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Panama's varied terrain makes for a great variety of adventure experiences. On water, sea and land. With Panama's pristine nature and "paths less traveled", the offerings are world class.

Water Sports & Adventure

For water adventures try kayaking and whitewater rafting, sea kayaking and sailing, surfing and wind surfing. World experts like instructor John Miller of the USA Nantahala Outdoor Center, the largest kayaking school in the world, agree that the whitewater rafting and kayak river runs in Panama are the best in Central America.

Rafting

Many consider the Chiriqui Viejo River in Chiriqui Province one of the 10 best rivers in the world.

River Rafting and Kayaking, year around !

The Mamoni River, Class III-IV and the Pacora River, Class III, are located east of Panama City, in the Province of Panama, and are the closest white water fun from the city.
The Chagres River, Class II-III, located north east of Panama City, within Chagres National Park in the Province of Colon, promises an unmatch full day jungle expedition where 5-6 hours of rafting is an integral part of it.
Boqueron River, Class II, within Chagres National Park in the Province of Colón, is perfect for families with members of all ages.
The Rio Grande, Class II-III+ located at the Province of Cocle, runs though tropical dry forest and breathtaking granite rock cannyons.
Chiriqui Viejo River, Class III-V, located by Costa Rica Border in the Province of Chiriqui, is definetely the best available white water challenge with its uninterrupted rapids.
There isn't a better time to paddle but usually higher water level could be expected at October-November at the Peak of the rainy season and the lower water level could be expected at March-April by the end of the dry season.
River treks and gear are chosen depending on the time of the year and the skill of the paddler. While some rivers are operated year around they could be run in raft during high water and only in kayaks otherwise.
The best company for rafting, kayaking and adventure in Boquete and Chiriqui is Boquete Outdoor Adventures.

Expeditions and Sea Kayaking

Kuna Yala at the San Blas Archipelago, located at the north east of Panama offers 350 islands to paddle combining crystal clear water of the caribbean with the cultural inmersion of the Kuna People.
Las Perlas Archipelago in the Pacific, south east of Panama City, offers an incredible opportunity for humpback whale observation while they breed during the months of August-September.

The Amador Causeway, almost within the city, is the perfect place for a short trip with city and canal views.
The Chagres River, from Gatun Dam to the Atlantic Ocean is a three hour paddle full of surprises in different dimensions: engineering, conquistadores history, jungle etc.
Gatun and Madden Lakes, Panama Canal fresh water reservoirs offer opportunities to paddle nearby.

Family Fun Rafting

With Boquete Outdoor Adventures eight members of our family made the trip in one raft (steered by an on-board guide) along with two kayakers providing additional safety support. It was a thrilling day trip as exciting as any ride at Disney World and it lasted a lot longer. The trip lasted 4 hours of rafting, with a break in the middle for a riverside picnic lunch. We sometimes sped and sometimes drifted down the scenic river.
Boquete Outdoor Adventures has a perfect safety record and its guides make sure you have a really fun time.

More Challenging Rafting

Boquete Outdoor Adventures also has more challenging rafting adventures including "first ascent" adventures for experts.

Panama: A Yachtsman's Paradise

Many a yachtsman discover Panama on a trip around the world and never want to leave. They are especially enchanted with the 365 islands of the San Blas Archipelago, which they compare in beauty to that other favorite yacht destination, the Fiji Islands.

Mountain Adventure

For mountain adventure try mountain biking, rappelling, horseback riding overnight between mountain destinations.
We recommend Boquete Safari Tours in Boquete for easy horseback riding.

Jungle Adventure and Cross Isthmus Treks

For jungle adventure, Ancon Expeditions is the best. They offer cross isthmus treks through the same jungle the Spanish and Americans crossed when conquered the Isthmus for gold and canal building. You can also take extraordinary treks into the Darien jungle in East Panama, some of the most dense, untouched and nature rich areas in the world.