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TROPICAL CARIBBEAN SEA KAYAKING
Kuna law mandates that land belongs to and must be shared among the Kuna people as a whole. Consequently the rich rainforest thrives from the coast to the continental divide. Kuna Yala (Land of the Kuna) is the largest expanse of primary forest in Central America, and the rivers run clear and pure. Panama is famous for its biological diversity, with species diversity over distance greater than in the Amazon! Here there are over 1,000 species of birds, all 7 species of cats in the Americas, tapirs, manatee and other large mammals. Not to mention the spectacular flora.
Under special permissions and organized community managed sustainable tourism development frameworks, we'll use our stable sea kayaks to explore the islands West of the traditional community of Digir. It was here where several important actions of the Kuna revolution took place in 1925, resulting in law 16 of 1954 by the Republic of Panama that guarantees the Kuna their sovereignty and territorial boundaries. Our 6 day paddling journey will take us 60 - 80 miles through coral reefs in Kuna Yala that are among the best conserved in the Bio-geographic Coast of the North West Atlantic Ocean, the Central Caribbean Bioregion.
The region is home to many Kuna communities-some of which we will have the good fortune to visit. The cultural interaction on this journey is unprecedented. 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 community motorized dugout canoe (panga) that transports our water, food, and the much of the equipment. We'll paddle (winds and waves directing a bit) across channels, among distant archipelagoes, behind offshore sand cays and up crystal clear fresh water rivers. After more than a week as guests in the Comarca - you will be picked up by a small airplane and flown back to Panama City.
Most days, your paddling we'll take place in the morning, taking advantage of calmer seas and allowing time for exploration around the camps in the afternoons. At night we'll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the wind in the palms and waves washing the beach. For the more adventurous, you may choose to make your bed a hammock- Kuna style!
The 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 exploratory hikes-bring some good walking shoes to hike in.
Meet your guide and driver for an early morning 1-hour STOL flight across the Continental Divide to the community of Digir. Community welcome, meet with the village leaders and later become familiar with your boats. In the afternoon, we will have our first introduction to sea kayaking and a short paddle to the mainland rain forest to visit cemeteries and watch birds in the forest.
B, L, D Accommodations: Tent camping
The Kuna Kingdom / Kayaking Experience
- 3- 4 hours paddle to the uninhabited island of Diadup. The paddling includes two channel crossings - a good exciting start to the trip.
(B,L,D) Accommodation: Tent camping
days for paddling to an uninhabited island within the community managed marine protected area (3-4 hours). The paddling
includes two channel crossing.
(B, L, D) Tent camping
On this day, paddle back down to the offshore sand cays, and cross the Mangles channel to the magical white sand island of Sichirtupo. The surrounding reef and deep channel is glorious to explore. Trip to Rio Paloma and primary forest walk up the river. A good 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) Accommodation: Tent camping
3 hours paddle exploring mangrove habitats, ending up at the islad of Bidirdup. This is a great place for snorkeling among the spectacular coral reefs.
(B,L,D) Accommodation: Tent camping
Today you will paddle and explore the outer archipelago.
(B,L,D) Accommodation: Tent camping
Early morning flight with STOL plane to Panama City. Afternoon free. Lunch is on your own. In the evening you'll celebrate the success of your Kuna experience at a fine restaurant in the Old Town.
(B,D) Hotel
Transfer to airport and flight back home
(B)
To make this an enjoyable trip you must be in fairly good shape and health. Kayaking with the Kuna is designed for flexible, active, energetic, and positive people who have sense for the spirit of adventure. This trip is for intermediate and experienced paddlers. Beginners who have had experience paddling for a couple of days in a row and are in good shape and health are also welcomed. During the days we will paddle for three to six hours with some rest stops. Normally the paddling is moderately strenuous, but if the winds begin to pick up, short strenuous paddling can be expected to get to a calmer area. The hikes are moderate (optional) that go along easy paths or riverbeds.
If you would like to de a pre-trip fitness plan, we recommend moderate aerobic activities for at least 30 minutes a session three times a week for two months before you leave. Also you should concentrate on physical exercises that work on the abdomen, lower and upper back muscles, and the shoulder muscles. The better physical condition you are in better you will enjoy your kayaking vacation. We recommend that you check with your doctor before beginning a new fitness program. All participants must sign a Waiver and Release Form before the trip begins.
