Across the Istmus "Coastal Journey"

ITINERARY OUTLINE

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY
DAY 2 PANAMA CITY TOUR (CITIES OF 1500'S /1800'S) AND PANAMA CANAL
DAY 3 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE HOTEL
DAY 4 PLAYA BLANCA  ALL INCLUSIVE HOTEL
DAY 5 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSUVE HOTEL 
DAY 6  PLAYA BLANCA TO SANTA CATALINA
DAY 7 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE SURF LESSON 101
DAY 8 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE COIBA DAY TRIP
DAY 9 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE RELAXATION
DAY 10 CATALINA DEPARTURE PACIFIC TO ATLANTIC JOURNEY
DAY 11 CARIBBEAN COAST RELAXATION
DAY 12 CARIBBEAN HISTORICAL SITE VISIT
DAY 13 CARIBBEAN BOAT ADVENTURE (SECLUDED SANDY BEACH)
DAY 14 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
(ADMISSION COSTS INCLUDED)





PANAMA CITY:  overview of Historical Sites, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, Banking district. Panama Canal Visitor Center and shopping as a second largest trade zone of the world.
 
PLAYA BLANCA: all inclusive hotel enjoy all you can eat, drink and relaxation. Complementary activitites are offered such as snorkeling, fishing, sunset sailing and more!

SANTA CATALINA: world heritage site Isla Coiba visit, surf lesson 101, best sunset house in Panama!

CARIBBEAN COAST: Zip Line Tour , Historical site of Portobelo, private crystal clear water beach.

“ACROSS THE ISTHMUS COASTAL JOURNEY”

DAY 1 PANAMA CITY ARRIVAL

Once you arrive the Republic of Panama you will be met by a host and private vehicle at the International Airport of Panama and taken to a Panama City Hotel.

DAY 2 PANAMA CITY TOUR AND CANAL VISIT

This morning we will leave the Panama City Hotel to enjoy an Panama City Tour through one of Panama’s most unique tourism sectors. The tour will start at Panama la Vieja founded in 1519, the first city and Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean. This was the capital of  "Catilla de oro" and center of operations for the conquest of South America. Next the group will explore the Casco Viejo a colonial area that represent the second Panama City, characterized by its spectacular architecture. A joyful Guided Walking Tour, which will include the Paseo de las Bovedas; the Plaza de Independencia; the Catedral; the Palacio Municipal; The San Juan Church, with its stuning golden Altar; the Arco Chato; the Convenio de Santo Domingo,  home of the religious artifact museum; the Plaza de Francia, and Plaza Bolivar, home to the National Theater, San Francisco de Asis Church and some newly renovated colonial homes. At 12 mid day the group will stop at a traditional Panamanian restaurant for lunch! after lunch, the group will be taken to the Panama Canal Visitor Center in order to experience the Lock System and transit of large merchant ships for that afternoon.

 

DAY 3 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

A 2 hour ride heading up north bordering the Pacific Coast of Panama will now take place until we meet the Playa Blanca beach resort. On the way we will pass by colorful towns, cattle farms and new beach developments that will capture your attention. Flexibility is always present in our rides in case anyone wants to buy something, eat or use the bathroom. Being in Playa Blanca can only mean one thing "No stress". The Playa Blanca offers an all inclusive system that allows you to eat, drink and enjoy as much as you want. The hotel has an amazing beachfront swimming pool surrounded by tables of food and drinks. Furthermore, you might want to join activities such as swimming pool animated shows and others.

DAY 4 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

Is your fourth day at Playa Blanca! you are not done with "ALL YOU CAN TAKE" system and might want to join a fishing trip, snorkeling or jump into one of the biggest swimming pools in the world!


DAY 5 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE. 

Its another day at Playa Blanca! You are free to eat, relax, play golf or or simply relax under one of the palapa houses overlooking the beach.



DAY 6 PLAYA BLANCA TO SANTA CATALINA

After breakfast a vehicle will be waiting for the group at the lobby. A 2.5 hour ride will take place to meet the town of Santa Catalina. Small but sharmming is the beachfront house that will be waiting for you overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a cliff. Get served on the deck that faces an amazing sunset over Santa Catalina Island!
Since you will be staying in one of the best if not the best house in Catalina's coast line you are free to explore the sites or simply relax on a hammock or seat overlooking the beach. A five minute walk and to the left of the house and you will be on a long peaceful bay.


