Description
The Mamoni River flows through a nature reserve of the same name. It was here that kayaking and rafting activities in Panama began over 30 years ago. Mamoni White Water Rafting takes place in a river that is classified as Class III or IV. Certain rapids—including a beautiful waterfall—will be bypassed on foot for safety reasons.
The Mamoni River is known for gold prospecting, an activity that can be observed along its banks. The local economy relies primarily on cattle ranching, subsistence farming, banana plantations, and forestry. The Mamoni rafting excursion includes a stop at ECOFARMS Panama, an organization dedicated to reforesting the reserve. The river journey passes through stretches of both primary and secondary forest.
You will be picked up at your hotel at 7:00 a.m. and driven east toward the Darien region. The drive to the starting point takes approximately an hour and a half. Rafting is scheduled to begin around 9:30 a.m. Arrival at the take-out point is expected around 3:30 p.m., with a return to Panama City by 5:30 p.m. Itineraries are subject to change based on water levels.
Includes:
- Transportation to and from Panama City
- Rafts or kayaks
- Gear
- Guides
- Lunch
- Taxes
Available: June or July through March
Time: 11 hours.
What to bring? Swimsuit, light or dry fit clothes that can get wet, strapped sandals / aqua shoes / sneakers, hat, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, water and passport or ID.
Important information: Mamoni White Water Rafting has different prices according to the number of participants.
- 1 person: $550
- 2 persons: $275 p/p
- 3 persons: $185 p/p
- 4 or more persons: $140 p/p
We can combine individuals with other groups to lower the per-person cost. A refund will be issued if the number of participants exceeds the originally booked amount. The maximum group size is 24 people from July to December, and 12 people from January to February.
Rafting is possible almost year-round, depending on water levels in the Mamoní River. Peak flow occurs in November. The lowest levels are recorded in April and May—the end of the dry season—during which time neither rafting nor kayaking takes place on the Mamoní River. 14-foot rafts are used between July and December, while smaller rafts (11-foot) and “duckies” (inflatable kayaks) are used from December to February and from May to June.
In March, as river levels drop, rafting on the Mamoní river is done using inflatable kayaks (“duckies”), which presents a greater challenge than paddling a conventional raft. This activity is suitable for beginners, but participants should be aware that it is more physically demanding than standard rafting. Good physical fitness is required, as well as a body weight of under 180 lbs (approx. 82 kg); participants must also be prepared to paddle vigorously and act decisively in self-rescue situations. Duckies require greater physical effort. Guides will provide basic instruction and accompany the kayak group downstream. All guides are trained in whitewater navigation, first aid, and CPR.
All participants must carry their passports (if foreign nationals) or identity cards (if Panamanian citizens or residents), as these will be checked at a police checkpoint along the route. The minimum age for Mamoni White Water Rafting is 18. Participants must be in good health and good physical condition.
Other Panama River Rafting Tours: