Caribbean kayaking with the indigenous Gunas
Our Panama sea kayak adventure is an authentic Caribbean journey exploring the Guna Yala archipelago, also known as the San Blas islands. With special permission from local chiefs, we’re privileged to kayak among the archipelago’s 350 islands and sand cays. Be welcomed as guests into the Guna Yala communities where tourism is strictly controlled and traditional culture remains strong.
We travel by road from Panama City to the port of Barsuggum and then a short boat transfer takes us to Tigre Island, where the kayak adventure begins. We’ll paddle along a stretch of islands through an area of outstanding beauty and biological diversity, using a local panga boat to carry our fresh food and water. We’ll beach camp on deserted islands and snorkel over some of the Caribbean’s most diverse coral reefs.
The isthmus of Panama is a prolific natural corridor linking North and South America, with vast undisturbed forests that are home to monkeys, toucans, birds of prey, giant otters and tapirs. We’ll spend a day hiking along a freshwater river that flows through primary jungle and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal, clear water. Join us for a spectacular Panama kayaking adventure holiday, blending Guna Yala culture, astonishing reefs and rainforest, and of course, hammock time!
Dates
2025
6-14 Dec
2026
3-11 Jan, 7-15 Feb, 28 Mar-5 Apr
Private group trips are available between Dec-Mar. Contact us for costs and dates.
Cost
2025 & 2026
From US$3250.00 per person
Trip costs are in US dollars and based on a minimum of two participants. Please contact us for the single room supplement cost.
Includes
Transfers between airport and Panama City group hotel on Day 1 and Day 9 of the itinerary, two nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the group hotel in Panama City, land and boat transfers between Panama City and Guna Yala, all meals while kayaking, kayak and camping equipment, expert guides and support staff.
Excludes
Airfares, travel insurance, visas (if required), alcohol, tips to local staff.
Day 1
Arrive Panama City and transfer to the group hotel. Meet your guide this evening for a trip briefing and group dinner. Overnight hotel.
Day 2
Road and boat transfer to the island of Tigre, part of the Guna Yala nation. The group will meet the community and chief. Enjoy a rainforest walk, followed by lunch and introductory paddle. Camping.
Day 3
Kayak to the island of Ordup, breaking for lunch and the chance to snorkel among coral reefs along the route. This area has been identified as one of the ‘hot spots’ for marine diversity among the reefs of Guna Yala and we’ll be on the lookout for porpoises and rays. Camping.
DayS 4-5
Kayak to the white sand island of Bebsidub where we camp for two nights. The island is a delight to explore with its’ surrounding reefs and a deep channel. A highlight is the easy paddle to an uninhabited section of the mainland for a memorable walk along the pristine banks of the crystal-clear Rio Paloma. Camping.
Days 6-7
Paddling to and exploration of Birdirdup and Arridub Islands, breaking for picnic lunches on beautiful beaches along the way. When in camp, enjoy swimming, snorkelling and hammock-time! Camping.
Day 8
We depart Guna Yala with an early morning boat ride back to the port of Barsuggum and a land transfer to Panama City. The rest of the day and evening is at your own leisure to enjoy the sights of the city. Overnight hotel.
Day 9
The trip ends with a transfer to the airport.
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