DAY 7 . SURF LESSON 101

After some fruits, coffee and the breakfast of your choice from the menu, you will be met by a local surf instructor. He will have a surfboard ready for your first surf lesson on a sand bottom friendly surf break of Estero Beach. We are sure that riding a wave for the first time is a memorable experience!


DAY 8 COIBA ISLAND DAY TRIP

Coiba is a world heritage site and today you will see why. The Island is the second largest of the Republic of Panama. Moreover, it was a penal colony surrounded by primary forrest, monkeys, crocodrilles, humpback whales, colorful fish and best of all warm water crystal clear golden sand beaches!


DAY 9 CATALINA BEACHFRONT RELAXATION

Since you will be staying in the best location throughout Santa Catalina's coast line you might want to observe the stunning views of the Pacific ocean. In case anyone needs other activities such as horse back riding or trail exploration you will be in good hands of our hosts at the beachfront accommodation.


DAY 10 PACIFIC TO ATLANTIC OCEAN JOURNEY

Once you have eaten breakfast and packed up you will experience a journey that not many people will ever experience. Your private vehicle and guide will take you across the Isthmus of Panama from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean! It takes about 5 to 6 hours to get from Catalina to the Caribbean. Moreover, you will through a brand new highway and will see a change in vegetation, ocean color and culture once you are on once side or the other.

DAY 11 CARIBBEAN COAST TROPICAL RELAXATION

The chosen hotel is right in front of "Drake Island". A private dock laying on a few feet of crystal clear water will welcome you with hammocks. Strategically, this spot will offer the option of Caribbean reef snorkeling (strongly recommended) and historical site visits. Its important to mention that the food offered is a unique aspect of the Panamanian Caribbean culture that you will not find anywhere else in Panama. Opened to eat seafood? This is the place!

DAY 12 ZIP LINE / PORTOBELLO HISTORICAL SITE VISIT

While ultimately each traveler knows best what kind of adventure they seek, we strive to offer a balanced experience for those who desire an ecological experience with a little bit of adrenaline! Along with the second largest zip line course in all of Panama – 9 cables and 10 platforms – we also offer a dense jungle canopy and environment complete with the wildlife it supports. This is a perfect activity for nature and friendly thrill-seekers!

Portobello was officially founded on March 20th, 1597 by Francisco de Valverde y Mercado. This place was selected as the perfect spot to set up a port for the trade routes between Peru and Spain due to its topography and harbor conditions. An estimated more than 60% of the wealth from South America going to Europe passed through this port. Due to the great quantities of wealth in gold and silver that would pass through this port, it was fortified heavily to stand against attacks by Pirates. This heavy fortification has left us with some of the most beautiful and interesting ruins in Central America

DAY 13 BOAT ADVENTURE

The sunrise is on the East and the sunset on the West, keep in mind that Panama's Pacific Ocean is SW and Atlantic is NE meaning "If you are in Colon, you might experience and interesting sunrise". Once the group has eaten breakfast, you will be taken on a boat trip! A panga boat will lead you through out the Portobello bay and some of its secluded golden sand beaches.

DAY 14 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

Our enjoyable rewarding tour will come to an end as our tour guide accompanies the group to the airport for the return flight home.

Caribbean Irei 8 Day

ITINERARY OUTLINE

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY
DAY 2 MORNING TRANSFER TO ISLA GRANDE AND INTRO
DAY 3 NEARBY VILLAGE TOUR, EAT, DRINK, RELAX
DAY 4 SNORKELING, EAT, DRINK, RELAX
DAY 5 MANGROVE TOUR, EAT, DRINK, RELAX
DAY 6 LIGHTHOUSE AND LOCALS, DRINK, RELAX
DAY 7 EXPLORE, EAT, DRINK, RELAX
DAY 8 MORNING TRANSFER TO PANAMA CITY AND INTL AIRPORT.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
(ADMISSION COSTS INCLUDED)

PANAMA CANAL AND CITY : As you arrive we will give you the overview of Historical Sites, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, Banking district. Panama Canal Visitor Center and shopping in the second largest trade zone of the world.

COLON CITY: Panama’s second largest City and it’s located on the northern “Atlantic Coast” at 1 hr drive from Panama City. Places like the Free Trade Zone, Portobello and other areas of Colon are places rich in interesting colonial history and Caribbean sights.

“ISLA GRANDE IREI”

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY (1 NIGHT)

You will be met at the airport by our tour manager/guide, where we will board our own private coach and transfer to our hotel in Panama City. Soon after your accommodation is set, you will get the overview tour of Panama City's historical areas and Panama Canal. 

