Panama Heli-Adventures

Are you planning a Panama getaway this summer or in 2020? If you want to do something more adventurous and exciting, hop on a helicopter ride and have an unforgettable vacation with unique pictures and stories to tell. 

Did you come to Panama to admire the mind-blowing Panama Canal? To see the tropical rainforest, rivers, the Guna Yala Archipelago, pristine islands, coastlines, and maybe the Gatun lake. Taking a helicopter flight in Panama City is not only an excellent way to experience all of that but also to travel far and see more. You also will be able to land in unique areas and start hiking towards beautiful adventures.

The visibility from these helicopters is unparalleled and our pilots are trained with an emphasis on safety and responsibility.  

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Our most popular tours are the following:

Panama Canal and Panama City Tour  Full Panama Canal Tour and Panama City Tour.  East and west side of Pacific Canal Locks, Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and The New Cocoli Locks.  Also the Borinquen Dam, Centenario Bridge, Gailard (Culebra) Cut, Gamboa Resort, Gatun Lake, Gatun Dam, “Vietnam” Chagres river flight near its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean, San Lorenzo Spanish Fort, Gatun Locks and new Agua Clara locks (Atlantic Side Locks).  Before returning back to the airport we do a full Panama City Tour. Approximately 55 minutes.  

Panama Canal, Panama City and Cultural Encounter with the Embera It’s more than a full hour flight of the Canal and Panama City Tour, plus a stop at a Native American Community (Embera Quera) who’s origins where in the Amazon and due to their peaceful nature kept migrating north (because of tribal conflicts) to the jungle between Panama and Colombia.  This one hour and 30 minute visit will consist of sharing with the Emberas to enjoy their music, dances, history and food.  The adventure includes the cost of the stop at the Village, lunch and the Village’s Show (everything is included).  It’s really an extraordinary experience with a very healthy and happy community living a relatively modern life while conserving and sharing their culture and heritage.  Total time for this tour, 10 minute preflight speech, 25 minutes first flight, 1:30 visit at Emebera Quera community, and 40 minutes last flight, so allow approximately three and one half hours taking into account the transfer from your hotel and back to it.

Panama Canal and beach day at Contadora Island – Day trip to Contadora Island starting at 10AM with a Full Panama Canal and City Tour prior to flying towards this small island.  This Tour includes everything as described in the first and best selling 55 minute Panama Canal and Panama City Tour, plus a round trip Helicopter flight to Contadora Island which is located 35 nautical miles southeast of Panama City on the Pacific Side of the Istmus.  Not included in this tour are day passes of $35.00/person that includes a beach chair and lunch at the Island’s best beach.

If you want to fly out to other Pearl Islands on the Pacific Side of Panama, such as Pedro Gonzalez (Pearl Island Project), Viveros Island or San José Island (Hacienda Del Mar Resort).

On the Atlantic Side we offer a day trip to San Blas – Helicopter Flight from Panama City to El Porvenir Island, capital of the San Blas Native American Reserve, will take you on a beach escape in the Caribbean side of Panama.  At El Porvenir our boat Captain, Tico and Jaime his mate,  will take you to a beautiful island where you will be able to enjoy its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Panamanian Atlantic coast.  At the same time you will have a chance to meet and engage with the Kuna people and enjoy their food (lunch), maybe buy some of their famous “Molas” and share a little with this small community.  I will either stay at El Porvenir waiting for you, or fly back to Panama and fly back when you are ready to bring you back to the city.  Tico, your boat captain, will stay with you (at your Island, obviously very far from you) so that you can leave the island anytime you want.  We could leave Panama City as early as 8:00am and be back no later than 5pm (6pm in the dry season).  

Beach Day at Famous Playa Venao -Enjoy a whole day at this world famous Surfer’s Beach Break that has surf schools, board rentals and a nice variety of restaurants and quaint small hotels.  The flight would take you over the Western Pacific shores of Panama which are quite scenic and you will be there in approximately one hour (4-5 hours by car).  Included is the round trip flight and you decide the time to leave the city as early as 7AM and come back as late as 5:00PM.

