Escudo de Veraguas
views from off the island
views from off the island
This page features photos of Isla Escudo de Veraguas off-island scenes; and the second page features photos
taken from on-shore vantage points. The purpose is to both provide some views of this remarkable location
to anyone interested, as well as to serve as an introduction to those who will be or might desire to travel to
this small group of islands. Photos taken back in 1998 during our initial visit were lost. Consequently, from
the trip we made 9 July, 2004 and from subsequent trips expected the next few months, photos will be added
as obtained, and as warranted by their quality. This initial set was taken during an overcast day, and thus are
not very exciting. The details intended to be shown are there for the interested. Please communicate via
your e-mail, or the response boxes at the bottom of the Trips page. We would very much appreciate hearing
your views and comments about this unique place.
taken from on-shore vantage points. The purpose is to both provide some views of this remarkable location
to anyone interested, as well as to serve as an introduction to those who will be or might desire to travel to
this small group of islands. Photos taken back in 1998 during our initial visit were lost. Consequently, from
the trip we made 9 July, 2004 and from subsequent trips expected the next few months, photos will be added
as obtained, and as warranted by their quality. This initial set was taken during an overcast day, and thus are
not very exciting. The details intended to be shown are there for the interested. Please communicate via
your e-mail, or the response boxes at the bottom of the Trips page. We would very much appreciate hearing
your views and comments about this unique place.
Departing Bocas del Toro city via the sea channel used by freighters heading to Almirante, we made our trip to
Escudo outside land and islands on a beautiful day with light breezes, swells 3-4 ft only, passing Bastimentos.
Escudo outside land and islands on a beautiful day with light breezes, swells 3-4 ft only, passing Bastimentos.
Arriving off Escudo's Long Bay Point about two hours after departing Bocas del Toro, we could see some of
the casas or cabanas the fishermen use at times. View is from W of the Isla looking almost due East. The Point
going to S is about .5 Km with steep cliffs until hit the main beach that goes to West Point, almost 1 Km away.
the casas or cabanas the fishermen use at times. View is from W of the Isla looking almost due East. The Point
going to S is about .5 Km with steep cliffs until hit the main beach that goes to West Point, almost 1 Km away.
View from West approach to West Point. The main beach runs from other side (S side) of this point about .6 Km
across this western end to the cliffs near Long Bay Point. Escudo de Veraguas.
across this western end to the cliffs near Long Bay Point. Escudo de Veraguas.
Looking due E to middle of the W end of the Isla, numerous of the casas are visible. The extent the casas run
along the inside area above the beach is approx half this W end, centered about equi-distant from the N & S
extremities of this end of Isla. To the N end of the beach, the last casa is up against the cliff. To the S there is
a significant expanse of beach to the Point not occupied (can see this on the page 2 photos).
along the inside area above the beach is approx half this W end, centered about equi-distant from the N & S
extremities of this end of Isla. To the N end of the beach, the last casa is up against the cliff. To the S there is
a significant expanse of beach to the Point not occupied (can see this on the page 2 photos).
View is of S side of the West Point, looking E along the S side of the Isla. The waves at center mark shallows of
this Point, and usually decent anchoring just past this area. Is obvious the land gets a bit rugged as one
heads E along this S side. There are a few small beaches along this side.
this Point, and usually decent anchoring just past this area. Is obvious the land gets a bit rugged as one
heads E along this S side. There are a few small beaches along this side.
View looking near due N towards West point. We anchor normally about straight up from the "due N" in
previous sentence. Bottom is sand and N winds usually are weaker here. 15 m off the surge line is 1.5-2 m.
previous sentence. Bottom is sand and N winds usually are weaker here. 15 m off the surge line is 1.5-2 m.
About half way across the S side of the Isla, the shores look like this. There are a few small sectors of beach in
between some of the rocks and cliffs. Escudo de Veraguas.
between some of the rocks and cliffs. Escudo de Veraguas.
A bit further to the E along the S side of the Isla, considerably more rugged now. This is also in the area of the
Isla's highest points, being 13 m ASL. To the right it falters into the series of small islands noted for at E end.
Isla's highest points, being 13 m ASL. To the right it falters into the series of small islands noted for at E end.
Closer to E end and a couple of the small beaches are visible. Still quite rugged shores for the most part.
From the E end of the Isla, there are a number of small islands that cover another 1 Km out over the coral reef
in that sector. It is an extensive reef system that covers virtually all the shore around to the N side and on to
Long Bay Point to the W again. Escudo de Veraguas.
in that sector. It is an extensive reef system that covers virtually all the shore around to the N side and on to
Long Bay Point to the W again. Escudo de Veraguas.
View now from NE to SW of the islets on E end Isla Escudo. The islet mid-right of center, has the lighthouse on
it about the flat area left of the little peak. The coral is nearly to our location in this area.
it about the flat area left of the little peak. The coral is nearly to our location in this area.
View to W into Cotton Bay. Formidable reefs give some protection, as is seen. Structures looked a lot more
substantial than those on the W end.
substantial than those on the W end.
View to SSW from outside Cotton Bay at the line of islets that make up the E end of Escudo de Veraguas.
Outside Cotton Bay viewing to S of the many small islets that make up this eastern most end. The massive
coral beds wind their way along the entire E and N sides to past Long Bay Point at the NW end.
coral beds wind their way along the entire E and N sides to past Long Bay Point at the NW end.
Viewing WSW into Cotton Bay and the rocks at its N end. Waves over one of the reefs easily seen. The
compass directions match up with the 1:50,000 series E762, Sheet 3843II, Escudo de Veraguas for reference.
compass directions match up with the 1:50,000 series E762, Sheet 3843II, Escudo de Veraguas for reference.
View to NW about mid-way up eastern side of Escudo. Large rocks are approx 0905.80N/08132.59W, which is
very close to mid-point up E side of Isla, which runs NW-SE.
very close to mid-point up E side of Isla, which runs NW-SE.
View to SW of the large rocks at mid-way along eastern side Escudo de Veraguas, main is "Booby Rock".
Nearing the NE corner Isla Escudo de Veraguas, the last rocks give way to wide coral expanses.
NE corner of Escudo with swells building now and causing some dual wave directions.
Passing the NE corner Escudo, we travel due W along the N side. Obviously a calmer area judging by the small
casas in view along the several small beaches.
casas in view along the several small beaches.
About mid-way along the N side, there is a small bay (Indian Bay) with a river running into it. Probably this area
has been heavily used in the past also; although suspect not during the N wind period Dec-Apr.
has been heavily used in the past also; although suspect not during the N wind period Dec-Apr.
