Panama
Catalina / Coiba Island 8 day / 8 night Surf / Kayak Adventure
http://wildernessadventures.ca/PanamaKayak-Surf-FishingAdventures.htm
1-866-383-9453
email: adventurescanada@yahoo.ca
Join us to enjoy some fun in the sun and learn how to surf in one of Panama’s most beautiful surf destinations, Santa Catalina. Come with your friends and partake in the Surf Camp. Including the nice beach break surfing and yoga, you will also enjoy other activities such as volleyball, beach combing, relaxing and socializing amongst the town. Complete the day with some more fun around a night fire or star gazing. Then we head out to the world renowned Coiba Island Nation Park for 6 days of kayaking, snorkeling, beach camping and hiking the island which is being called the Galapagos of Panama.
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Duration:
8 Days / 8 Nights Activities Accommodations
Trip Fee: $1269.00 CAD** (plus 5% Panama tax) |
**Posted price is based on having 4 or more participants for the trip. Custom dates for any adventure trip may be available for 2 to 3 participants at an additional $150.00 pp. Please call for the possibilities of trip dates not posted here. We may already have another person or 2 requesting a custom trip date that you can join.
The Setting...
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Parque Nacional COIBA encompasses over 2,700 square kilometers of islands, forests, beaches, mangroves and coral reefs. Spanning over 430 000 hectares in total, Coiba is one of the world’s largest marine parks. Among the spectacular marine and terrestrial environments within the Parque is the largest uninhabited tropical forested island in the Americas measuring 242 hectares. Isla Coiba and the surrounding area was declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 2004. This area is a Mecca for exploratory enthusiasts. Its remote location provides untouched rainforest ecology with endemic species on Central America’s largest island. You may be awoken in the morning by Howler Monkeys or the call of a Scarlet MacCaw in the trees surrounding our campsite. You will be exposed to a variety of species of flora and fauna. We believe in taking small groups out to this pristine environment. This area has been visited by very few to date and we wish to have minimal impact with our visitations. We use self propelled kayaks because we want to maintain the natural beauty of Coiba and these quiet vessels allow for great, relatively non-intrusive wildlife viewing. Camping also allows for a minimal footprint with optimal viewing opportunities. A large part of the fee you are charged goes back into the Panamanian Park System and to local families through boat captains, guides, restaurants and other services. |
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With a profound respect for the rich and diverse environments that we visit, our guided trips and excursions combine great people, great food and great places. The experience will include a focus on skill acquisition, the natural history of the area, cultural awareness, and a whole lot of fun and exploration. |
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Coiba Island and the surrounding waters are an extraordinary repository of biological wealth as eighty-five percent of Coiba’s jungle serves as a haven for birds and mammals found nowhere else on Earth. It is a refuge for 150 bird species, including 21 endemic species and rare birds such as the Crested Eagle and the Scarlet Macaw which have all but disappeared from the rest of Panama. There are a total of 36 species of mammals many of which are unique to the Parque such as the Coiba Island Agouti and the Mantled Howler Monkey; the latter is considered to be at high risk of extinction. The main forest types on Coiba Island are tropical moist forest, very moist premontane forests, and mangrove. Remarkably, most of the interior of Coiba Island is still unexplored botanically. |
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Equally incredible are the marine ecosystems of the area. The reef of Bahia Damas, the second largest reef in the Central Eastern Pacific, covers an expanse of 160 hectares and is known for its clarity. Here you can snorkel and/or dive and be witness to many species of rare Eastern Pacific coral. Some of the sea life found in these waters includes orcas, dolphins, whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, large schools of pelagic fish, barracudas, three kinds of marlin, moray eels, white-tip and tiger sharks. Sea turtles are observed often and some of the white sand beaches are used for nesting between April and September. Visibility can be unpredictable,
but even on “bad” days one is likely to see a variety
of impressive creatures. In short, Coiba offers secluded white sand beaches, a great underworld, tons of wild life, hikes along jungle trails, an old eerie penal colony, remote surf breaks, and fresh water rivers. Coiba is one of the greatest remaining natural treasures in Panama and a haven for us to explore.
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Typical Daily Itinerary:
Day 1:
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Surf your heart out on the great learning beach break of Playa Estero. Forgiving waves and the sand bottom make this beach ideal for learners, as well as a playground for those looking to improve their surfing skills. Break your day up with some rest and relaxation and hearty meals that will keep your surf strength up throughout the day!
