Don Carlson's Panama Sea Kayaking Adventure: San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience (February 3 - 11, 2024)
Kayak, Snorkel & Camp on tiny white sand Caribbean Islands surrounded by Turquoise Water
AVAILABLE:
ACTIVITY:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
GROUP SIZE:
January-April
Intermediate- Advanced
Comfortable Hotels,
Camping
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 15
AVAILABLE:
January-April
ACTIVITY:
Intermediate- Advanced
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Comfortable Hotels,
Camping
GROUP SIZE:
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 15
Join us for an 9-Day intimate discovery of the San Blas archipelago, in the heart of the autonomous territory of Kuna Yala! Kuna Yala, also known as the San Blas Archipelago, consists of 365 tiny tropical islands set in the Caribbean Sea right off the coast of Panama. Experience the true meaning of paradise while paddling from one deserted island to the other. Protected by the outer reef, we will paddle the warm, crystal clear waters crossing canals, along stretches of mangrove forests, and into freshwater rivers flowing down from the jungle mountains that dominate the coastline. In a single or double, enclosed, sturdy kayak we’ll navigate through shallow parts, looking for passages in between the reefs and corals. We’ll meet the Kunas; an indigenous people who live in this politically autonomous reserve. You will get introduced to one of their communities including the House of Congress, school, churches, and their homes. Besides the cultural aspect of the trip, we will get to enjoy paradise as we’ve all imagined it! Deserted islands with palm trees surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters; swimming whenever you like and snorkeling the incredible coral reefs located only steps from your tent. Relax and read your favorite book from your hammock, with the best views in the world. On this trip, you’ll simply forget anything outside this wonderland!
Highlights
- Beach camping in paradise.
- Beautiful kayaking destinations.
- Cultural immersion! Not only in Panama but with the semi autonomous indigenous Kuna people of the San Blas.
- World class snorkeling.
- Fully inclusive travel once you arrive in Panama City
- Seafood, seafood, seafood prepared by the indigenous Kuna
Itinerary
DAY 1. A REP WILL MEET YOU AT PTY AIRPORT
Today is designated as your International Travel Day. A Sea Kayaking Costa Rica Representative will greet you at the international airport and take your hotel. Upon your arrival, you’ll have the chance to relax and unwind from your international travels. Either in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be meeting your guide who will take you to a nice restaurant for a local dish and the trip briefing.
Accommodation: Radisson Panama Canal Hotel (or similar)No meals included on this day
DAY 2. SEA KAYAKING ORIENTATION AND PADDLE
Early this morning right after breakfast, we’ll leave the city and cross the Continental Divide to San Blas (a 2.5-hour drive). You are now in the Kuna people's semi-autonomous territory; the location's remoteness and authentic culture will give you the feel of a National Geographic expedition. From there we will hop into our support boat for a drive to our first island The remainder of the day, you will become familiarized with your kayak by paddling along the rainforest mainland, and perhaps we’ll enter a cute little river if time and water level allow. This way we get the opportunity to test and adjust our boats and make sure we feel comfortable before we commit to any long stretches of paddling in the days to come. In the later afternoon, we’ll walk into the Kuna village for an introduction to their culture and get to meet the women who will be showing their traditional outfits called ‘Molas’. During our walk, we’ll be greeted by the many cute, ever-smiling Kuna kids. In the evening we’ll have our first Kuna dish where after they’ll perform a local dance in the moonlight. Surely, you’ll all be ready for our first night´s sleep in your cozy tents.
Accommodation: Digirdup Island Tent CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3. CROSSING TO REACH DIADUP ISLAND
This morning after packing our camp, we begin a 4–5-hour paddle to the uninhabited island of Diadup. The paddling includes two open-channel crossings. Our motorized support boat will carry our dry bags (luggage) and camping equipment, so our kayaks will be light and maneuverable. Additionally, our support boat can assist paddlers in need or if tired. We’ll stop on a lovely island somewhere along the way for lunch and after we’ll continue to today’s destination: a marvelous little island with just a local family living on it. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax in your hammock or play in the ocean. We provide a hammock for each of the participants..
Accommodation: Diadup Island Tent CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4. PADDLE ALONG CAYS TO REACH SICHIRDUP ISLAND
Today we break camp and paddle along sand cays and across open channels to the magical uninhabited white sand island of Sichirdup. This small island will be our home for the next 2 nights. The coral reef surrounding the island offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. Be sure to bring your snorkel and mask! (We have masks and snorkel available, however, we encourage you to bring your own).