 
DAY 2 PANAMA - ISLA GRANDE
 
This morning we will leave the Panama City Hotel to take a 2 hour ride to Caribbean Isla Grande.You will be hosted on a private vehicle in order to enter the accommodations and hotel logistics. Within the hotel accommodations you will have flexibility to eat, drink, beach volleyball, soccer, ping pong billiard or simply relax in front of the ocean front accommodations. It is important to mention that on the way out you will have flexibility to observe a historical fort of Portobello.


DAY 3 ISLA GRANDE

After breakfast, you and your group will meet a Panga boat in order to get transported around the colorful villages of the Caribbean coast such as La Guaira, Jose Pobre and Juan Gallego. These villages are structured by an Afro Antillean Caribbean culture.


DAY 4 ISLA GRANDE

Since the accommodations are located within a National Park you can expect an amazing flora, colorful reefs that surround the Island's coast. The crystal clear waters allow to practice snorkeling right in front of the accommodations!


DAY 5 ISLA GRANDE

 A boat ride will now take our group to an amazing mangrove tunnel ride! You will be able to see golden sand Islands and interesting marinas surrounded by sailboats that will usually greet you. Dolphins and turtles are occasionally seen around the area.

DAY 6 ISLA GRANDE 

On this sixth day, our group will meet the local town! You will take a guided tour through the tropical lush forest in order to get to famous light house. This light house was used in order to guide vessels into the Panama Canal and also located by the foundation of an old Anti-Aerial defense canons during II World War.


DAY 7 ISLA GRANDE 

On this seventh day is perfect for relaxation on your hammock or sun bathe on the white sand beach. You will be free to walk around town or any other interesting place you saw in the previous explorations.

DAY 8 DEPARTING TO PANAMA CITY

Our enjoyable rewarding tour will come to an end as our tour guide accompanies the group to the airport for the return flight home.

What is Included:

* All transportation by private, air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary
* Assistance of boat transportation as per the itinerary
* Hotel accommodations as per itinerary (2 rooms at all times)
* All admissions, activities and excursions as per the itinerary
* Services of a full time manager.

This Does Not Include:

* Personal beverages and meals unless specified
* International Airfare
* Visas (if required)
* Gratuities
* Travel insurance

Chiriqui Surf / Fising 7 Days

ITINERARY OUTLINE

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY
DAY 2 CHIRIQUI SURF / FISHING
DAY 3 CHIRIQUI SURF / FISHING
DAY 4 CHRIQUI SURF / FISHING
DAY 5 CHIRIQUI SURF / FISHING 
DAY 6  CHIRIQUI SURF / FISHING
DAY 7 PANAMA DEPARTURE


TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

PANAMA CITY:  overview of Historical Sites, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, Banking district and Panama Canal.


CHIRIQUI: surfing some of the most perfect warm water uncrowded waves in Panama. Impressive tropical environment of migratory birds such as toucans and parrots. World Class fishing opportunities the local way "panga boat". Private Chef service while staying in the accommodation. 

 “CHIRIQUI SURF AND FISH FEST”

DAY 1 PANAMA CITY ARRIVAL

Once you arrive the Republic of Panama you will be met by a surf host and private vehicle at the International Airport of Panama and taken to a Panama City Hotel.

DAY 2 CHIRIQUI DRIVE 
 
Early this morning we will meet the group in one of our transportation vehicles. Our drive is about 3.5 hours to get to the accommodations offered. Along the way we will see new beach developments that involve malls, golf courses, cattle farms and other colorful old towns. We will settle our stuff in the hotel and head out directly to surf.

 
DAY 3 CHIRIQUI SURF AND FISH FEST 


After a great breakfast (fruits, coffee, etc). We will take another boat ride along the river down to the gulf and will pick the best surf break of choice.  For the surf trips that involve non surfers, there are two options; The first option is leaving the the non surfers safely in the hotel for relaxation. They might want to do some kayaking in the river, horse back riding, walk trails, feed the cattle or simply have a few drinks and meals. In case there are more adventurous members, they can always take snorkeling gear and picnic on a sandy beach while the surfers rip some Panamanian swell.  Depending on your Panama Surf Trip season you might experience seeing some whales. The whale season is during July and August.

DAY 4 CHIRIQUI SURF AND FISH FEST 



The accommodations I chose for this trip is located bordering river which would be the main access to the ocean and Chiriqui surf breaks. The river / mangroves are hosting migratory birds making it a bit interesting and peaceful for some people. Accommodations offer the best personalized service in the surf spot region. The owner has given character with hammocks, a clean environment and even antique Spanish treasures. Moreover, he is a master chef who will take care of your since you arrive. His dishes are amazing and the surroundings are also very relaxing and flexible.

