Panama: Tropical Resort Rowing
Three days rowing
Rowing Trip Overview
Travel to Seagull Cove, a hidden resort near Boca Chica in Panama's Chiriqui Province. This off-the-beaten-track destination, nestled on the Pacific coast, offers the beauty of Panama, the charm of its people and amazing coastal rowing. Initially offered as a group and guided tour by Rowing The World, we have taken all the excellent elements of the trip and added in the flexibility for you to choose your dates and whom you want to travel with. It is an amazing destination and experience, well worth the trip.
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. 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 likely four hours or shorter.
- Use of coastal boats.
- Guide/coach on water rowing with you.
- 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.
- Safety boat on the water with you - 2 days regular boat, 1 day - Panga (traditional boat).
- Four nights accommodation.
- Breakfasts.
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. Settle into your tropical paradise bungalow! Trip briefing and welcome.
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.
This is the big day of rowing. 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. The island is a tropical paradise, perfect for swimming then snoozing on the white sand beach.
Departure. Perhaps on to explore other beautiful places in Panama. We recommend Boquete in the highlands and 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
| Three day Independent Rowing Experience | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
| 1 rower | $1,495 | |
| 2 rowers | $1,040 | $1,370 |
| 3-4 rowers | $975 | $1,305 |
| 5+ rowers | $910 | $1,240 |
| Non-rower | $330 | $660 |
The minimum group size is one guest rower. Maximum group depends on the Resort's availability.
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.