Diverse Options:

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro earned the name "Galapagos of the Caribbean" by being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Our sea kayak excursions are designed to cover an array of ecosystems, terrain, marine and terrestrial wildlife. Enjoy the tranquility and thrill of sea kayaking as we paddle along dramatic stretches of the archipelago, allowing us to explore secluded white sand beaches, coral flats, small offshore islands and rock ledge coastline, navigate mangrove forests, paddle up spring fed rivers, shoot the mountain rapids or snorkel pristine reefs and rock formations. Many of our daily explorations cover more than three separate ecosystems.

Tranquilo Bay is centrally located in the archipelago and adjacent to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. The park's 32,700 acres of rainforest and reef are home to an important nature reserve rich in wildlife, and will provide the backdrop for many of the excursions.

Our central location allows us to comfortably explore the entire archipelago and beyond. The farthest limits are less than a 20-mile boat ride in any direction.

All excursions depart directly from our comfortable facility where our staff will handle the preparation, maintenance and portage of the equipment. Snorkel gear is provided on all excursions to fully explore the underwater realm of brilliant tropical fishes living amongst vibrant coral reefs. All you have to do is paddle and absorb the breath-taking scenery.

No experience is required for many of the excursions. Whether you're searching for the serenity of calm backwaters, need to feel the surge of jagged frontal coastline, or want to try a little whitewater, we will schedule your group's excursions to accommodate various experience levels.

A chase boat used to haul extra gear, food, beverages, safety and first aid equipment, will accompany all outer excursions. The 80-degree clear Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro are ideal for those who are not familiar with the equipment.

For those new to the sport, we will provide a thorough Kayak/Safety lesson to familiarize you with the equipment and techniques so that you are adequately prepared for your adventure.

Cave Niveda

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 15-minute ride across the National Marine Park of Isla Bastimentos. In sea kayaks we will meander through the glassy calm backwaters of Bahia Honda.

Following the jungle's edge of Isla Bastimentos we will paddle through channels, deep bays, mangrove cayes, and patch reef. Dolphins like the deep water of Bahia Honda and can often be seen breaching the surface for air. Many birds can be seen feeding near the waters edge, and the jungle is home to white-faced capuchins, two- and three-toed sloths, green iguanas, and caimans.

In the back of Bahia Honda we will paddle up a small creek through lush vegetation. A short walk through the jungle leads to the entrance of cave Nivida. Entering the cave with lights, we will explore this subterranean phenomenon while wading through cold spring water and passing nectar bats. A support boat will be waiting at the mouth of the creek for our return to Tranquilo Bay.

An optional hike to the highest point of Isla Bastimentos can be added to this excursion for groups that want a more physical workout. The views of the ocean and rainforest canopy from 200 feet are spectacular.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Paddle Distance - 2-4 miles

Level of Difficulty - Intermediate

Terrain - Tropical rainforest, forested coastal lowlands, cave, reef

Cayos Zapatillas

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 12-minute ride to Cayos Zapatillas. These two unspoiled islands are protected by the National Park and home only to a sole park ranger, and a couple of seasonal research scientists who place radio tags on sea turtles to track their global movements.

These pristine islands are covered in coconut palms, tropical hardwoods, sea grapes and almond trees draped in a collage of bromeliads, ferns, orchids and other epiphytes. We will paddle around these islands, stopping to explore the white sand beaches and reefs covering the entire circumference.

Snapper, barracuda, and vivid tropical fish abound on the beautiful reefs surrounding the area. We will snorkel amongst sub-sea formations rising more than 40-feet off the ocean floor. If the seas are up, we can try a little kayak surfing on a small wave that breaks into the channel. Lunch will be served on the beach under the shade of an almond tree. Once we're done exploring we will board the support boat for the short hop back to Tranquilo Bay.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Paddle Distance - 3-6 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - White sand beach, coral sand and turtle grass flats, patch reef, oceanic shelf, sub-sea rock formations

Cayo Agua

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 25-minute ride to the stunning island of Cayo Agua. This island is lined with crescent shaped beaches and rock cliff coastline. Some of the geological formations expose numerous fossils. Spectacular rock outcroppings topped with coconut palms line the outer edge of the barrier reef.

Much of the beach is shaded with palms, almonds and sea grapes. We will explore the white sand beaches, rock formations, and snorkel the vibrant reef. Our kayaks provide an interesting vantage point for views of the big jungle behind these secluded beaches. After we have traversed the island, we will board the support boat and return to Tranquilo Bay.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Paddle Distance - 5 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - White sand beach, coral sand and turtle grass flats, barrier reef, rock formations

Cliffs & Beaches

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 45-minute ride to the eastern rim of the archipelago. This breathtaking paddle has some of the most dramatic scenery in the archipelago. Rock cliffs abruptly jut out of the sea, each having its own unique array of geological formations. Some are undercut by ocean waves on one side with a miniature 30-foot beach on the other. Others rise piercingly from the sea and have deep water on all sides. These are ideal for those seeking the adrenaline rush of a cliff dive.

Lunch will be served picnic-style on a beautiful and secluded beach. Following lunch we will paddle around an incredible island that broke away from the mainland. Shear rock walls rise straight from the ocean as the jungle-covered top careens off the high cliffs. Next, we will stop at an incredible group of islands to snorkel and explore the sub-sea passes, caves, sinkholes and fissures searching for schools of snapper and midnight parrot fish. A support boat will be waiting in the channel for our return to Tranquilo Bay. 

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 6-8 hours

Paddle Distance - 3-6 miles

Level of Difficulty - Intermediate

Terrain - Tropical rainforest, white sand beaches, cliffs, reef, rock formations