Flats and Mangroves

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 10-minute ride across the National Marine Park of Isla Bastimentos. From here we will begin a serene backwater paddle across the Marine Park.

Hundreds of mangrove Cayes dot the marine park where beds of sea grass cover shallow flats of white and pink coral sand. Along the way we will stop to snorkel some of the magnificent reefs, mangroves and flats. We might encounter spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, or dolphins.

Our paddle will take us back to Tranquilo Bay for lunch. After lunch and a little hammock time, we can explore some of the best mangrove forest and lagoons on the island.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Paddle Distance - 3-6 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - Mangrove Cayes, coral sand and turtle grass flats, patch reef, costal forest

Isla Popa

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 10-minute ride to the beautiful island of Isla Popa. The bay located on the windward side of Isla Popa is an excellent gallery forest to search for wildlife. We will keep a watchful eye on the mangrove forest for terrestrial wildlife as we quietly glide over the amazing underwater realm of coral reefs full of abundant marine life.

While surrounded by forest in the bay, we will likely encounter red lored amazon parrots, brown pelicans, kingfishers, green herons, toucans, various species of snapper, or the tail walking of a ballyhoo eluding a barracuda.

As we leave the bay, forest and rolling hills casually give way to secluded beaches where we will enjoy our lunch. Our return to Tranquilo Bay will take us away from the edge of the forest to cover the deep channels and shallow mounds of patch reefs and our third ecosystem since breakfast.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 6 hours

Paddle Distance - 6 miles

Level of Difficulty - Intermediate

Terrain - Mangrove forest, Tropical hardwoods, white sand beach, coral sand and turtle grass flats, barrier reef, rock formations

Punta Valiente & Islas Tigres

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 45-minute ride to the eastern rim of the archipelago. This exciting open-ocean paddle will take us past the breathtaking cliffs and jungle of Punta Valiente, and the dramatic rock formations of the Islas Tigres.

The incredible mainland peninsula known as Punta Valiente extends for miles into the Caribbean Sea, forming the eastern border of the archipelago and the heart of the Noble Bugle tribal lands.

Primary tropical rainforest covers the peninsula as it rapidly descends 700 feet to the ocean's edge where it meets with rock cliffs and pocket beaches. Islas Tigres, the spectacular rock formations off the northern tip of the peninsula, are beautiful beyond description.

We will encounter rock bridges, cliffs, sink holes, miniature beaches and palm trees. These rock outcrop islands are home to many species of oceanic birds such as frigates, boobies, shearwaters, jaegers and terns. We will enjoy our lunch on a secluded beach. Throughout the day we will make various stops to snorkel, climb, and explore some of these incredible islands. 

Departs - 8 a.m.

Duration - 6-8 hours

Paddle Distance - 5-8 miles

Level of Difficulty - Intermediate/Difficult

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

Rio Guarumo

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 50-minute ride across Laguna de Chiriqui to the town of Chiriqui Grande. Here, we will take a truck ten miles inland to the Rio Guarumo. This pristine mountain river begins its descent from the Palo Seco forest reserve high in the Talamanca, and empties its cool waters into the Laguna de Chiriqui.

The Guarumo is a clear-water, rock-bottom river, with multiple rapid sections as it cascades through forest and humid lowlands. The mountain views and riverbank flora are spectacular. Birds and other animals are plentiful in the area.

About a third of the way down a tributary enters the river, producing higher flow rates. Here the pace picks up as we enter the best rapids and chute sections on the river. For those not comfortable with rapids, these sections can be traversed. Our paddle will end at the Cartierra Bridge about eight miles from the drop-in point. From here, a five-minute truck ride will return us to the support boat.

As with all river runs, this excursion is dependent on current and forecasted weather as well as river flow rates.  Drop in sites may also vary based upon flow rates.

A picnic-style lunch will be enjoyed along a beautiful stretch of shaded riverbank. After lunch, revive yourself with a cool, clear-water swim.

Departs - 7 a.m.

Duration - 6-8 hours

Paddle Distance - 8-9 miles

Level of Difficulty - Intermediate

Terrain - Mountains, tropical rainforest, rock formations, rapids and chutes, forested coastal lowlands 

Rio Rabalo

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 45-minute ride through Loma Partida (translated split hill). Here the islands of the archipelago nearly touch the mainland.

At night, jaguars swim this channel en route to fertile hunting grounds on Isla Popa. Once we pass through the split hill channel, the mouth of the Rio Rabalo is just across the bay. At the mouth of the river are sand bars, driftwood and fish feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. This is an important feeding area for herons, pelicans and frigate birds.

As we paddle inland, the spring-fed river turns cold and clear. Small snook and other fresh water fish lurk in the shade of overhanging branches. Put on your mask and drift with your boat to observe them more closely. The jungle and pasturelands bordering this narrow river are breathtaking. We will enjoy lunch and a refreshing swim on the secluded riverbank before heading back down stream. A support boat will be waiting at the mouth of the river for our return to Tranquilo Bay.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Paddle Distance - 2-4 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - Tropical rainforest, forested coastal lowlands, river