8-Day Panama Sea Kayaking Adventure: San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience

Kayak, Snorkel & Camp on tiny white sand Caribbean Islands surrounded by Turquoise Water

Join us for an 8-day intimate discovery of the San Blas Archipelago in the heart of the autonomous territory of Kuna Yala, also spelled Guna Yala. 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 between the reefs and corals.

We’ll meet the Kunas, an indigenous people who live in this politically autonomous reserve. You will be introduced to one of their communities, including the House of Congress, schools, churches, and homes. Besides the trip’s cultural aspect, we will 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 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 forget anything outside this wonderland!

8 Days From $3099

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Available

December - April

Activity

Intermediate - Advanced

Group Size

4-12 Guests, Min Age: 16

Accomodation

Comfortable Hotels, Camping
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

Kayaking route for the Panama Sea Kayaking Adventure. Click here to view full screen map.

Itinerary
Download Itinerary

Day 1. A rep will meet you at PTY Airport

Today is designated as your International Travel Day. A Sea Company Representative will greet you at the international airport and take you to your hotel in Panama City. Upon your arrival, you'll have a chance to relax and unwind from your international travels. In the late afternoon or early evening, you will meet your guide for a short pre-trip briefing.

Accommodation: Radisson Panama Canal Hotel (or similar)

Meals: No meals included on this day.

Day 2. Sea kayaking orientation and paddle

Right after breakfast, we'll leave Panama City, cross the Continental Divide, and reach the tiny port of Carti, the gateway to the San Blas Islands (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 Carti, we will board a motorboat boat for the 2-hour ride to reach the Kuna community of Tigre, our first Island. Upon arriving in Tigre, we will have lunch and set up camp. We will then become familiarized with our kayak by taking a short paddle along the rainforest-lined mainland coast (2 hours of paddling covering approximately 4 miles / 6km); this way, we get the opportunity to test and adjust our boats and make sure we feel comfortable before committing to any long stretches of paddling in the coming days.

Late in the afternoon, we'll visit Tigre Village to introduce ourselves to their culture and meet the women who will show their traditional textiles called 'Molas.' Molas are a vibrant and intricate textile art form created by the Kuna women. During our walk, we'll be greeted and followed by the many cute, ever-smiling Kuna kids. In the evening, the locals will perform a traditional Kuna dance, which will be followed by dinner. Surely, you'll all be ready for our first night's sleep in your cozy tents.

Note: Kuna is also spelled as Guna, with the latter being closer to the authentic pronunciation. However, Kuna is widely used and accepted.

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3. Exploring the other side of the gulf

This morning, after packing our camp, we begin our trip 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 continue to today's destination: an uninhabited white sand island (4-5 hours paddling covering approximately 9,5 miles / 15km).

The late afternoon will be spent leisurely, relaxing in your hammock or playing in the ocean. We provide hammocks for each of the participants. Before dinner, and if you are keen, you can do as local and rinse yourself off with water from the Kuna's artisanal well.

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4. Paddle along cays to reach Mordup Island

Today, we break camp and paddle along sand cays, over coral reefs, and across open channels to the magical, uninhabited white sand island of Mordup, a marvelous little island with just a local family living on it. (3–4-hour paddle (3-4 hours paddling covering approximately 7,5 miles / 12km).

This small circular Island has a coral reef nearby, which offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Be sure to bring your snorkel, mask, and fins!

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5. Paddle to Cayos Holandeses

Today, we set out for Cayos Holandeses (or "The Dutch Cays"), a stunning group of small islands renowned for their pristine beauty, tranquility, and unspoiled surroundings (3-4 hours paddling covering approximately 7 miles / 11km). As part of the San Blas Archipelago, these islands are within the territory managed by the Kuna Yala people, ensuring conservation efforts to preserve the environment and its resources. Our paddle will start with a 1-hour open crossing to reach the closely grouped islands, whose proximity creates a mesmerizing turquoise and blue shallow water lagoon. We will continue amongst the cays to get a remote camp at the sandy tip of an island. This location offers a vantage point offer unparalleled natural beauty.

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6. Another stretch of amazing kayaking

Today, we set off on another fantastic stretch of tropical sea kayaking to reach the amazing Island of Misdup. The 5-6 hours of paddling (approximately 11 miles / 18 km ) necessary to get there will initially have us Island hopping and eventually making one open crossing. Misdup is a small island with just a few native families as inhabitants and caretakers, so the fine white sands, turquoise water, and picture-perfect setting will likely be yours and yours alone during your visit. Great snorkeling nearby here too!

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 7. Motorboat & drive back to the big city

Early in the morning, we will leave our kayaks behind and hop on a motorboat to Carti to meet our comfortable 4x4 vehicles. These vehicles will drive us back to Civilization (a.k.a. Panama City), where we should arrive by early afternoon. Once we get to your hotel, you will meet your guide for a brief guided tour of the old City of Casco Viejo, followed by your farewell dinner with your fellow paddlers and guide.

