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BOCAS DEL TORO BIOLOGICAL STATIONLocation
Just northwest of Isla Colón, across
the Bocas del Drago inlet, lies a region of Panama's mainland known
as the Soropta Peninsula. This peninsula hosts a myriad of wildlife
in its extensive primary forest, including howler, capuchin, spider
and night monkeys, a striking array of reptiles and amphibians, and
very high bird and plant diversity. Its geologic history has resulted
in hilly topographical features consisting of swamps and ridges throughout
the region. The Soropta facilities are available for class use if justified
by enrollment. The peninsula is always available for visits by courses
or for independent research.
Bocas del Toro Biological Field Station The Bocas del
Toro Biological Station consists of two facilities, one on the Isla
Colón side of the Boca del Drago inlet (the Drago Facility), and the
other is 5 min. across the inlet on the Soropta Peninsula (the Soropta
Facility)(Maps 1 and 2).
Both field facilities are located on beaches between tropical rain forest
and coral reefs. Terrestrial habitats include primary and secondary
forests, marshes, swamps, streams, pastures and low impact beaches.
Marine habitats include mangrove forests, turtle grass beds, coral reefs,
and estuaries. Additional habitats accessible from the station include
lakes and ponds, Limestone caves, rocky inter-tidal zones and high impact
beaches. Station Accommodations.
The Drago facility includes several sleeping quarters which range from
basic cement block structures to wood-framed cabinas. In total, there
is room for 40 students in bunk beds, and 10 faculty in semi-private
rooms. The Soropta facility can house 15 students and 3 faculty. There
are multiple lecture areas available. Electricity is supplied by generator
which runs in the evenings until midnight. Fresh water comes from a
nearby spring and our drinking water is filtered. Sanitary and
Laundry Facilities.
There is approximately 1 bathroom with shower and toilet for every 6
people. There is a commercial Laundromat in town that washes and dries
for about $3.00/load. Most residents at the station prefer this but
washing basins are provided for those who prefer to wash their clothes
by hand. Laundry detergent, soap, toiletries, etc., can be obtained
in the town of Bocas del Toro.
Dining
and Meals.
All meals are provided in an outside, dining area which seats 50. Meals
are provided at 7:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 PM. Snacks can be purchased
at the station store or in town. Juices are provided with meals; cokes
and beer are extra. Laboratory.
Our laboratory contains a variety of analytical equipment including
balances, microfuge, stereo and compound microscopes, dissecting equipment,
dial calipers, assorted lab ware, aquaria and pumps, terreria, insect
setting and preparation equipment, plant drying box, herbarium and insect
cabinets, Berlese funnels, tool boxes, etc. A partial list of field
equipment includes Pesola scales, sling psychometer, thermometers, 30m
and 50m tape measures, spherical densiometers, dip nets, seines, surveyor's
flags, flagging, insect nets, UV light, plant shears, plant presses,
etc.
Library.
The main library contains 1000+ volumes
and several hundred reprints covering a wide variety of topics. Computers,
printers, photocopy machine, slide, overhead, and digital projectors,
chart-preparation materials, overheads, etc. are also available. E-mail
is available at the field station and in town. Research Opportunities in the Region
There are many
opportunities for long-term research in the region. The number of distinct
habitats is very large and include terrestrial, freshwater, and marine
ecosystems. Terrestrial habitats
include florally-diverse tropical wet forest, riparian zones, Raphia/Symphonia
swamps and pastures in varying degrees of openness (some are savanna-like).
Except for jaguars and tapirs, which have been extirpated from the island,
these forests support the same basic fauna as the mainland, including
monkeys, sloths, cats, and rodents, and a very diverse bird, reptile,
amphibian and insect fauna. Freshwater habitats include vernal pools,
streams, marshes, swamps, and ponds which support a diverse fish fauna.
Marine habitats include soft and hard coral reefs, turtle grass (Thalassia)
beds, high and low impact beaches, rocky intertidals, mangrove forests
and estuaries. Isla Colón also has limestone caves which support a number
of bat species. A
unique feature of the archipelago is the opportunity to study random
genetic effects on microgeographic variation among the larger islands.