Beach Day at World Famous Santa Catalina Beach  – Enjoy a whole day at this world famous Surfer’s and Scuba Diver’s paradise that has a decent variety of restaurants and activity.  There are surfer and scuba academies and all equipment may be rented there.  The flight would take you over the Western Pacific shores of Panama which are quite scenic and then across the Azuero Peninsula and you will be there in approximately one hour and 20 minutes (6-7 hours by car).  Included is the round trip flight and you decide the time to leave, as early as 7PM and come back as late as 5:00PM.

Rum Tasting at Panama’s oldest and most prestigious distillery, Hacienda San Isidro, managed and owned by Varela Hermanos – Enjoy a unique tour and Rum Tasting at Panama’s Oldest Sugar Mill and Alcohol Distillery.  Located in the small town of Pesé in the middle of “Panama’s interior” or “heartland”, this factory is where Panama’s national alcoholic beverage “Seco Herrerano” is made, and where one of the finest rums in the world, “Ron Abuelo”, and it’s multiple varieties, is made and aged.  The tour includes round trip transfer by helicopter to Pesé and the factory’s Premium Tour and Rum Tasting.  During the first leg of the flight we will include an over flight of Panama City, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, Centennial Bridge, new Cocoli Locks and finally over Panama’s Pacific Beach Resorts (Olaya Blanca, Buenaventura and others) before landing at Hacienda San Isidro after about a 1 hour and 15 minute flight (4 hours by car).  After that the Premium Tour begins and includes the following:

• Visit to the Colonial Home of the Mill’s founder in the town of Pesé
• Brief Oxcart “Carreta de Bueyes” Ride to experience how the sugar cane was carried to the Mill for years 
• Welcome cocktail
• Sugar Mill and Distillery Tour to understand the process of the Seco Herrerano and Ron Abuelo
• Visit to one of 19 warehouses, were the aging process takes place
• Panama’s heartland typical lunch
• Rum Tasting of the 8 rums, including Finish Collection, Two Oaks and Top of the Line Centuria 
• After the tastings an Open Bar for up to 30 minutes
• Certificate of Rum Tasting to each participant 

I recommend to takeoff at 9AM, arriving at Hacienda San Isidro at around 10:30AM, do the tour, the lunch, the tasting and lastly the open bar.  Leaving Hacienda San Isidro at 4PM approximately and arriving Panama City at 5PM.

Fishing Day at Famous Tropic Star Lodge at Piñas Bay -all prices upon request!

For details and quotes, please contact annie@ecocircuitos.com

Isla Palenque Island Resort

Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama, Isla Palenque Island Resort is an undiscovered private island sanctuary. The island’s 160 hectares of lush jungle, framed by 7 untouched beaches, house a number of wilderness trails and hidden spaces to be explored by guests of the barefoot-luxury Beach Suites (mid-2018) and Villa Estate.

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Who should visit Isla Palenque Island Resort?

Wildlife and nature lovers, guests looking for an active beach vacation, soft adventure, relaxation and a unique rainforest and private island experience.

Unique hotel features

A private island where luxury and sustainability intertwine, 8 Beach Suites (mid-2018), 6-room Villa Estate vacation rental house, on-site tours, an abundance of wildlife including monkeys and anteaters, locally-sourced food.

The Experience

As guests check in to Isla Palenque, they open a door to a world of new experiences and undisturbed nature, enhanced by architecture and interior design that effortlessly blend into the tropical surroundings. The atmosphere of the hotel is a balance of sophisticated and private comfort, combined with peacefulness, relaxation, and playfulness. The service provided by the staff is so personalized, professional and detail-oriented that the Resort feels exclusive and at the same time familiar; guests feel free to explore and at the same time feel taken care of. With a whole pristine island to discover through a number of included on-site tours, curious guests truly live an authentic, meaningful experience that goes far beyond a typical beach vacation.