Accommodation: Sichirdup Island Tent CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5. LAYOVER AT SICHIRDUP ISLAND
Layovers are great!! This morning sleep-in, you do not need to pack your tent and your belongings, instead relax! At mid-morning, we are taking a day trip to the nearby mainland, where we will paddle our kayaks upstream through the gentle Rio Paloma looking for wildlife and the best swimming holes. This is a wonderful opportunity to bathe in the fresh clean river water. Once we can’t paddle any further upstream, we will continue our exploration on foot on the trails parallel to the river. On our way back we will stop for a picnic lunch at the shore of the river! After lunch we’ll paddle back to Sichirdup for an afternoon snorkeling session along the ‘wall’; a drop outside the reef offering spectacular marine life sightings!
Accommodation: Sichirdup Island Tent Camping Meals included:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6. ANOTHER STRETCH OF AMAZING KAYAKING
Today we set off on another amazing stretch of tropical sea kayaking to reach the amazing Island of Bidirdup. The 3–4-hour paddle necessary to get there will have us initially island hopping and eventually making one open crossing. Bidirdup is a small island, with the acreage of a football field, and with only one native family being the only inhabitants and caretakers of the island, so the fine white sands, turquoise water, and picture-perfect setting will likely be yours, and yours alone during your visit. Great snorkeling here too!
Accommodation: Bidirdup Tent CampingMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7. PADDLE TO REACH DOVE ISLAND
This morning we will jump in our kayaks and head west with the predominant wind and current, for approximately 3 hours, island hopping our way to Nube Sibu Dup (or Dove Island), another tropical atoll paradise. This beautiful island evidences our transition from the remote areas of the Guna Yala Archipelago to the areas slightly tainted by the recent growth of tourism spurred by the paving of the road leading to the area. Formerly a footpath, and for many years a 4x4 challenge, this paved road provides the only vehicle access to Guna Yala.
Accommodation: Nube Sibudup Tent CampingMeals: Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY. 8 MOTORBOAT & DRIVE BACK TO THE BIG CITY
Early morning, we will leave our kayaks and hop on a motorboat and motor to the road access to meet our comfortable 4x4 vehicle, which will drive us back to Civilization (a.k.a. Panama City), where we should arrive by midafternoon. Once we get to your hotel, you will check –in and say goodbye to your guide! You have the option to enjoy one last dinner with your guide in the old city of Casco Viejo, which we highly recommend you visit.
Accommodation: Radisson Panama Canal Hotel (or similar)Meals: Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9. DEPARTURE DAY
All good things must come to an end, and this day we have arranged for your transportation to the international airport in Panama City to catch your flight home. You will leave Panama with a new understanding of the tropics and with a unique insight into the simple lifestyle and worldview of the Kuna People. To you we say “nu-edi,” or thank you in the Kuna language.
Accommodation:N/AMeals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- February 3rd – 11th, 2024
You may also inquire with your preferred travel dates or time window, and we’ll get back to you with available dates. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Don Carlson’s Panama Sea Kayaking Adventure: San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience (February 3 – 11, 2024) is specially priced at:
- US$ 3199 per person (based on double occupancy)
These prices include all taxes and fees; a single supplement is US$250. All prices are in United States Dollars.
- Bilingual Sea Kayaking Guide
- Kuna Sea Kayaking Guide
- Local support staff including professional cook preparing meals on location
- Support boat with licensed captain and mariner
- All transportation from arrival on day 1 through departure from Panama City on day 9
- 2 nights hotel in Panama City with breakfast included
- 6 nights camping in Kuna Yala
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
- All transportation from arrival on day 1 through departure from Panama City on day 9
- Detailed Packing List
- Sea Kayaking Costa Rica provides wine at select meals
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- International flights to and from Panama
- Single supplement (U.S.$ 250)
- Insurance of any kind, including travel or mandatory medical evacuation insurance
- Alcohol (except wine at select meals) and personal items (an equipment list will be provided)
- Guide gratuities – the standard is 10-15%, the trip leader will gladly distribute this amongst the support staff
Gather your favorite travel companions to share a Sea Kayak Costa Rica Adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure. We offer private departures for groups of 6+ people), we can offer this trip as private Please contact us to discuss options.
For bookings contact Don (myemail.2015@telus.net) or Matias (contact@seakayakingcostarica.com). A down payment is required at the time of reservation. We charge a down payment of U.S.$ 500 per person and the balance 45 days prior to your arrival date. We accept all major Credit Cards, International Bank Wire Transfers, and PayPal payments. Once a participant is ready to submit their payment, they can contact us directly so Sea Kayaking Costa Rica we can send them a secure payment link.