For example, the dart-poison frog, Dendrobates pumilio, is red
and blue on the mainland, green with black spots on Isla Colón, red
and white with black specks on Isla Bastimentos, and blue and black
on Isla Popa. Similar genetic variation can be expected in other groups
with similar dispersal capabilities. The
availability of four species of sea turtles (leatherback, green, loggerhead
and hawksbill) makes the Bocas del Toro region particularly well suited
for their study. Most abundant are the leatherback and hawksbill which
both nest and feed in the region.
There
is also opportunity to study the indigenous cultures of Panama. The
Ngöbe and Teríbe cultures are centered in the Bocas del Toro region
and several islands support large populations. Other indigenous cultures
in Panama include the Emberá of the Darién, and the very colorful Kuna
of the San Blas Islands. The Kuna make the Panamanian mola, a reverse
appliqué cloth tapestry that is becoming famous world wide.
Is
Panama Safe? As is always true when going abroad, certain
precautions are necessary when traveling in Panama. The standard
of living in Bocas del Toro is quite high (for a developing nation)
with very little poverty. Unlike Panama City, you will not see
beggars in the streets. However, you will need to be vigilant
in Panama City when you arrive. Like any large international city,
pickpockets and thieves present a threat. Never leave your bags
unattended for even a moment. Emergencies.
Each participant is required to immediately report to faculty or staff
any sickness or injury. Delays in doing so may prolong or complicate
your recuperatory period, impair your ability to actively participate
in the course, and limit you and other participants' opportunity to
complete your research projects. The field station maintains an emergency
first aid case. We also have direct communication with the well-equipped
hospital in Bocas and an emergency evacuation vehicle is available at
the field station at all times. If necessary, emergency flights to Panama
City are possible from the airport in Bocas. There are poisonous snakes
in the islands of the archipelago though they are seldom seen. Generally,
snakes pose no significant threat to our work or safety because they
tend to avoid areas often traveled by people such as our trail system.
However, in case of a venomous snake bite, the Bocas hospital maintains
supplies of polyvalent antivenin.
Vaccinations.
Please consult your doctor or public health service regarding vaccinations
and medicines for travel in Costa Rica and Panama. You and your doctor
can make the most informed decisions based on your medical history.
Malaria and dengue are rare in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
Physical Health.
Because field work in the tropics can be physically demanding,
it is essential that we are aware of your current physical condition
and previous medical history. You will need to provide information regarding
your current state of physical health, height, weight, allergies, and
a list of all prescription medication being taken. Please answer all
health related questions on the application. A certified medical examination
from a physician is not required. If you have any
special allergies or conditions which might result in sudden illness
(asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, potential for severe allergic reaction,
etc.) you must inform the faculty during the first day of orientation.
This will enable all necessary personnel to be familiar with your medical
needs. In addition, if you require any special medication, you must
bring an adequate supply. All prescription medication should be kept
in their original bottles with the proper labels indicating dosage.
Do not pack medication in your suitcase because checked luggage might
be lost by the airlines. Keep all medication in your carry-on baggage
while traveling.
Medical Insurance.
ITEC provides no health or accident insurance. All participants are
therefore required to have active medical insurance while enrolled in
a program at the field station. Consult your insurance carrier regarding
specific coverage. Many health insurance policies have very limited
coverage outside the United States or Canada and student health insurance
may not extend through the summer months. Most universities will allow
students to continue their coverage over the summer at low cost. It is possible
to purchase low-cost medical insurance (typically less than $50 per
month) for students traveling overseas. One such company is called HTH
Worldwide Insurance Services. Their policy provides protection for students
and scholars in international educational activities and includes hospital,
medication and medical evacuation benefits. For more information on
this provider, call 1-800-394-2500 or write to: International Group
Services, 12900 Federal Systems Park Drive, Suite 2-A, Fairfax, VA 22033.
