Panama’s San Blas Archipelago
International Journeys > Panama
San Blas Archipelago, Panama
8-Days
December 2008
Approx.Pricing: $1725 (exact pricing tba)
Sea Kayaking to the Rarely Visited Kuna Yala Nation – the Comarca de Kuna Yala :
- easy to moderate tropical climate sea kayaking
- jungle day hikes
- 2 nights in hotels
- 1 night in indigenous lodge
- 5 nights camping
The Kuna people have succeeded in keeping their islands undisturbed by Western tourism and development and have kept their culture strong. We have obtained special permissions from local sailas (chiefs) to paddle this protected archipelago, providing you the opportunity to experience the spectacular Caribbean coast and their indigenous habitants, the Kuna.
We’ll explore the islands West of the community of Tigre. This 8 day paddling journey will take us 60-80 miles through coral reefs in Kuna Yala. The picture perfect islands and jungle coastlines beg for closer inspection by kayak exploration. One hundred land mammal species (including the endangered spectacled bear), 30 reptile species, and 440 bird species inhabit this area.
It’s an experience like no other in the world – and this is the only trip permitted by the Kuna for such an intimate experience of their homeland. We will be accompanied by a small local motor boat (panga) that transports our water and food.
The
picture perfect islands and primary jungle coastlines beg for closer
inspection by kayak exploration. One hundred land mammal species (including
the 200kg endangered spectacled bear), 30 reptile species, and 440
bird species inhabit this area. The vast expanses of undisturbed forests
make up the major portion of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor on
the isthmus.
Most days, our paddling will take place in the morning, taking advantage of calmer seas and allowing time for exploration around the camps in the afternoons. Our itinerary will remain flexible, to take into account weather conditions, currents and tides,and we expect an occasional non-paddling day to provide ample opportunity for exploratoryhikes- bring some good walking shoes to hike in.
Sample Panama Itinerary
Day 1 - Flight from the US to Panama City. Meet guide and driver
and transfer to Hotel.
Dinner (D)...Accommodations: Hotel
Day 2 - Early morning 1 hour STOL flight across the Continental
Divide to Isla Tigre. We meet the community and later become familiar
with our boats. In the afternoon, we paddle to the mainland rain forest
to visit cemeteries and bird watch.
B, L, D...Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 3 - 3-4 hours paddle to the uninhabited island of Esnatupile.
The paddling includes two channel crossings - a good exciting start
to the trip.
B, L, D...Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 4 - Today we’ll paddle and explore the outer archipelago.
This area has been identified as one of the ‘hot spot’ areas of marine
diversity among the reefs of Kuna Yala. This is a great place for snorkeling
among the spectacular coral reefs.
B, L, D...Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 5 - On this day we will paddle back down to the offshore
sand cays, and cross the Mangles channel to the magical white sand
island of Sichirtupo. The small island hosts a small research program
operated by Kuna biologists. The surrounding reef and deep channel
is glorious to explore.
B, L, D...Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 6 - All day trip to Rio Paloma and primary forest walk
up the river. A opportunity to wash in the fresh clean river water
and spot crocs, giant river otters, toucans, birds of prey, monkeys,
and possibly tapirs!
B, L, D...Accommodations: Tent camping
Day 7 - Tubasaniket. 4-5 hours paddle exploring mangrove habitats,
ending up at the indigenous operated lodge on the tiny Island of Kuanidup.
Optional evening visit to traditional community of Mormaquedup.
B, L, D...Accommodations: Kuanidup Lodge
Day 8 - Early morning flight with STOL plane to Panama City.
Afternoon free. Lunch is on your own. In the evening we celebrate the
success of our Kuna experience at a fine restaurant in the Old Town.
B, D...Accomodations: Hotel
Day 9 - Transfer to airport and flight home.
What’s included?
- expert leadership and support personnel
- all accommodations as noted
- daily meals
- all kayaking gear and safety equipment
- group airport transfers
- sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
- ground transportation
What’s not included?
- international and domestic airfare (U.S./Puerto Montt r/t)
- insurance of any kind
- visas
- excess baggage charges
- airport taxes
- cost of medical immunizations
- items of personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snack foods, laundry, ect.)
