Turtle Defense Program

OCEAN DEFENDER SEA TURTLE CONSRVATION PROGRAM We are thrilled to announce our conservation project for the threatened nesting sea turtles population of Guanico Abajo, on the southern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, Panamá. Beginning in July of 2017, our organization will be enacting our efforts to establish monitoring projects on Olive Ridley sea turtles in order to aid in their …

Kuna Yala Expedition

KUNA YALA EXPEDITION  This Ocean Defender expedition takes place the exotic archipelago of San Blas. Located in the Caribbean side of Panama San Blas is home for the mysterious Kuna people. The archipelago consists of 365 islands. You can literally explore one island a day. Our 70 foot custom build Polynesian sailing canoe. On this eight day expedition we will …

Escudo de Veraguas Expedition

Come and explore the virgin jungles and exotic beaches of Escudo de Veraguas and Kusapin on board a 70 foot Polynesian style sailing canoe. This hand made vessel is a replica of a Polynesian voyaging canoe. She has crossed the Atlantic four times and she is now in Panama awaiting to cross to Pacific on her way to Easter Island. …

Ocean Safety Tips

1. Before you jump in the ocean to swim or snorkel, observe it first and make sure the waves are not big.  Our currents and waves are very powerful. You could drown or get swept out to sea easily if you don’t know these two. 2.  If you are not a good swimmer please use a life jacket when going …

Green Sea Turtles Etiquette

  Hawaiian green sea turtles have been protected under the endangered species act since 1976. Until then, you could actually go to Waikiki and order a turtle meat dish from quite a few restaurants, and local residents were still allowed to harvest turtles and eat them. Turtle meat was consumed and still is consumed in many places of the world, …

How to Avoid Unwanted Shark Encounters

  There has been a noticeable increase in shark attacks not only here in Hawaii but all around the world and people are in bit of a panic mode.  Many are asking themselves if there is ONE specific reason for this but the truth is that there are MANY reasons why this could be happening and we would like to …

Dolphin Etiquette

Love me, but don’t hurt me with your love: How to behave in the presence of wild dolphins. The movie Blackfish has instigated a quest for the liberation of all captive dolphins and people across the globe have joined for good. The movie makers have done such an amazing job informing and educating the general public about the truth behind …

Sting Ray Etiquette

  The mere thought of swimming with these majestic creatures is rejected by many people due to the unfortunate incident that happened years ago with Steve Erwin. Immediately following the accident, the sting ray gained a bad reputation or stigma and became labeled “dangerous” and a “killer” Today I want to share my personal experience with the sting rays.  On …