Island Amenities

 Hiking trails and on-site tours

 Complimentary Wi-Fi

 7 private beaches with direct access

 Kayas & paddleboards

 Off-property tours including snorkeling and fishing

Rooms: Villa Estate vacation rental house: 6 rooms total – Garden, Jungle and Ocean Suites.

On-site activities

Secrets of the Island Hike, Hike to Punta Ballena, Kayak Tours, Tree Climbing Canopy Tour, Island Treks, Coastal Rock Hike, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Rock Fishing, Birdwatching and more. *Ocean-based activities are tide-dependent.

For more information, reservations and rates please contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com

 

Escape to Veracruz Beach

At only 30 minutes away from Panama city, this little hidden beach named Playa Venado at Veracruz is a really nice place to relax a Saturday or Sunday.

Located in an area known for its several bars and restaurants, you will be immersed in a reggae, relaxed and casual atmosphere.  Fried fish and ceviche is a must and some local cocktails will be refreshing you while overlooking the views.

You can take paddling tours or classes with Paddle Paradise  or with Panama Stand Up Paddle Boarding Association, taking a fresh and traditional maracuya smoothie on the beach to relax while you are getting tanned, having lunch in a local restaurant with delicious grilled and fresh fish or any type of seafood, and ending your day with a lovely and yummy cocktail in the reggae bar at the sunset time.

Bring your camera and your good mood, and go to enjoy some free time in this original place, so close from the city!

Las Perlas off the beaten track

by Carina Forster

A weekend-visit to the picturesque archipelago of Las Perlas astonished me in several ways. While Panama is lush with occasional rain showers during the green season, the islands of Las Perlas hardly see any rain throughout the whole year. Just after a 1,5 hour boat ride from Panama City, you find yourself in a climate and landscape completely distinct from the rest of the country.

The islands are characterized by dry vegetation and palm-fringed beaches, which are amongst the most beautiful ones I have seen throughout Panama, with incredibly white sand and blue waters. The underwater world is spectacular with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles and rays. Furthermore, the islands are a paradise for bird lovers with hundreds of migrating species passing by in spectacular formations. From May to October humpback whales can be seen on their way to warmer waters.

Instead of visiting the well-developed island of Contadora, we decided to check out its larger, less developed and more economical neighbor Saboga. Without a doubt the beaches being just as beautiful as on famous Contadora, Saboga offers some nice hiking treks and deserted beaches just for your own. For adventurers, the charming village offers authentic local food and simple accommodation behind the police station with a spectacular view over the bay.

We asked a local fisherman to take us to Bartolome Island in the morning, having the little island completely for ourselves before other people arrived at around 11. This white-sanded Robinson Crusoe Island is perfect for snorkeling, with beautiful coral reefs and large colorful fish. And like if it was not perfect enough already, a large group of dolphins accompanied our little boat on the way back.

Best Diving and Snorkeling Spots in Panama

From: Dive Advisor

Panama was named after an indigenous word meaning, “abundance of fish.” This beautiful Central America paradise is one of the few places in the world where you can dive two oceans in one day. With the warm, tropical waters of the Caribbean on its east and the cooler waters of the Pacific on the west, it’s just a two-hour car ride between them in some places. Panama boasts 1,207km of Caribbean coast and 1,700km of Pacific coast.

Guna Yala Islands

islands and keys

Snorkling spots

On the Caribbean side, divers come for the abundance of colorful reef fish and corals. When rating the best diving in Central American, Bocas del Toro always comes up with its white sand beaches and many calm and the Bastimentos Marine National park. It’s a great place to learn how to dive and the marine life make it a great place to keep diving. Another popular spot on the Caribbean coast is Colon, only two hours from Panama City. Just offshore, the Portobelo National Marine Park has beautiful corals and the area is filled with a history of pirate battles and sunken ships.  Sir Francis Drake died at sea in 1596 and his body, clad in a full suit of armour and in a lead coffin, is thought to be off the coast of Portobello.