DAY 5 CHIRIQUI SURF AND FISH FEST


The fairy tale repeats again! Good breakfast is served with top quality coffee or tea. Your boat will be waiting one more time and ready to demonstrate that you are now more confident to the Chiriqui surf experience. For the ones staying wish them great luck in their activities and for the ones surfing the same.

DAY 6 CHIRIQUI SURF AND FISH FEST 

Dejavu! been there done that... We know where we want to go surf today and make the best out of it as its the last day of the surf fish fest in Chiriqui.  I am sure you might want to get pitted!


DAY 7 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

Our enjoyable rewarding surf tour will come to an end as our tour guide accompanies the group to the airport for the return flight home. A 4 hour ride will take us directly to the International Airport for departure.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

- Private transfer from International Airport to Panama City Hotel
- Private transfer from Panama City to Chiriqui (4 hours)
- Private Clean Rooms
- Daily surf trip by Panga Boat
- Access to Kayaks and other activities
- Service of a private chef a la carta
- Private transfer from Chiriqui to Panama City and Intl Airport
- Full time Surf Guide

San Blas Islands 6 Day Tribal Paradise

ITINERARY OUTLINE

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY INTRO TOUR - CITIES AND CANAL
DAY 2 SAN BLAS PANAMA DENSE JUNGLE DRIVE FROM PANAMA CITY
DAY 3 SAN BLAS ISLANDS RELAXATION, SNORKEL, SWIM, EAT, RELAX.
DAY 4 CULTURAL BOAT TOUR AROUND SAN BLAS COMMUNITIES AND EXOTIC AREAS.
DAY 5 SAN BLAS ISLANDS RELAXATION FLEXIBLE DAY
DAY 6 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
(ADMISSION COSTS INCLUDED)

PANAMA CITY:  overview of Historical Sites, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, Banking district. Panama Canal Visitor Center and shopping as a second largest trade zone of the world.
SAN BLAS ISLANDS: exotic paradise Island archipelago, amazing snorkeling, strong cultural content.

Day 1: Arrive to Panama City, private transfer to a Panama City Hotel - Intro tour of Panama City (drive around the 3 cities of Panama and the Canal).
Day 2: Early morning private transfer to the San Blas Islands by land. A 3.5 hour ride to the coast and 1 hour boat ride that will take you first on a mangrove river full of tropical views and then in the blue Caribbean waters to the Island. You will see the Primary forrest of the Darien and San Blas region. Exotic birds, maybe some monkeys and views to the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3: Enjoy paradise, eat, drink relax. Your hotel is a private San Blas Island surrounded by white powder sand. The waters are blue and giving views of other docens of tiny sandy islands that you can actually snorkel or swim to.
Day 4: Tour, lunch, relax. This day a private boat will be waiting after breakfast to transport you to the communities and other interesting spots. You will walk around the tiny bamboo huts that create a whole city of hundreds of them!
Day 5: Another day in Paradise! Lobster, crab and other culinary offerings will be at your disposition. Lay back, enjoy a few drinks and swim in the tranquil waters of Kuna Yala!
Day 6: Domestic flight back to Panama City and private transfer to International Airport.
Please let me know if this sounds good in order to make a formal quote and send it to you with pictures of each area.

What is Included?

- Private Transportation from International Airport to Panama City

- Hotel in Panama City

- Private Transportation from Panama City to the San Blas Islands by land (4x4 in

perfect shape, ac, radio, etc).

- Boat Ride to San Blas lodge.

- Accommodations at the lodge

- Boat tour in the San Blas Islands

- Boat Ride to the San Blas Island's Airport

- Airfare tickets from San Blas Islands to Panama City

- Private transportation from Domestic Airport to Internationa

Santa Catalina Hotel Special

The best place to stay in Santa Catalina is a private 4 room lodge overlooking the surf break. As you will see in the attachment the house offers amazing views of the surf break and sunset. Among any place in Santa Catalina and all my years going there, I can guarantee this is the only place overlooking the surf break that will offer;

- High Quality Mattresses , Sheets and Pillows (Great after a memorable surf session).
- Clean Room with AC and comfortable bathrooms (Every other hotel of the 4 main break options is not clean enough and offers poor service)
- Customer Service (There will always be someone to take care of your needs - Food and other travel arrangements such as fishing and surfing Coiba)
- A formal catering menu with pricing
- Access to a Panga Boat (Picture attached) with good engine, fish finder and GPS to take trips to Coiba Island and Cebaco Island. Optional. 