Also check with Council Travel
, a nonprofit, student-based travel agency that provides health and
accident insurance to members. Call 1-888-COUNCIL for more information.
(Note: We provide this information for your benefit and ITEC is in no
way affiliated with these organizations). You can also buy travel insurance
from some airlines. Please bring your Medical Insurance Registration
Card and claim forms with you to Panama.
Please note that
your tuition payment cannot be used to pay for any medical care you
may require while in Panama. All participants are responsible for paying
medical costs whether or not you are covered by your insurance. You
should carry about $50-$100, separate from your other funds, in case
you require the services of a local clinic or doctor for minor illness
or medication.
Course Size.
Courses are limited to a maximum of 15 students each. Teaching Assistants
(TAs) are provided to courses having more than nine students enrolled.
Course professors have a Ph.D. in their area of study, and TAs are pursuing
Masters or Ph.D. degrees minimally.
Obtaining Credit.
ITEC is a private institution and not directly affiliated with any university.
Therefore, ITEC cannot issue academic credit directly. However, most
universities have various mechanisms that allow students to obtain credit
for field courses taken away from campus. These are often called "independent
study" courses. If you are going to take the course for credit you must
arrange this through your professor or academic advisor and university.
We recommend you do this prior to coming to Panama. The ITEC course
instructor or ITEC administrator will provide an official grade transcript
to the students academic institution or advisor. The student will be
responsible for providing direct evidence of participation such as lecture
notes, proposals, reports, exams, etc. Normally, up to six units of
credit are awarded for each course, three for the lecture portion and
three for the field portion. Refund Policy.
If you withdraw from your course within 30 days before the course starting
date, all deposits and tuition will be completely refunded. If you withdraw
from your course less than 30 days before the start of your course,
only the portion of your tuition used for lodging, meals and local transportation
($500) will be refunded. This policy is necessary because enrollment
numbers at 30 days prior to the start of each course are used to determine
the hiring of faculty, teaching assistants, program directors and staff.
Thus, we will have to expend your share of these tuition cost regardless
of whether you attend. Students wishing to withdraw late may use their
tuition towards another ITEC course in a subsequent session or year.
If ITEC cancels a course, all deposits and tuition will be completely
refunded, or students may transfer to different courses, subsequent
session or year.
Course Cancellation
Policy. ITEC reserves the right to cancel a course up to within
30 days of the course starting date due to insufficient enrollment (five
students minimally). Courses may be canceled at any time as a result
of accident or severe illness of the instructor (when no replacement
can be found).
Cloud Forest
Trips. To take advantage of other nearby tropical ecosystems, there
will a field trip to Pacific-side tropical dry forest and to the cloud
forests of Volcan Barú. At 3,475m (11,000 ft), this volcanic
peak is the highest in Panama. This trip is three days and two nights
in duration and includes a stay in the town of Boquete, and excursions
to hot springs and to pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Transportation and
hotel costs are included in your tuition. Food costs for this 3-day
trip are the responsibility of the student and average about $10 per
day.
Course tuition includes registration, room and board at the Bocas del Toro Biological Station, and local transportation. Tuition fee does not cover air fare or hotel costs to and from Bocas del Toro, Panama, emergency medical costs, soft drinks, beer, or incidental travel unrelated to courses. Important:
If you are applying for a field course, Please include a $100 registration
fee/deposit when your application is submitted. Your application
will not be processed until this deposit is received. The registration
fee/deposit will be applied to your tuition and is refundable to within
30 days of the course starting date. All payments must be in U.S. Currency.