On the Pacific side, cooler waters and currents make encounters with pelagic common. Lucky divers can see several species of shark, whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, and more. Coiba National Marine Park is often referred to as the Galapagos of Central America and has the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Pearl Archipelago also offers great options close to Panama City.

Just nine degrees north of the equator, Panama is hot and humid year round. The rainy season is May- November and the dry season is December-April (with less humidity and almost no rain.) Panama is not in the hurricane belt, but it can get strong winds from nearby storms. Air temperatures throughout the year range form 20-32C, being a bit cooler in the winter/dry season. Water temperatures vary between coasts. The Caribbean side the water can be as cool as 25C in the winter and as warm as 28C in the summer. Coiba can get as cold as 20C during winter and reaches a high of around 24C in the summer.

Best Spots to Dive in Panama

Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes 38 islands. Lonely Planet says it’s “The best diving to be found along the Pacific Coast from Columbia to Mexico.” Coiba gets the big stuff. Sharks can be seen on almost every dive including white-tip reef sharks, black-tip reef sharks, and occasional hammerheads, bull, and tiger sharks. Whale sharks are common visitors from December to April. Humpback whales are seen July through October and orcas and pilot whales frequent the area. Large schools of mantas and mobula rays sometimes swim by, and most dives have turtles, schools of large fish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and dolphins.

On the Caribbean side of Panama, close to the Costa Rica boarder, is Bocas del Toro. This archipelago of nine large islands includes the protected area of Isla Bastimentos National Marine. Bocas is known for its well-preserved hard and soft corals. Being outside of the official hurricane zone, away from large cities and river mouths, the coral is very healthy. It is estimated that 95% of the coral species found in the Caribbean Sea can be found within the archipelago.

Tiger Rock is rated one of the best dive sites around Bocas del Toro, and is three rock pinnacles that rise up from the sea floor at 40m. It’s an advanced dive and can have strong currents, but is a good place to see sharks, rays, large fish schools, whale sharks and dolphins. Its location requires perfect sea conditions for boats to be able to get there. Dolphin Rock is another offshore rock formation where sharks can be seen and has lots of colorful fish life. The diving is also very good around Zapatillas Cays, another more distant boat ride.

Closer to town, Bouy Line is a poplar shallow site (near a deep water channel buoy) that has sea horses, lionfish, crabs, and lots of morays. Hospital Point is near the north end of Isla Solarte and has healthy cauliflower and brain corals on a sloping wall. The dive usually has a slow current and is 15m deep max. Sashek is another drift dive between Bastimentos and Carenero that has rare long lure frogfish. Airport is a protected site good for training dives, and has lots of coral.

Also on the Caribbean side, but further southeast is Portobelo National Park. This is also a popular diving area with great marine life. Being closer to Panama City, people come directly from the city to dive this area that has great reef dives and several wrecks.

Water temperatures on the Caribbean side are warm year round (23-27C) and a 3mm is usually plenty. On the Pacific side, colder currents bring waters (15-23C), so a 5mm will be comfortable. For those doing deep dives in the winter, thermoclines can be present, so a 7mm might be useful.

If you are looking for good snorkelling one of the best spots is the San Blas Archipelago.  In this Guna land is forbidden to dive with a tank but here you will find one of the most untouched coral reefs by mankind. The reef holds its beauty for decades now since people do not pollute the waters around it.  The Kuna Indians or Guna indians live from the sea and hunt on it. They hunt the reefs and sandbanks by using simple snorkeling gear and do not over fish their own waters because they only take what is needed to stay alive. They are scared that scuba dives will kill the great schools of fish and leave the Kuna without food to survive. They will preserve the coral reef for future generations this way.

The rich sea life and the crystal clear water will give you plenty enough time to drift away from the world above water. One of the easy places to get in touch with this sea life is the shipwreck near Isla Perro. This place is perfect for people not used to snorkeling or scuba diving but also gives people that have done it before a nice challenge to spot all the sea life around the ship. Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera because spotting a wild turtle, shark or octopus isn’t a rare sight in the waters around the San Blas Islands.   The best way to snorkel in San Blas is charter a sailing boat.  EcoCircuitos Panama organize this adventure for you.

