Description
The Portobelo Mangrove Kayak Tour is a unique way to explore this national park. The tour begins at Casa Congo, where you’ll board a boat to start your adventure. Climb aboard a two-person kayak, with a special space for young children, and paddle through a beautiful landscape teeming with mangroves and wildlife.
The guide is a conservation specialist, and the proceeds from this tour go toward the protection of Portobelo National Park. Local inhabitants still extract charcoal from the mangroves. Tourism as a source of income ensures the sustainability of the area.
Established in 1976, Portobelo National Park covers 35,929 hectares. Of these, 15,465 hectares are primary forests crisscrossed by numerous rivers and waterfalls. Approximately 20% of the park is marine area, including mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs. Activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving can also be enjoyed in Portobelo. Portobelo Bay is also part of the national park. This bay is home to one of the most beautiful and historic ports in the Caribbean, as well as colonial fortifications—most notably the forts of San Fernando, Santiago, and San Jerónimo. These fortifications have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
During your kayak excursion through the Portobelo mangroves, you can observe various bird species, such as the osprey, mangrove hawk, barred tiger heron, Isthmus kingfisher, and black hawk. The critically endangered hawksbill turtle nests on the area’s beaches. Due to its strategic location, species from North and South America converge in this area.
Includes:
- Boat trip
- Captain
- Guide
- Kayak
Available: year round.
Time: half day is 4-4:30 hours and full day is over 5 hours.
What to bring? comfortable and light clothes, hat, sunscreen, natural insect repellent, camera, water and food.
Important information: This tour requires a minimum of two participants. Groups can be up to ten people. The kayaks are double kayaks. It is possible to bring a small child in the kayaks with one or two adults at no extra cost for children under 8 years old. This tour is suitable for people of all ages, provided they are in moderate physical condition. Pets are welcome if your dog is comfortable in the water. Please bring water and snacks, as we do not provide them.