Rafting Rio Grande Panama, in Cocle Province, was first pioneered by Adventures Panama in 1999. The river is classified Class III at its Upper Section and Class II-III, ( check Panama White Water Rafting Rapid Classification HERE ) at its lowest section. It runs through tropical dry forest. Most of its basin is devoted to cattle and farming.
Coclé has become Panama´s meca of beach tourism due mostly to Playa Blanca, a gorgeous white sand beach in the Pacific Ocean. Playa Blanca has attracted all included beach hotels such as Decameron, Sheraton Bijao, Marriot Buenaventura, Riu Playa Blanca and others in the area.
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ITINERARY:
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From Panama City: Pickup at 6:00 a.m. We will arrive to the put in location after a three hours drive to start rafting around 11:00 a.m. We should arrive to the take out zone around 2:00 p.m. and be back to the original pick up place in the city about 5:30 p.m.
From Playa Blanca beach area: Pickup around 8:00 a.m. We will arrive to the put in about hour and half later to start rafting around 9
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation, rafts and gear, guides, and meals. Our guides are trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy years old, in good health, ready to walk for about an hour and a half through an irregular and muddy path. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Swimsuit or a pair of short for navigating, sneakers or light boots with good soles, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly), a towel and dry set of clothes for the trip back.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc. Do not bring flip flops or beach sandal to hike or raft.
PRICE:
USD $ 135.00 per person
Group leader will go free for a group of more than ten persons.
WARNING:
Duckies are more demanding.....As mentioned below at SEASON, at the begining of and during the Dry Season, when the river water level goes down, we will paddle in duckies (inflatable kayaks). This is fine for inexperienced paddlers, but participants should be aware that it is more challenging than paddling in a raft. Participant should be in good shape, weight below 180 lbs, and be ready to behave aggresively in paddling and in a self rescue situation. Guides will provide basic training, guidance, and escort ducky comboy downstream... Duckies are more demanding.
When paddling small rafts and duckies less experienced participants will be on the rafts, regardless of participants bonds, i.e. we might split a party procuring overall safety.
SEASON:
The river is at its highest water level by November which is the Rainy Season peak, and at its lowest water level by March-May, which is the end of the Dry Season.
We usually raft the Lower Section from June through December. From December through June we usually raft the Upper Section in duckies (inflatable kayaks) and smaller rafts.
Rafting Rio Grande Panama is fun in raft or duckies.