Accommodation: Radisson Panama Canal Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8. 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/A

Meals: Breakfast

Download Itinerary
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have, and once you book, your price is guaranteed. Our current trip dates for 2025 are as follows:
  • January 27th – February 3rd
  • February 15th – 22nd
  • February 24th – March 3rd
  • March 22nd – 29th
  • April 23rd – 30th
  • December 14th – 21st (Sunday – Sunday)
You may also inquire about 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.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have, and once you book, your price is guaranteed. Our current trip dates for 2026 are as follows:
  • January 10th – 17th (sold out)
  • February 14th – 21st
  • March 14th – 21st
  • April 4th – 11th
  • December 12th – 19th
You may also inquire about 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.
Our PANAMA SEA KAYAKING ADVENTURE – 8-Day San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience is priced at:

US $3099 per person

This price includes all taxes and fees
Included in Trip Cost

  • 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
  • Airport Meet & Greet and all ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel in Panama City
  • 5 nights camping in Kuna Yala
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
  • Detailed Packing List
  • Sea Kayaking Costa Rica provides wine at select meals

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

  • International flights to and from Panama
  • 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
  • Sleeping pads
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 get in touch with us to discuss options.
BOOKING YOUR TRIP

A down payment is required at the time of reservation. Down payments are USD 500/person, payable by credit card or direct deposit. We can also accept PayPal payments upon request.

To book your trip, you can click:

For questions and to book your trip, you may contact our office via email at: contact@seakayakingcostarica.com or call our US & Canada Line U.S. Line (+1) 719-212-5331 .Your booking is secured upon receiving your deposit. You will receive a booking confirmation email, a Costa Rica Useful Travel Tips Document, a Suggested Packing List, and our Survey Form to complete and submit online. The final balance is due 45 days before the trip commencement date.

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 12 miles (20 km) in open waters with mild currents and swells. If the participant has no kayak experience, they must be athletic, comfortable on the water, and have good upper body strength and balance. The ability to swim is a must for all participants.

DAY 2

1.5 hours/ 5 km (3 miles) of sea kayaking

DAY 3

4-5 hours paddling covering approximately 9,5 miles / 15 km

DAY 4

3-4 hours paddling covering approximately 7,5 miles / 12 km

DAY 5

3-4 hours paddling covering approximately 7 miles / 11 km

DAY 6

5-6 hours paddling covering approximately 11 miles / 18 km

Total Mileage

40 miles / 65 km

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 six 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. It features 159 comfortable rooms, some 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, the Bio-Museum designed by Frank Gehry, the Smithsonian Aquarium, Figali Convention Center, and also near 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 is an expedition-style trip where you will be backcountry camping, with some of the locations we visit offering few or no amenities such as running water, electricity, or restrooms. We carry a 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. Most locations have access to fresh water (non-potable) to rinse your body sparingly at the end of the day. Meals are hot, fresh, and served on proper height tables with chairs for all participants. Meals are prepared by a professional cook and support staff, who also takes care of clean-up after meals and breaking camp. Cutlery, plates, glasses, and condiments are used for all meals. Personal dunnage and camping equipment are transported by a support boat, so guests must carry only what they want in their kayaks.
Weather
For Panama City, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit (27°–35°C), with evening lows in the 80°s Fahrenheit (27°–29°C). While in Kuna Yala, daytime temperatures are in the 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit (21°–29°C), with evenings anywhere in the 70°s Fahrenheit (21°–26°C). February and March are consistently the driest months; some rain can be expected during the months of December, April, and May. December is the transitional period from the rainy season to the dry season. While you may still experience occasional tropical showers, they are often brief, occurring in the afternoons or evenings, with the mornings being relatively clear and sunny. When the clouds part, the skies open up to reveal stunning sunsets over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This balance of sun and rain creates a vibrant, humid atmosphere, perfect for exploring the islands’ natural beauty during December.
Dec Jan Feb March April
High Low
High Low
High Low
High Low
High Low
Kuna Yala
85 64
85 66
85 70
95 70
95 70
Panama City
90 73
88 75
90 75
95 80
100 80
(+1) 719-212-5331
FAQ's
(+1) 719-212-5331
1When & where does the trip start & end?
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 in Panama City before Itinerary Day 1, your trip with us begins with your check-in at the hotel featured on Trip Day 1, followed by a trip briefing with your guide that evening. The trip concludes on Day 9 with your check-out and transportation to the international airport.
2Do I need any special vaccinations or immunizations before the trip?
No particular vaccination is required, not even COVID-19; however, for Panama, the World Health Organization recommends Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever, Rabies, and Influenza.
3Are there mosquitos, and will I need Malaria Medication on this trip?
Guests rarely complain of mosquitos on these trips as there are none, if any. Malaria medication is not necessary.
4Will potable water be available throughout the trip?
Yes, we will carry water holding tanks and refill and filter water so it is readily available to all trip guests and staff throughout the trip.
5Who goes on these trips?
Our tours attract people of all ages and backgrounds, including couples, singles, families, and friends, most commonly between the ages of 45 and 65. While families with teenagers (minimum age 16) are less frequent, we’ve welcomed many guests well into their 70s. Some participants are new to sea kayaking, while others have extensive paddling experience. Regardless of experience, everyone joins us to have a great time, bringing a wonderful mix of personalities and interests.
6Will we see wildlife?
Yes! Lots, both terrestrial and marine. Sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and dolphins to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and sloths
7Are insects a problem?
Actually, insects are generally fine if you bring long pants and insect repellant (a thorough packing list is provided).
8What kind of kayaks do you use?
The Kuna’s fleet consists of “oldie but goodie” Current Design Storms, Current Designs Squalls, Aquaterra Sea Lions, and H.U.G. Double Sea Kayaks.

8 Days From $3099

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