Panama fish catch 40 percent larger than reported

By STRI

Panama is said to mean “abundance of fish.” Until recently Panama was also synonymous with bountiful fisheries. A new study estimates that between 1950 and 2010, the haul was so considerable officials could not keep tabs on more than a third of the catch. As fish stocks dwindle, this revelation may contribute to establishing sustainable fisheries in Panama and the region.

For three years Héctor Guzmán of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and colleagues from the University of British Columbia compiled official data and dozens of studies of off-the-books fisheries. They cautiously estimated that almost 40 percent of the total catch — including tuna, lobster, shellfish and shark — was unaccounted for.

“We estimated missing and under-reported components very conservatively so this is likely still an underestimate of what is being removed,” said Sarah Harper, of UBC’s Sea Around Us Project who was the lead author on the study published in Marine Fisheries Review. Guzmán and UBC’s Kyrstn Zylich and Dirk Zeller co-authored the research.

The discrepancy is due to minimal reporting of bycatch by commercial vessels and a dearth of data from recreational, subsistence and artisanal fishers. Illegal fishing by foreign vessels and catches by Panamanian-flagged ships operating from foreign ports also play an important role.

“We were not surprised by these alarming results,” said Guzmán a marine ecologist known for research that underpins regional conservation policy. “This is the first fishery baseline made for Panama. We hope to promote an open and all-inclusive dialogue to implement management tools for sustainable fisheries.”

The researchers recommend an overall reorganization of the fishing sector to include better monitoring, planning and surveillance of fishing zones and better managed marine protected areas. Curtailing carte blanche commercial fishing licenses, which are sometimes species indiscriminate, would also help, said Guzmán.

From anchovies to Sharks

Panama’s industrial fisheries developed in the 1960s to harvest herring and anchovies for fishmeal and oil for export. The scallop fishery reached its apex in the 1980s and collapsed without recovery in 1991. Shrimp, tuna, lobster and conch harvesting continue, with many populations now in decline.

Relatively new targets are sharks, especially hammerheads, for sale of shark fins overseas. Sharks are often harvested in inshore areas, including vulnerable nurseries. “There is likely substantial under-reporting of catches by domestic vessels and possibly a large number of sharks being caught by foreign vessels operating illegally in Panamanian waters,” the authors wrote.

Under-reporting of catch is not unique to Panama and improved monitoring does not have to be prohibitively costly. “Resource-limited countries can still effectively monitor their fisheries by implementing regular, non-annual surveys,” said the authors. “For Panama to retain meaning in its name (“abundance of fish”), fisheries management will need to make substantial improvements.”

A Pirate in Portobello

Portobello

Portobello is located in Colon at the Caribbean side of Panama and was established during the Spanish colonial time. With the old cannons, ruins and buildings I totally immersed into the pirates tales and leyends.

Heading north – east from Panama City it is about two hours away by bus. The ride along the Caribbean side with all the palm trees and small huts has already impressed me. It felt like a short holiday for me.  We arrived on Saturday morning and slept in “Captain Jack’s hostel”.  The hostel was designed like a hidden pirate stash. Decorated with old guns, swords, skulls and ripped pirate flags the place was really authentic. On top of it, the hostel was located on a top of a hill from where we had an amazing view over Portobello. The owner Jack had the aura and appearance of an old pirate.

After we have settled down and stored our things, we took a small boat to an outer island and relaxed and snorkeled there for the day. With nobody else besides us there, we felt like stranded sailors with some rum left.

At about 5PM we headed back to the hostel, drank some rum and exchanged our adventures with Captain Jack. It was an amazing night full of fun and stories.

The next morning we had a most delicious pirate breakfast with bacon, eggs, fruits and a secret sauce made by Jack. Before we jumped on the bus back to Panama City we visited the ruins of Portobello. Standing by the ancient cannons I could completely imagine how the Pirates attacked the port city. After a day of ancient times, I sadly had to leave this port city.