Make checks payable to ITEC. Tuition must be received by registration deadlines. Please note that ITEC reserves the right to cancel a course if student enrollment is less than five at the date of the registration deadline. Passports. You are required to have a valid passport to travel to Panama. Additionally, you will need to obtain a Panamanian tourist visa to enter Panama. If you fly directly to Panama you will receive a 30 day tourist visa from the airline. If your stay is longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an extension on your visa. If you are traveling by bus from Costa Rica, you will need to either obtain a visa from the Panamanian Consulate in San Jose, Costa Rica, or buy a $10 tourist card on arriving. If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, contact your local passport office or post office for an application. Apply for your passport early as it may require up to several weeks to process. Getting to the Bocas del Toro Biological StationThere are several ways to reach Bocas del Toro. You may either fly directly to Bocas del Toro from Panama City ($164 RT), or take a direct bus from Panama City ($54 RT). From Costa Rica it is possible to travel by bus from San Jose to Bocas ($32 RT). For seasoned Latin American travelers, traveling by bus from San Jose is the cheapest, but see cautions below. For newcomers, ITEC recommends that you fly directly to Panama City, and then to Bocas del Toro. There are two national airlines providing regular service to Bocas del Toro, Aeroperlas and Mapiex. Both will accept reservations and credit card payment on the web. Important Schedule your travel so that you arrive in the town of Bocas del Toro in the morning or afternoon on the first day of class. Plan to leave the day after the last day of class.
Bus from Panama City. A direct bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, via Almirante has recently become available with the opening of a new road. The bus ride takes approximately 10 hours and the cost is $54 RT. From Almirante, you will need to take the water taxi to Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón ($3). Call ITEC for more information concerning this route. Bus from San Jose, Costa Rica. Occasionally, the least expensive but most time-consuming way to get to the field station is to fly to San Jose, and then take the direct bus to Panama. The entire trip takes from 6-8 hours and there are several steps. You catch the 6:00 am bus to Sixaola at the Caribbean bus terminal in San Jose ($8, Warning: be very careful here, do not leave your things unattended even for a moment!). After passing Costa Rican immigration in Sixaola, you cross the bridge over the Sixaola River to Guabito, Panama. Go through immigration again here and catch a taxi to Almirante ($5/person) passing the town of Changuinola along the route. In Almirante, take a water taxi ($3) to Bocas del Toro. Important note: Panamanian banks will not exchange Costa Rican money (colones). On the first day of class, meet ITEC personnel at the Bocas del Toro airport. Arrival in
Bocas del Toro. Schedule your travel so that you arrive in the
town of Bocas del Toro in the morning or afternoon on the first day
of class. On the first day of each session, ITEC personnel will
meet incoming students at the Bocas del Toro airport. If you plan to
arrive early, there are several very inexpensive hotels and pensions
in Bocas (typically, $5-$10 per night). If you need more information,
write us for details. If you plan to arrive via water taxi on the first
day of your session, go to the airport to meet ITEC personnel. Please
do not plan to arrive at the station earlier than the first day of class.
Plan to leave the day after the last day of class (check schedule above
for session dates). Arrange all national (US, Canadian) and international flights through your travel agency. Shop around for the cheapest flight. You can often find inexpensive, special offer or bulk flights in the travel section of your local Sunday newspaper. Also, check with Council Travel (1-888-COUNCIL) or Student Travel Association (STA, 1-800-777-0112). Both are student-based travel agencies which have offices at major universities and can often find you the cheapest fare. STA also offers group rates and can help organize students for travel to Panama. Finally, make your reservations early and inform ITEC of your travel plans! Customs. When entering Costa Rica or Panama and returning, you will pass through "Migración" (immigration) and "Aduana" (customs). You can expect to have your luggage searched. The possession of illegal drugs or other contraband will result in your arrest by the local authorities and immediate expulsion from the course. Remember, you are not in the States or Canada, and your country cannot help you if you break foreign laws. Penalties for drug possession in Latin American countries are severe. Costa Rica, for example, has a 10 yr. mandatory minimum sentence for the mere possession of marijuana. North American Address: ITEC, Inc. Other Questions? SEE our FAQ page |
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Isla
Colón. Named for Christopher Columbus who sailed into this
region in 1502, Isla Colón is approximately 14 km long and 7 km wide.
