the critical number of hawksbill sea turtles in the area, with some beaches having a loss of more than 90% of the original population. It was quickly realized that the entire area was also vitally important for leatherback turtle nesting. STC’s research efforts now include beaches throughout the archipelago, including Bluff Beach, Long Beach and Escudo de Veraguas and, and on the mainland, including Soropta Beach and Chiriqui Beach. STC has also has increased its education outreach n these areas and continues its commitment to work with the local communities to conserve the regions sea turtles.
In 2012, STC established an office in Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón to support all the different projects in the region. The office provides information about the different sea turtle species found in the region, their life cycle, and migratory routes. Visitors can also learn about the research (including current nesting numbers), education and community work STC does in the region.
During the summer nesting season, March to August, visitors can make reservations to take part in our sea turtle nesting program at Bluff Beach. The program provides the opportunity to watch a leatherback or hawksbill sea turtle nest and return to the ocean.
If you are in Bocas del Toro, please visit us, or you can learn more by calling +507 757 9186 or by emailing outreachpanama@conserveturtles.org
STC’s office is located at:
Second Street, in Parque Simón bolívar,
underneath “Ministerio de Trabajo”
Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro.
Opened approximately from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm