Panama - Tranquilo Bay Multi Sport

Day One Arrive Panama City

Panama City (commonly referred to simply as "Panama") is one of those rare Latin American capitals that has it all: a high standard of living, a seemingly endless supply of investment from abroad, a surplus of natural beauty, and a rich cultural brew of ethnicities and religions. It has been called the new Hong Kong and Miami -- a sleek and modern city proud of its role as host to the world.

Day Two Arrive Tranquilo Bay. Snorkel & Beach trip to Zapatilla Cayes

These two unspoiled islands are protected by Bastimentos National Marine Park. These pristine white sand islands are covered in coconut palms, tropical hardwoods, sea grapes, and almond trees draped in a collage of bromeliads, ferns, orchids and other epiphytes. It is possible to walk around these islands while 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.

Day Three Wily Mazu Palo Seco Reserve Jungle Hike

Following breakfast we will leave the facility for a 50-minute boat ride across Laguna de Chiriqui to the town of Chiriqui Grande. From here we will take a 25-minutes truck ride up into the Talamanca Range and the Palo Seco Forest Reserve. This reserve is part of a contiguous 1,400,000 acre land preserve which includes Amistad National Park and is the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America. It is an explorer’s dreamland. The beautiful grounds of Willy Mazu Nature Ranch will serve as our day camp and starting point for our excursions. There are a multitude of hikes and destinations to choose from, or feel free to enjoy the mountain streams, waterfalls, rock pools, groomed trails, wildlife and hammocks on the facility. We will enjoy lunch from a beautiful wildlife observation point next to the stream.

Day Four Cliff Island Kayaking & Snorkeling

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.

Day Five Salt Creek Village - Indian Village Visit & Jungle Hike

Following breakfast, we will leave the facility for a 15-minute boat ride to Salt Creek. Here we will continue up the creek beneath the canopy of dense mangrove forest to the indigenous village of Quebrada Sal. To access the trailhead into Bastimentos National Marine Park, we will cross the rolling open pastures of the village. As we enter the park, the dense rainforest canopy is full of exotic tropical plants. Wildlife sightings may include white-faced monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, green iguanas, Jesus lizards, poison dart frogs, butterflies, and a plethora of exotic birds as we hike toward Playa Larga. Surrounded by the jungle, we will begin to hear the ocean swells. Then all of a sudden, as if someone turned on the lights, we exit the canopy onto the long, sweeping beach. This pristine beach is a nesting ground to four species of endangered sea turtles and is protected by the national park. After a refreshing swim, and lunch on the secluded beach, we head back through the jungle and return to the boat.

Day Six Rio Guarumo Kayak

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. A support boat will be waiting at the mouth of the river for our return to Tranquilo Bay.

Day Seven Cave Nivida Exploration & Bastimentos HIgh Point Hike

Following breakfast we will leave the facility in a support boat for a 15-minute ride across the Bastimentos National Marine Park. In 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 jungle walk 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 Bastimentos can be added to this excursion for groups that want a more physical workout.

Day Eight Punta Valiente Beach Trip

This dramatic peninsula forms the far eastern rim of the archipelago. Covered in dense tropical forest, high peaks begin a rapid descent to the ocean from over 700 feet. After crossing the beautiful Bahia Azul, we will enter a small indigenous village where the trailhead begins. A 15-minute walk through the jungle will take us to the longest stretch of white sand beaches in Panama. Jungle and trees cascade over the cliffs and continue growing down the damp rock faces. Just off the beach is a chain of stunning rock outcroppings known as Plantain Cayes. These beautiful cayes serve as a resting ground and rookery to many species of sea birds such as magnificent frigates, boobies and jaegers.

Day NIne Activities at Tranquilo Bay. Return to Panama City.

Day Ten Return Home