Panama: Tropical Resort Rowing
7 Days/6 Nights in Paradise - ready for 2025 bookings!
Rowing Trip Overview
New coastal boats impeccably maintained, gorgeous scenery, and great options for rowing. The resort owners, passionate about water sports, have introduced rowing to this region, establishing a club with two double and two single coastal rowing shells. You can choose flat water in one direction, with islands, bays and mangrove forests to explore. Or head to more coastal conditions, including the potential to surf and play in Pacific rollers. Enjoy a two day adventure excursion to islands by the Pacific Ocean. Oh, did we mention the valet boat service?
Panama has a growing reputation as an eco-tourism destination and you will soon see why. Chiriqui Province is on the Pacific coast, snuggling up to Costa Rica. It has Panama’s highest mountains with coffee plantations, rushing rivers, Panama’s second city of David and lush agricultural regions. It is beautiful. The resort is located on the Chiriqui Gulf coast, an area known for lush forests, gorgeous islands and exotic marine and birdlife.
Included
- Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration of the rows from the resort approximately three hours or shorter. The adventure row to the islands is 17 km each way.
- Use of coastal boats.
- Guide/coach on water rowing with you or in a safety zodiac. Support boat for islands row.
- Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants. We provide suggestions on other activities to enjoy in the region when you are not rowing.
- Six nights accommodation, include one night at a resort on the outer island.
- All breakfasts, three dinners and one pack lunch.
- Day excursion to Boquete in the highlands including a visit to a coffee plantation and hiking options.
- Transportation from and to the David airport.
Trip Details
Meet your local guide
Otto Oosterwijk
Otto, one of the owners of Seagull Cove Resort, is the driving force behind this rowing initiative. Originally from the Netherlands, Otto has many years of entrepreneurial experience in North America and now Central America, as well as extensive sailing experience. Passionate about his rowing vision, he took up the sport in Panama when his shells arrived. A trainer came from Holland to get him and the equipment set up. Otto rows regularly when he is at the resort, continuing to build his skills. He will be on the water with you, whether in a shell or a support boat.
Itinerary
Arrival to Seagull Cove Resort. Pick-up from David airport or city. Settle into your tropical paradise bungalow! Trip briefing and welcome dinner.
For the first row, head to the right from the resort to navigate the channel past the village of Boca Chica. At certain points in the tidal cycle the channel can pose a few challenges with current, eddies and swirling water so timing is key and this section is short. Now you have lots of options with calm, flat water. Everywhere there were choices of islands to circumnavigate, bays to explore, mangrove groves to examine. Dial in your rowing distance. Post row you can relax enjoy an optional activity, booked and paid directly to the resort.
Test your coastal rowing skills by heading left from the resort. Otto will work with you to decide the best route depending on conditions and how far you would like to row. Row around rocky islands, pass a gorgeous beach with a solitary coconut palm, check out the other resorts and communities in the area, and maybe spot some howler monkeys. Afternoon at leisure.
A full day excursion including transportation to Boquete, in the highlands. Enjoy a very different part of Panama - of course very beautiful. You will visit a coffee plantain with options for activities and hikes before returning. Lunch on your own with suggestions from your guides. This is your chance to shop.
This is the first day of the adventure row to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Your destination is Isla Gamez by Isla Paridas, about 17 km away on mostly open water. You will be supported by a panga, the large transport boat of the region, along with your support crew. You can take turns rowing or relaxing in the panga. The island is a tropical paradise, perfect for swimming then snoozing on the white sand beach. Enjoy your pack lunch. In the afternoon the panga will transport you to a fishing lodge on a neighbouring island where you will have dinner and stay the night.
Breakfast at the island lodge then back to the rowing shells and the row back to Seagull Cove Resort. You have earned an afternoon of relaxation. A farewell dinner is included tonight.
Departure after breakfast. Transfer to David airport or city. Perhaps on to explore other beautiful places in Panama. We recommend staying in Casco Veijo in Panama City.
Water conditions, especially as affected by the wind, will determine the exact time and location of the rows. Safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description. The rowing guide has the final say on rowing distances and destinations. There are safety requirements for this Experience: you must bring and wear your own Personal Flotation Device. You must wear shorts or more - you cannot row in just a bathing suit.
Price per person
| Prices in USD | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
| 1 rower | $3,275 | |
| 2 rowers | $2,040 | $2,630 |
| 3 rowers | $1,835 | $2,430 |
| 4 rowers | $1,735 | $2,330 |
| 5 rowers | $1,670 | $2,265 |
| 6 rowers | $1,645 | $2,240 |
| Non-rower | $875 | $1,300 |
The minimum group size is one guest rower. Maximum group depends on the Resort's availability. There are six rowing seats - more than six rowers would row in shifts. Please contact us with your group details and for pricing.
Non-rowers are welcome.
Ideas, information and inspiration
Want other options besides Panama rowing? Rowing The World offers premium group and guided rowing tours. Learn why Panama is for rowers and read about our first ever adventure in Panama.
Read about our Panama adventure in 2023 in Style Manitoba Magazine (page 32-34) or click on the images below.
FAQs
Our full list of Frequently Asked Questions answers all your questions. Or Contact Us – we are happy to help.