Boquete Outdoor Adventures

This is a 9 day trip with 6-7 days of paddling based in the Golfo de Chiriqui off the Pacific coast of the Chiriqui province in western Panama. We will spend 2 nights in hotels in Panama City at the beginning and end of the trip. The rest of the trip is camping or small hotels. This trip is designed for beginning paddlers. Instruction will be provided on paddling technique, self rescue, navigation, packing and other elements of expedition sea kayaking. Generally, we will not paddle long distances (4 to 6 miles per day) in order to have time to snorkel, hike, fish and relax on the beaches.

We run this trip during the dry season (December to April). During this time, the wind and swells are usually light on the Pacific side of Panama. We can run the trip during the rainy season as a custom trip. During the rainy season, the swell and wind are usually more challenging and we have heavy rains late in the day into the night.

The Parque Nacional Golfo de Chiriqui, founded in 1994, is a 14,740-hectare marine park that encompasses two dozen islands and their surrounding waters. The park is home to howler monkeys, leatherback and hawksbill turtles and has an abundance of bird life. The park is located off the Pacific coast of the Chiriqui province, not far from the major city of David. Although not terribly remote, the area is not heavily traveled. Once you are out in the islands, you may see an occasional fishing boat and may some motor boats, but generally we will have the islands to ourselves.

General Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday)

The trip begins with your arrival at the international airport in Panama City. We will meet you at the airport and transport you to a local hotel. Most flights arrive in late in the day. If you arrive early, we would be happy to arrange a tour of the Panama Canal or the ciry.

Day 2 (Sunday)

The next morning, we will fly to the city of David and then drive to the port of Boca Chica (about 1 hour). We will take a short motor boat ride to a small hotel on Isla Boca Brava. For our first day, we will instruct you on paddling technique, self rescue and packing your gear.

Day 3 (Monday)

The next day, we will head out for Isla Saino for our first camp site. The distance is very short and we will have plenty of time to practice the skills learned the day before and learn to do beach landings in the surf.

Day 4 (Tuesday)

From Saino, we will do our first crossing to Isla San Jose. This island is heavily forested and has good snorkeling off the beach.

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Today will be our most challenging paddle. If the winds and waves permit, we will paddle further out to Isla Bolaños where we will camp for two nights. This island has spectacular beaches and excellent coral reefs close to the beach.

Day 6 (Thursday)

This is an off day – perfect for lying in a hammock on the beach, snorkeling and exploring the island by foot. For those who still want to paddle, we can venture out around the island to check out other beaches.

Day 7 (Friday)

From Bolaños, we head back to Isla San Jose for our last night of camping.

Day 8 (Saturday)

We finish up our paddling back in Boca Chica. After cleaning gear and packing, we will drive to David (one hour) and catch a flight to Panama City. We will stay in a hotel in Panama City.

Day 9 (Sunday)

We deliver you to the international airport for your flight.