We offer a 5% discount for bank wire payments. If so, we will send you our bank details by email. All prices are in U. S. Dollars.
Activity Level
This trip is suited for intermediate level paddlers, due to the ocean and weather conditions. A regular fitness level is required to paddle distances up to 16km (10mi), in open waters with mild currents, and swells. If participant has no kayak experience, he/she must be an athletic individual who is comfortable on water, has good upper body strength and balance. The ability to swim is a must for all participants.
| DAY 2 | 1.5 hours/ 5 km (3miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 3 | 3.5 hours/ 13.5 km (8.4 miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 4 | 4 hours/ 14 km (8.7 miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 5 | 2 hours/ 5 km (3miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 6 | 3.5 hours/ / 18 km (11.2 miles) of sea kayaking |
Accommodations
This trip features a 4-star hotel near the Panama Canal for your arrival day and the eve of your departure day. The remaining 6 nights are in expedition-style camping.
Radisson Hotel Panama Canal
This comfortable 4-star hotel is strategically located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and features 159 comfortable rooms, some of them with balconies and excellent views of the ocean and the Bridge of the Americas. Relax and recharge by the hotel swimming pool or in your room with air conditioning, in-room coffeemaker & Wi-Fi. The Hotel is conveniently located at walking distance from the famous Causeway, and the Bio-Museum designed by Frank Gehry, the Smithsonian Aquarium, Figali Convention Center and also near to downtown, Old Quarter Casco Viejo, Albrook Mall and the main transportation Hubs of the City such as Marcos A. Gelabert Domestic Airport, Panama Rail Road and The National Bus Station.
Expedition style Camping in Kuna Yala
This an expedition style trip where you will backcountry camping with some of the locations we are visiting offering few or no amenities such as running water, electricity, or restrooms, while others offer some or none these amenities. All locations have access to fresh water (non-potable) to rinse sparingly at the end of the day. We carry and water filter and a potable foot pump wash station with antibacterial soap throughout the trip. Abundant potable drinking water, tents, tarps, hammocks chairs and tables are provided in all camps. Meals are hot, fresh, and served on proper height table with chairs for all participants. Meals are prepared professional cook and support staff, who also take care of clean-up after meals and braking camp. Cutlery, plates, glasses and condiments are used for all meals. Personal dunnage and camping equipment is transported by support boat so guests need to carry only what they want in their kayaks.
Weather
For Panama City, you can expect daytime temperatures in 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit, with evening lows in the 80°s. While in Kuna Yala daytime temperatures in 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit, with evenings anywhere in the 70°s. February and March and consistently the driest months, some rain can be expected during the months of December, April, and May.
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FAQ's
The trip starts with a Sea Kayaking Costa Rica Representative meeting you at PTY airport and providing transportation to the hotel on Itinerary Day 1. After hotel check-in on Itinerary Day 1, you will meet your trip leader that late afternoon for dinner & trip briefing. The following morning we will be driven to Kuna Yala. On Trip Day 8 we provide transportation back to the Hotel in Panama City to check into the same hotel for your last night of the trip. The following day we will provide transportation to Tocumen International Airport in time for your flight home. If you arrive to Panama City already before Itinerary Day 1, your trip with us begins with your check in the hotel featured in the on Trip Day 1. followed by a trip briefing with you guide that evening. can start your SKCR trip The trip concludes on Day 9 with your check out and transportation to the international airport.
No special vaccination is required, not even COVID, however for Panama, the World Health Organization recommends Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever, Rabies, and Influenza.
Guests rarely complain of mosquitos on these trips are there are none if any. Malaria medication is not necessary.
Yes, we will carry water holding tanks and refill and filter water, so it is readily available to all trips guests and staff thought out the trip.
People from all walks of life and all ages join our tours. We get a mix of couples, singles, families, and friends, usually between 45 and 65 years of age. Though not often buy we also had families with children your young as 12 (minimum age) and we’ve taken many guests well into their 80s. A few have never been sea kayaking before, but most are active kayakers with extensive paddling experience. Without exception, everyone comes to have a good time and the variety of people and interests found on each trip makes it all the more fun.
Yes! Lots, both terrestrial and marine. Sea turtles, reef fish, rays and dolphins to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and sloths
No, insects are generally not a problem if you bring long pants and insect repellant (a thorough packing list is provided).
Our fleet consist of 14.5 and 15-foot sit inside sea kayaks and 18-foot double kayaks
More photos from our San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience
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