Accommodations: (Tiki Hut overlooking the beach*) Meals: B, L, D |
Day 2:
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Surf the beach or perhaps venture out to one of the many point breaks in and around Santa Catalina. Break the day up with a coastal sea kayak, some hammock surfing, or a walk into town to meet some of the locals.
Accommodations: (Tiki Hut overlooking the beach*) Meals: B, L, D |
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Day 3 - 6:
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Explore by kayak secluded beaches, wildlife filled bays and snorkel species rich reefs and rock out croppings. Opportunities to visit Isla Rancheria and learn about the Smithsonian Institute and their important studies; kayak to Granito de Oro and snorkel among the diverse species including turtles, sharks, rays and parrot fish; explore Mango beach and visit with the howler monkeys, black hawks and osprey. We will also work on teaching proper stroke techniques and skill improvements. Our camp is often visited by capuchin monkeys, agoutis, kingfishers, honeycreepers, hummingbirds and herons. |
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| Accommodations: (Secluded bay beach camping ) Meals: B, L,D |
Day 7:
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We take this last morning at our campsite slowly…. Soaking up the majestic beauty that has provided us home and shelter and countless wonder. After lunch we paddle to the ANAM station and check in to our Cananas. Then embark on a late afternoon hike for an hour or so searching for birds and wildlife. Enjoy our last evening amongst the guests at the station including the resident crocodile named Tito! Other activities include swimming, volleyball, and sometimes a soccer match. |
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Accommodations: ANAM Station - basic rooms with electricity, showers and A/C until 10 pm Meals: B, L,D |
Day 8:
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Depart the ANAM station via an early boat launch with local captain to view the Penal Colony and share tales of this storied jail either by boat or tour by foot (dependent on the tides and conditions). Travel by boat back to Santa Catalina for a delicious lunch at one of the locally owned restaurants. Meals: B,L, |
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Accommodation...
While in Santa Catalina the supplied accommodations are Tiki Huts
overlooking the ocean and on Coiba Island we supply comfortable 3 person
tents (2 participants per tent) for beach camping. On our last night we
will be staying in Cabanas at the ANAM station which have Air Conditioning,
and electricity and showers.
*For those who don't like the idea of beach camping or Tiki Huts we can upgrade you to a Cabana in Santa Catalina or on Coiba Island for around $10.00 per day.
What's Included...
1. Lodging, meals as specified
in the itinerary
2. Unlimited use of our Equipment (surf boards and kayaks)
3. Use of waterproof dry bags during kayak trip
4. Water transportation to and from Isla Coiba
5. Professional Guiding Services (both North American Leaders and Panama
Guides)
6. Park and related entrance fees
7. Kayak, paddle, spray skirt, PDF, dry bag, tents, camping equipment
and dishes etc.
What's Not Included...
1. International airfare, transportation
to and from Santa Catalina
2. Extra costs due to late Arrivals, lost baggage and other circumstances
beyond our control.
3. Tourist card ($5 per person)
4. Panama City or Santa Catalina hotels (other than what is specified
in the itinerary)
5. Meals not specified in the itinerary
6. Alcoholic beverages
7. Personal Equipment
8. Gratuities for guides and extras in hotels
Diving:
We can arrange dives before or after you kayak trip from our base in Catalina. A two tank dive starts around $65.00 pp.
Santa Catalina is the gateway to incredible scuba-diving. Be it local dives or diving Coiba National Park you are guaranteed to see amazing amounts of fish . there are two dive operations in Santa Catalina , that can give you the diving experience of your life. You have never experience diving before? Well, they will be happy to give you a PADI certification at one of the best rates you can find.
Fishing:
Basic fishing gear rentals available for Surf & Kayak Adventures from our base in Catalina.
The Fishing Charter boats out of Catalina who will take you out to fish at around $50.00 per hour. We can help you set up a fishing trip before or after your trip from our base in Santa Catalina.
You are more than welcome to fish on the kayak trip, so bring your gear along!
The name Panama for the Indians means "abundance of fish", so Santa Catalina is the right place for a fishing trip. The area around Santa Catalina and Coiba National Park are excellent fishing places. You can catch big yellow-fin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado , Spanish Mackerel, Jack, Rooster fish and many others. There is also the "Hannibal bank", an off-shore underwater bank that is paradise for big-game fishing. Record size Sail Fish and Marlin are also possible. If you prefer bottom fishing the charters can also show you where to catch Snapper, Grouper and many other species. If you do not have your gear the charter companies can arrange it.