  The reason why its so important to overlook the wave is because Panama has 20 ft tides which means if you are not there at the right time (when rocks are covered) someone will be there before you. Catalina is a very powerful wave and its always good to understand how it breaks and what is the best tide to go in. Furthermore, the house is right on the entrance of the channel where people paddle into the surf break giving you quick access. Other options might be more economical but will take at least a 15 min walk to just find out if its the right tide and then another 10 - 15 min walk on the large rocks. Catalina is a long paddle out as well. I  have attached pictures of the accommodation and personal water shots I have taken for evalutaion.

 Fees are as follows;

- Private Transfer to Santa Catalina ($300 each way)
- Hotel Accommodations
  The back room - 4 single beds goes for $130 (tax included)
  The main room overlooking the wave has two levels and can accommodate 3 people or 2 single and 1 couple for $150 per night (tax included).
- Personalized Guide and Watershot photography provided by my self (PanamaSurfPhotos.org) - $60 per day - plus expenses (Room and Food)

Pacific Coast Fishing 7 Day

Day 1 - Private Airport Pickup to a 50ft Trauler Yacht. The boat is a very comfortable vessel with a lot of space and very economical. It comes equiped and ready to fish. However, if you have a favorite lures or fishing equipment feel free to bring it. The fee per day is of $1,400. It has 6 beds, AC, 2 bathrooms and a great deck! It does not include the food but we could provide this for an additional fee. We can also take you to do groceries before. The group would sleep on the boat this day and will depart at 4 am of Day 2. The fee includes, fuel, ice, fishing equipment, docking fees, cleaning services, captain and mate.

Day 2 - Day 5: Fishing, Exploring, Eating and Relaxing around the Pearl Islands. San Jose Island and Punta Cocos on Isla del Rey are famous for its bill fishing!

Day 6 - Gatun Lake fishing! We will get you guys on a pontoon fishing boat with roof! I just got this one recently and have a picture taken with my cel phone, I will attach it anyways. This day you will fish all day and back to a Panama City Hotel. The price for this full day trip is of $550. The fee includes fishing equipment, fuel, captain, ice and sodas.

Day 7 - Private Transfer to the Int Airport.

Please let us know if this looks good, if you need us to add the food on the boat and we will send the final quote with booking form. Thanks in advanced and looking forward to assisting you!

Pedasi and Santa Catalina Surf Trip 9 Day

Day 1: Arrival to Panama City and transfer to a Hotel (Plaza Paitilla Inn - 5 star) in Panama City's night life area. We would go out this night to get a feel of the night life.

Day 2: City Tour (City of 1500's, City of 1800's, Panama Canal and Night life again). Hopefully you guys hook up with company this day, if not keep in mind there are good looking Colombian instant girfriends, some clients like that cause is legal here, just an option.

Day 3 - 5: Check out the Azuero Region at 5 hours from Panama City (Venado, Cambutal and other secret spots for the following 4 days).

We would be staying in clean beachfront accommodations, AC rooms and private bathrooms. (Triple Room).

Day 5 Head out to Santa Catalina - We would stay on a beachfront accommodations with AC room and private bathroom.

Day 6: Take a boat trip to my farm for the day from Catalina and back to Catalina.

Day 7: day trip to surf Coiba Island and back to Catalina.

Day 8: Surf Catalina for half day and back to Panama City.

Day 9: Private Transfer to the International Airport.

The trip includes;

- Private transfer from International Airport to Hotel in Panama CIty - 20 min drive
- Hotel accommodations in Panama City (5 star Plaza Paitilla Inn) (Triple Room)
- Full time local English speaking guide
- Night life tour (bars, discos, strip clubs) Note: You must pay entrace fee to clubs if any: the most expensive is strip club $30 per pax open bar.
- Full day city tour (Historical Sites and Panama Canal)
- Surf Tour (Roving around, Azuero Peninsula and Santa Catalina area).
- Hotel accommodations in Venado and Cambutal (Clean Triple rooms with AC and private bathroom).
- Boat trip to Cebaco (Surf, Snorkel, Fish) Note: if you have fishing lures, bring a few along with mask, snorkel and fins.
- Boat trip to Coiba (Surf, Snorkel) Fishing here is illegal.
- Hotel accommodations in Panama City on your last night.
- Private transfer to the International Airport from Hotel in Panama City.