|
The Panama Canal is much more than a canal to transit
vessels.
To create it the Gatun Lake was created in 1928 by
building a damp at the Chagres River before it encounters the Atlantic Ocean.
Every time a Ship cross the canal toward the Pacific
Ocean at Pedro Miguel Locks or toward the Atlantic Ocean at the Gatun Locks
52,000,000 gallons of fresh water are bleeded from Gatun Lake. It used to
be the world biggest artificial lake.
With the creation of Gatun Lake many mountain tops were
turned into islands. It offers endless channel possibilities to scout. In
its shores covered by densed tropical forest you will find all kind of
exotic flora and fauna. This was discovered by the Smith Sonian Research
Institute that operates the famous Tropical Research Center of Barro
Colorado since 1940
ITINERARY
Begins by picking up guests at Panama City around 7:00
a.m. We will arrive to the put in by Gatun Dam, one hour and 30 minutes later to
start kayaking around 8:30a.m.
To get in and out of this area, by road, we will go
across the Panama Canal through Gatun Locks in our vehicle. One in a kind
experience being the only locks designed to be used as a vehicular bridge. We
will get familiar with locks operation while on it. It might happen
that we might be forced to wait twice on passing ships to let us go accross.
We will start an exciting 3 hours tour paddling expedition
kayaks trough dense tropical forest all the way to the Caribbean Ocean where
Spaniard conquistadores built Forth San Lorenzo. Since XVI century it silently
keeps away the Caribbean pirates that used this waterway to take by surprise
assault Panama City in the Pacific.
After visiting Forth San Lorenzo we will head back toward
Panama City and meeting original pick pick up place about 4:00 p.m.
You will see operating some of main Panama Canal
components crossing Gatun Locks, and putting in right downstream of
Gatun Dam. You will be on time for the jungle wakening and very likely still
encounter some morning mist over it. And you will go back in time to imagine
episodes of the Spaniard American Conquest.
We should arrive to the take out zone around 12:00 p.m.,
and back to the original pick up place about 4:00 p.m.. You can also meet us by
the put in at Gatun Dam ramp.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned
transportation, expedition kayaks and gear, guides, and meals. Our guides are
trained in kayak navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy
years old, in good health. Minors must travel with
a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? A pair
of short for navigating, sneakers or straped sandals,
a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case of rain), 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.
PRICE:
USD $ 150.00 per person
SEASON:
Year around.
|