Getting to Panama :
There are many international Airlines that fly to Panama City. Perhaps the best way to choose the best one and price would be to search websites like: Expedia or Fly.com
Expedia: website: expedia.com expedia.com
Fly.com: website: www.fly.com
American Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-433-7300 website: aa.com
Continental Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-523-3273 web site: continental.com
Delta Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-241-4141 website: delta.com
North West Airlines: Toll Free: 1-800-225-2525 website: nwa.com
Air Canada: Toll Free: 1-888-247-2262 website: aircanada.com
United Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-421-4655 website: united.com
British Airways: Toll Free: 1-800-403-0882 (USA) 0870 850 9 850 (UK) website: britishairways.com
KLM Airlines: Phone: 44 (0) 871 231 0000 website: klm.com
Air France: website: airfrance.com
Iberia: website: iberia.com
Lodging in Panama City
Here are just a few options
that guests have stayed at and recommend. Those that offer airport pick
up/drop off are marked accordingly.
Budget
Mamallena: website: mamallena.com
phone: 6538.9745 Area: El Cangrejo on Maria Icaza
Basic Accommodations. Dorm or private rooms available. Wireless Internet
Hotel Marparaiso: website: hostels.com/PanamaCity
phone: 227.6767 Area: Caledonia. Calle 34 Este
Free airport pick up/drop off. Basic Accomodations with hot water, A/C
and satellite TV
Luna’s Castle website:
lunascastlehostel.com
phone: 262.1540 Area: Casco Viejo
Backpacker hostel in an old colonial mansion. Dorm style and private rooms
available. Includes breakfast.
Mid Range
Hotel Costa Inn website: hotelcostainn.com
phone: 227.1522 Area: Av Peru/Calle 39 Este
Free airport pick up/drop off. Basic accommodations with upscale amenities
including a gym and pool. Includes breakfast.
Hotel Roma Plaza website: hotelromaplaza.com
phone: 227.3844 Area: Av Justo Arosemana at Calle 33
Airport pick up/drop off can be arranged at an expense. 24 hour restaurant
and bar in the hotel. Roof top pool. Affordable Buffet Breakfast served
daily.
Vegas Suites – website: lasvegaspanama.com
phone: 300.2020 Area: El Cangrejo
Located in one of the most modern and safe areas in Panama City. Las Vegas
Hotel Suites is a short walking distance from a splendid variety of activities,
including the financial and banking district, shopping centers and restaurants.
Top End
Country Inn and Suites website: panamacanalcountry.com/amador/HotelInfo.html
phone: 211.4500 Area: on the Amador Canal. Watch the ships en route through
the Panama Canal as they glide through the water past your balcony. Beautiful
rooms and suites. Poolside buffet breakfast included. Airport pick up/drop
off can be arranged at an expense.
Miramar Intercontinental website: miramarapanama.com
phone: 214.1000 Area: Av Balboa
Gorgeous guest rooms with all the amenities of home. Look out your window
to overlook the Panama Bay, or face the mirrored towers of the financial
district. Airport pick up/drop off can be arranged at an expense.
Getting to Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is about an hour and a half drive South Southwest from Santiago. Whether you are coming from Panama City or David, you will travel through Santiago.
There are 4 flights daily to David (DAV) from Panama City. Please see Areoperlas Regional Airlines aeroperlas.com/eng/par/iti/itimyitiaero.asp?hd=6 or TACA Regional Airlines tacaregional.com
Santa Catalina is a five to six hour drive from Panama City's Tocumen International Airport and a four to five hour drive from David. The roads have recently been paved up to the edge of Santa Catalina, making 4 wheel drive no longer a requirement.
If you are driving to Santa Catalina, the most difficult part is making the correct turns in Santiago. The guide books are inaccurate and signage is poor off of the Transamerica highway. For the best information available, see the Santa Catalina Beach website http://www.santacatalinabeach.com/transport.html . It includes pictures of the signs and landmarks for the turns.
Using public transportation, buses can be taken from Panama City or David to Santiago. In Santiago, change to the bus to Soná. In Soná, catch the Santa Catalina bus.
Lodging in Santa Catalina
The places to stay in Santa Catalina are a collection of surf camps, hostels and cabanas which are quite simple for the most part. Prices can range from $5 per night for camping to around $60 per night for some of the fancier options.
A selection of good accommodations for Santa Catalina can be found at this wesite: http://www.santacatalinabeach.com/stay.html#ranchoestero
Still have questions? Please give us a call toll free in North America at: 1-866-383-9453 or email us at adventurescanada@yahoo.ca
*Prices and itineraries subject to change without notice