Have questions? We're here.
Tranquilo Bay indeed...

Caribbean Adventure

Tranquilo Bay - Example 9 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Costa Rica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
This Adventure Life exclusive 9-day tour travels from Costa Rica to Panama on an activity-packed exploration of Central America's Caribbean coast. From Selva Bananito Lodge in Costa Rica, you will be able to explore the wild rainforest, zipline through the canopy, and ride the rapids of the Pacuare River. Your trip concludes with three nights of coastal adventures like snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, and more at Bocas del Toro.
Snorkel the reefCapuchin enjoying a snack in the rainforest canopySwans CayExplore by kayakWhite water rafting on the Pacaure RiverPhotographers on the canalKayaking BocasExperience the rush of the zip line in Costa RicaShip being pulled through the Miraflores Locks of the Panama CanalTight SqueezeJusto, a honeymooner, and a crayfishHorseback ride at Selva BananitoPanamaWhy not relax after a day in Paradise?Marissa on a waterfall rappel near Selva BananitoTree Sloth mother with youngThe Miraflores locks of the Panama CanalOur Cabana at Tranquilo Bay, PanamaStunning sunsetsTranquilo Bay indeed...
Highlights
  • Raft the Class III rapids of the Pacuare River
  • Climb a giant Kapok tree and view the rainforest canopy
  • See one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal, in action
  • Choose from a menu of activities available at Tranquilo Bay
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. After the river trip, the adventure isn't over. At river's end, you're picked up and transferred to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure.

Day 3-4: Rainforest Adventure

  • Hotel
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
While exploring one of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforests, have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There's also horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70-foot waterfall and then take a dip in its cool waters. You can also add the option to rappell down the falls - let us know if you want to add this to your adventure. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabaña.

Day 5: Off to Bocas del Toro

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you are off to your private island escape. You are picked up and transferred to the Panama border where you meet your next driver. From here you travel south to your rendezvous point with the boat that navigates through the Bocas archipelago's small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Caribbean Sea. Arrive to your home for the next 3 nights, a secluded casually elegant resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring your new surroundings.

Day 6-7: Tranquilo Bay Adventures

  • Hotel
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Awake in your bungalow overlooking the Caribbean Sea ready for a day of exploration of the natural beauty all around. Included during your stay is one daily standard activity each day. You can spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, surfing, birding, or exploring nearby beaches. Your days are filled with marine and inland exploration, followed by a relaxing evening in the middle of paradise! Click here to see activity options.

The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish, and many others. The forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird, and two- and three-toed sloths.

Day 8: Panama City and Canal

Your Panama travels continue with a short flight over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You are met at the airport and first head to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. Explore the exhibits here that tell the story of the canal's history. After lunch on the causeway, next visit Casco Antiguo Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds one of its past citizens. Last, finish up the tour with ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed. Later the pirate Henry Morgan came in search of the famed gold, and after Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. This afternoon you are dropped off at your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants, bars and cafes the city has to offer - toast your Caribbean adventures!

Day 9: Return Home

Accommodations

Selva Bananito Lodge

Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge

Cabana 3 exterior

San Jose - Hotels

Panama City - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,523

Notes

Select a Date
Please note: This trip starts in San Jose, Costa Rica and ends in Panama City, Panama.
Note: Payment in full for internal flights is due at the time of booking.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi is only available at the main office and it won't reach the lodges.
  • Gear Rental: Rafting Gear (helmet, life vest, paddles)
  • Transfers to and from San Jose Hotel
  • Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge.  Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Miraflores Locks Visitor Center Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Air-conditioning
  • Optional Excursions - Waterfall rappelling tour is an additional $125 Please let us know if you would like to arrange it.
  • Internal Flight: Bocas del Toro - Panama City 
  • Panama Viejo Museum Entrance Fee $15
  • Border Crossing Fees & Taxes

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

Similar Trips

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Favorite Costa Rica All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By