Following breakfast, we will leave the facility in a support boat. We take a 15-minute ride across Bastimentos National Marine Park over to the backside of Isla Popa.

In kayaks, (although we skipped them in this video) we will meander through the glassy calm waters of Enrique’s Creek through lush green vegetation. We will paddle through a mangrove creek over to the Whisper Ecological Trail, following the jungle’s edge. The mangrove forest we glide through includes Red, White, and Tea mangroves.

The Tea Mangrove or *Pelliciera rhizophorae* belongs to the “true mangroves” and is fascinating, endangered, and rare. This location is one of the last coastlines in Central America to support this magnificent and unique mangrove. It is called Tea Mangrove because of its leaves which contain tannins and other substances found in tea.

At the beginning of the Miocene Era (about 23 million years ago), Pelliciera rhizophorae had a wide distribution in the Caribbean. Its distribution was reduced by the early Pliocene Era (about 5 million years ago). This reduction in range appears to be related to changes in soil salinity within the mangrove ecosystems, rising seawater levels, and increasing competition from other more tolerant species. There are genetic differences in the leaves and flowers between the Tea Mangrove growing along the Pacific Coast and the same species in the Caribbean.

Many birds feed near the water’s edge. This jungle is home to trogons, toucans, rufous and green kingfishers, and various frogs and reptiles. As we walk, we listen to the soundtrack for this adventure that includes relaxing nature sounds, soothing water sounds, and birds singing.

We find insects, endemic amphibians, and rare reptiles along the trail. It leads to waterfalls and we traverse through rocks up to a small creek. After wading through the spring water, we make our way back to our kayaks as we check out both the flora and fauna this trail offers.

Our support boat will be waiting at the creek’s mouth to return to Tranquilo Bay.