Isla Colón is composed primarily of limestone, and has a hilly topography
supporting primary and secondary tropical rain forest. This island has
a 5 km beach (Bluff Beach) on its east side, mangroves on its west side,
and caves in the interior. Bluff Beach is one of the important sea turtle
nesting grounds in the archipelago. Isla Colón has the highest human
population in the archipelago, with most individuals living in the town
of Bocas del Toro located on the far side of the island from our facility.
The culture is primarily Afro-Caribbean but with important input from
Latino, Chinese and the indigenous Ngöbe people as well. Spanish
is the "official" language but English is commonly spoken. Many Ngöbe
speak only their native dialect. There are only two roads on the island,
both originating in the town of Bocas. One road travels along the eastern
margin of the island to Bluff Beach and the other cuts through the island's
interior to Boca del Drago, where our facility is located (
Town
of Bocas del Toro. This provincial seat of about 3000 is located
35 minutes by bus and 25 minutes by boat from the field station (
South
of Isla Colón lies Isla Bastimentos ("place for provisioning")
which is home to Bastimentos National Marine Park. This park covers
an area of 13,226 ha and was primarily established to protect the abundant
coral reefs in the region, but protects a swath of the island's interior
as well. The most spectacular coral reefs occur near Zapatilla Cays,
which lie to the south of Isla Bastimentos. Isla Bastimentos' geology
is similar to Isla Colón's, with a hilly interior, mangroves on the
west side and a 6 km beach (Playa Larga) on its east side. The remaining
large islands are Isla Solarte, Isla Cristóbal, Isla Popa, and Isla
Cayo Agua. Isla Popa has the largest Ngöbe population of any of
the islands in the group. An additional interesting site is spectacular
Bird Island, a protected nesting place for brown-headed boobies and
red-billed tropicbirds, among other species.
Regional
Climate. Bocas del Toro lies 9 degrees above the equator in the
wet tropical zone (Holdridge Life Zone scheme). The average annual rainfall
and temperature are 4000 mm and 30°C (86°F) respectively. In general,
the wet season (invierno) extends from May to December and dry season
(vierno) from January to April. However, rain occurs at all times of
the year, only less in the dry season. 
Other
amenities include a 25 passenger bus, a 16 passenger van, boats and
motors. Some snorkeling and SCUBA equipment is also available.
The
health and safety of participants (students, faculty, volunteers and
staff) in our programs represent our primary concern, and we will take
every precaution to insure that all potential for accidents is minimized.
However, we will be working in an environment unfamiliar to many (especially
students) and each individual must exercise caution and common sense.
We expect each participant to cooperate and follow rules of safety at
the biological station. These rules will be provided in detail during
the first orientation lecture at the station.
A
Final Note. In order to maintain our integrity as a conservation
organization, we ask that all program participants conduct themselves
in a manner that reflects our conservation ethic. Actions that are contrary
to these ideals, such as eating sea turtles or their eggs, hunting wildlife,
causing deforestation or littering, jeopardize our legitimacy locally
and at home. Participants should also bear in mind that each of us represents
not only ITEC, but our respective countries as well, and should conduct
ourselves in a befitting manner. 
Student
Statement and Letter. Along with the application, each student
is required to submit: 1) a brief statement of interest (limit 1 typed
page) that provides information on academic background and interests,
purpose for taking the field course, and goals to be achieved by participating
in the course, and, 2) a letter of recommendation from the student's
academic advisor or sponsor for the course. This letter should be confidential
and sent in a sealed envelope independently or with the student's application
materials. These letters may be provided to course instructors for final
evaluation.
Flight
from Panama City. This is the easiest and quickest way to get
to Bocas, and ITEC recommends this route. Arrange your international
flight to Panama City and then a national flight to Bocas del Toro.
You will arrive at the Tocumen International Airport and then, to fly
to Bocas, you will need to go to Albrook National Airport which is about
30 minutes to an hour from Tocumen. You will probably need to stay over
night in Panama City: there are many moderately-priced hotels ($20-$40)
near the Albrook National Airport. Most ITEC participants stay at
the Hotel Marbella. Amenities at this hotel include AC, TV, pool,
restaurant, and the receptionist speaks English.
