If you love to kayak and camp on the beach this trip should be on your bucket list! Join us for a 9-Day escape kayaking the unknown San Blas archipelago existing 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, and along stretches of mangrove forests, and into fresh water rivers flowing down from the jungle mountains that dominate the coastline. In a single or double kayak we’ll navigate through shallow parts, looking for passages in between the reefs and corals. We’ll meet the Kunas; an indigenous people who live in this politically autonomous reserve. You will get introduced to one of their communities including the house of congress, school, churches, and their homes. Besides the cultural aspect of the trip, we will get to 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 located 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 simply forget anything outside this wonderland!
Trip Highlights
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Kuna children selling molas on El Tigre Island
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Itinerary (subject to weather, tides, and other circumstances)
March 8 -Welcome to Tropical Panama! Upon your arrival to Panama City Airport, you will be met and brought to your hotel for the night in Panama City (30-minute drive), right on the banks of the entrance of the Panama Canal. Your driver will have a sign with your name and will take you to the Radisson Hotel Panama Canal, Amador Avenue and Van Hook Street. By early evening you will be meeting your guide(s) who will take you to a nice restaurant for a local dish and the trip briefing.
March 9 - Today we discover the rich history and natural wonders of Panama on this private, immersive full-day tour. Start your day at the Miraflores Locks, where you’ll witness the marvel of engineering that powers the Panama Canal. Then set off on a scenic boat tour of Lake Gatun to Monkey Island, home to playful capuchins, howlers, and tamarins in their lush jungle habitat. Afterward, explore the ruins of Panama Viejo, the original 16th-century city, before wrapping up the day wandering the cobblestone streets and colorful plazas of Casco Viejo, Panama’s beautifully preserved colonial district—a perfect mix of culture, wildlife, and iconic landmarks.
March 10 - Early this morning right after breakfast, we’ll leave the city and cross the Continental Divide to San Blas (2.5 hour drive). You are now in the semi-autonomous territory of the Kuna (also spelled Guna) People; the remoteness of the location and authentic culture will give you the feel of a National Geographic expedition. From there we will hop into our support boat for a drive to our first island. The remainder of the day will be spent acclimating to the weather, setting up camp, and if time allows getting kayaks set up. In the evening we’ll have our first Kuna dish where after they’ll perform a local dance in the moonlight.
March 11 -This morning after breakfast we will visit the village on the island where you will see how they Kuna live, learn about their culture and customs, and have the opportunity to buy Molas. After that we begin a 4 to 5 hour paddle 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 pleasant island somewhere along the way for lunch where after we’ll continue to today’s destination. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax in your hammock or play in the ocean. We provide a hammock for each of the participants.
March 12 -Today we break camp and paddle along sand cays and across open channels to the magical uninhabited white sand island of Sichirdup. This small island will be our home for the next 2 nights. The coral reef surrounding the island offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. Be sure to bring your snorkel and mask!
March 13 - Layovers are great!! This morning sleep-in, you do not need to pack your tent and your belongings, instead relax! At midmorning, we take a day trip to a local snorkeling spot and return in the afternoon for some hammock surfing.
March 14 - Today we set off on another amazing stretch of tropical sea kayaking to reach the Island of Bidirdup. The 3 or 4-hour paddle necessary to get there will have us initially island hopping and eventually making one open crossing. Bidirdup is a small island, perhaps the size of a football field, and has a native family as the only inhabitants and caretakers of the island. Great snorkeling here too when the conditions permit it!
March 15 - Early morning, we will leave our kayaks and hop on a motorboat and motor to the road access to meet our vehicle, which will drive us back to civilization (a.k.a. Panama City), where we should arrive by midafternoon. Once we get to your hotel you can relax until our last dinner together.
March 16 - 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.
March 9 - Today we discover the rich history and natural wonders of Panama on this private, immersive full-day tour. Start your day at the Miraflores Locks, where you’ll witness the marvel of engineering that powers the Panama Canal. Then set off on a scenic boat tour of Lake Gatun to Monkey Island, home to playful capuchins, howlers, and tamarins in their lush jungle habitat. Afterward, explore the ruins of Panama Viejo, the original 16th-century city, before wrapping up the day wandering the cobblestone streets and colorful plazas of Casco Viejo, Panama’s beautifully preserved colonial district—a perfect mix of culture, wildlife, and iconic landmarks.
March 10 - Early this morning right after breakfast, we’ll leave the city and cross the Continental Divide to San Blas (2.5 hour drive). You are now in the semi-autonomous territory of the Kuna (also spelled Guna) People; the remoteness of the location and authentic culture will give you the feel of a National Geographic expedition. From there we will hop into our support boat for a drive to our first island. The remainder of the day will be spent acclimating to the weather, setting up camp, and if time allows getting kayaks set up. In the evening we’ll have our first Kuna dish where after they’ll perform a local dance in the moonlight.
March 11 -This morning after breakfast we will visit the village on the island where you will see how they Kuna live, learn about their culture and customs, and have the opportunity to buy Molas. After that we begin a 4 to 5 hour paddle 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 pleasant island somewhere along the way for lunch where after we’ll continue to today’s destination. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax in your hammock or play in the ocean. We provide a hammock for each of the participants.
March 12 -Today we break camp and paddle along sand cays and across open channels to the magical uninhabited white sand island of Sichirdup. This small island will be our home for the next 2 nights. The coral reef surrounding the island offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. Be sure to bring your snorkel and mask!
March 13 - Layovers are great!! This morning sleep-in, you do not need to pack your tent and your belongings, instead relax! At midmorning, we take a day trip to a local snorkeling spot and return in the afternoon for some hammock surfing.
March 14 - Today we set off on another amazing stretch of tropical sea kayaking to reach the Island of Bidirdup. The 3 or 4-hour paddle necessary to get there will have us initially island hopping and eventually making one open crossing. Bidirdup is a small island, perhaps the size of a football field, and has a native family as the only inhabitants and caretakers of the island. Great snorkeling here too when the conditions permit it!
March 15 - Early morning, we will leave our kayaks and hop on a motorboat and motor to the road access to meet our vehicle, which will drive us back to civilization (a.k.a. Panama City), where we should arrive by midafternoon. Once we get to your hotel you can relax until our last dinner together.
March 16 - 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.
What's Included and Trip Cost
- Scott Locorini and a local as your guides
- Local Kuna guides (sea kayaking, boat captain, cook, etc)
- Support boat throughout the kayaking trip
- 3 nights hotel in Panama City
- 5 nights camping in the Guna Yala
- All meals once you arrive in Panama except for lunch on day 8
- All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary (including kayaks, tents,
- All transportation from arrival on day 1 through departure from Panama City on day 9
- $3995 per person - Share a room and save $250
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the tours. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us, call or text (315) 316-1125 with questions.