 If you want to feel like a pirate and want to experience Portobello  where Francis Drake is sunken or San Lorenzo Castle where Henry Morgan first arrive Panama.  Contact us or visit our website www.ecocircuitos.com to find out more information.  Contact us directly at 1-800-830-7142. We are looking forward to organize a trip for you!

By Marc Vedder

Day Adventure and Cruise arrival in San Blas with EcoCircuitos

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The San Blas Archipelago and surrounding sea are the main attractions in Guna Yala—an indigenous comarca (autonomous territory) stretching more than 200 km (120 miles) along Panama’s northeast coast—but the traditional culture of the Kuna is a close second. The comarca is composed of a thin strip of land dominated by a mountain range called the Serranía de San Blas and the 365 San Blas Islands that dot the coastal waters. Although much of the world still refers to this region by its former name, San Blas, you’ll endear yourself to residents by using the name they give to their home, Guna Yala. Note that you may also see it spelled Kuna Yala, but Guna leaders voted to change the spelling from Kuna to Guna in 2010.

On January 13th we had the visit of the Variety Voyager small Cruise Ship to the islands of San Blas and EcoCircuitos Panama organize a day of adventures with our team and our local guna guides.  For more information of day tours, mini groups and incentives, please contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com

A visit to Isla Palenque

By Karla Yau

This weekend, I have had the chance to participate in a wonderful visit to Isla Palenque at Chiriqui Gulf.

The entire island itself is amazing and I already miss this paradise. This place is a balanced combination of forest and beach. Also I have to mention the staff, they are a group of young and full of strength persons willing to help and coordinate all, even the small things.

This paradise is located approximately at one hour of boat transfer from Pedregal, David. We pass through different mangles to reach the wild Ocean and arrive at our destination, Isla Palenque Resort.

As we were approaching to the island, we were warmly welcomed by the staff with a refreshing towel.

After regained strength with a exquisite lunch by a Panamanian chef, we had the sunset tour.

It was getting dark while we were hiking and the group was wondering because thought that would have to head back. When Rodolfo heard us, he just smile and told us not to wonder that everything is set.

Arriving the beach, the guide climbed up the palms to get some “pipas” (Coconuts) for us. Very refreshing! Continuing with our tour, we had a very nice spot below a shade of a big tree with food on the table and some drinks. All this waiting for us accompanied with a big smile of the staff.

And just relaxing and enjoying the beach, we saw the beautiful sunset.

The day didn’t end here. At night the restaurant had a very romantic view. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there in a date. But still enjoyed the dinner with a cocktail and the companionship of my boss.

The next morning, we were awoken by the howls of the monkeys. A very nice and different way to get up and start a new day.

I’ll be glad to continue writing my experience but instead why don’t you visit it and tell me your version of this history.

To see a video of this visit, click here

 

Karla is in charge of reservations at EcoCircuitos and is constantly on the lookout for great new hotels in Panama.

If you are interested in visiting Isla Palenque yourself, please contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com

Panama Special Green Season Package: Cosmopolitan City and Beach Escape

Panama was rated as the #1 destination in the New York times article, “The 45 Places to See in 2012”.  You can´t miss this amazing destination and for low season we are offering a great deal:

6 days adventure from $699.00*  Arriving on Friday – Valid until August 19, 2012

Arrive in the exciting capital, the most Cosmopolitan city in Central America: Panama City and stay in the luxurious Riu Plaza Hotel from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole City. Explore Casco Antiguo a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.   You can have optional activities as:  Kayaking the Panama Canal, hiking or binking in the Rainforest or just relaxing at the fabulous Spa and Wellness Center including pools as well as Jacuzzi.  You will then continue to the Pacific side of Panama to relax at Sheraton Bijao, a new Beach resort with amazing landscapes and beautiful views.  Don´t miss this opportunity!!

* In double occupancy and price does not include taxes.

Special packages with las Clementinas Hotel in Casco Viejo and other boutique hotels.