Venture Outside in the Pearl Islands
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This adventure in the Pearl Islands and VO’s Chiriqui Gulf adventure are pioneering trips that are located in some
incredibly pristine areas off-the-beaten path of civilization, and in areas where multisport adventure tours have not
been offered before. Imagine kayaking in areas undisturbed by pleasure or commercial crafts, viewing undeveloped
coastlines that are uninterrupted by lights at night, and paddling in incredibly clear ocean waters. Skimming silently
over turquoise waters, our kayaks get to places and experience things that are beyond the reach of motorized tours.
We hate to use the cliché, but the areas of Panama we go to are truly a “tropical paradise.” You’ll visit rarely-visited
beaches and cays, hike to exotic waterfalls, snorkel beautiful reefs, maybe fish for your meals, and whatever else you
feel like doing. |
 There will also be plenty of hammocks and time spent relaxing to just soak it all in.
We’ll watch for, and learn about whales, identify reef creatures and converse about the problems facing reefs (not just
here, but world-wide), and search for and identify birds and the fascinating lizards (including marine iguanas!) of the
islands. We’ll also visit several native villages to experience local culture and traditions.
For the Pearl Islands Adventure, we explore idyllic tropical islands, and
discover their beaches, wildlife, coral reefs, and culture, in the setting of a popular TV show known for “survival”. The
Pearl Archipelago is an incredibly beautiful group of islands known for white sand palm-fringed beaches, and
dramatic volcanic bluffs. There are over 220 islands, islets, and cays in the archipelago, only about 20 of which are
inhabited. Lush forests, beautiful white and tan sand beaches, turquoise water, countless lagoons, and healthy coral
reefs. We’ll sea kayak, snorkel, hike, bird, and visit local villages known for their “pearl” culture. The history
(and present day) of this area is fascinating, from the pearl trade to pirate attacks…
from shipwrecks to millionaire hideouts. |
| The interior of this archipelago is surrounded by islands, and it
offers sheltered kayaking and a huge variety of route options. No other company offers guided trips in this area.
Because of all the kayaking, this trip will include an introduction or review of kayaking paddling and rescue
techniques. Our guides provide instruction covering the full range of kayaking techniques, and you’ll learn about and
practice a variety of paddling strokes, self and assisted rescues, navigation, and daily trip planning. |
Our setting off point will be the beautiful settled island of Contadora in the northern part of the archipelago.
From this base, we’ll jump to different parts of the archipelago for kayaking, snorkeling, beach and island hikes,
waterfalls, and visits to extremely remote shorelines, where we may see crocodiles.
Like all our excursions, this trip will include just the right amount of exposure to regional ecology and cultures. The
standard version of this trip is based mostly from a lodge, with 2 nights of island camping, but for groups, we can
customize this trip to include more of either accommodation, and paddling excursions that are customized to the
experience level of your group. When we camp, we’ll use low impact camping techniques, and practice outdoor
living and environmental awareness skills. |
Activities: sea kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, waterfalls, wildlife watching.
Meals and Lodging: About one half of this trip will be based from the Contadora Island Inn, a comfortable B&B on Contadora. We’ll camp on an uninhabited island in the archipelago for 2 nights, and stay in a hotel on either Isla del Rey or San Jose for the other two nights.
 [ View Accomodations ]
Duration: Saturday to Saturday, 8 days, 7 nights.
Cost: $1,700.
Schedule: Depending on the time of year, your trip will overlap with some key ecological activity, whether its whale calving and migration, turtle nesting, seabird nesting, bird migration, and so on.
November 4 through November 11, 2006
December 9 through December 16, 2006
January 13 through January 20, 2007
February 10 through February 17, 2007
March 10 through March 17, 2007
April 14 through April 21, 2007
May 12 through May 19, 2007
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