Lake Bayano Cave Exploration Tour fra Panama City

Alex from Ecotrips Panama gave our group a phenomenal experience. After picking us up for the drive to the lake, we hopped in the boat and enjoyed the natural beauty, even getting to see a frigatebird up close along the way. The caves were stunning - shaped by the river and full of beautiful views. Alex had a ton of knowledge to share about the wildlife and geology of the caves, pointing out interesting animals, rock formations, and even bugs along the way. He was also a brilliant problem-solver: When I accidentally left some of my stuff behind, he coordinated to make sure everything got safely back to me the next day! Travelers should consider wearing crocs or similar water shoes when going on this tour, and be prepared to go slow in some spots to be safe. Highly recommended for any group that wants a bit of adventure and doesn't mind getting your feet wet!

This was an amazing day. Not for the meek or timid, one of best tours I’ve ever been on. Saw so many interesting things and beautiful places.

was such a great experience from start to finish. The tour guide Alex was GREAT with the kids and so knowledgable. He was very aware of everything in the cave and we felt very well taken care of. He added lots of fun by cliff jumping with us and looking for animals in the cave. Everyone was so happy!

My family and I recently booked the Lake Bayano cave tour and had an absolute wonderful time. With two young children (ages 10 and 8), my wife and I were a bit nervous, but our guide Alex quickly put us at ease. We enjoyed the two-hour drive from Panama City to the lake, as well as the 30 minute ride across the lake to the cave. From there, it only got better. Together with his friend Miguel, the two led us through the cave, following an underground river upstream for a kilometer until it opened up in a narrow canyon. Throughout, Alex ensured we had an enjoyable and safe time, pointing out the many interesting formations in the cave and sharing his knowledge of the many species of bats and other animals which inhabit the cave. He even helped our kids (and me) climb to a perch from which we jumped into the river for a cool, refreshing swim. Afterward, we enjoyed a fish fry (and played a little soccer) before boarding the boat for the trip back across the lake. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the outdoors (and a bit of adventure) - even those with kids (although be aware there is a bit of climbing and swimming in the cave). We would also highly recommend Alex as guide - whether on this or any other trip - as you'll be in very capable and friendly hands.

The Bayano Lake Caves are three caves located on the south side of the lake in Panama Province, near the city. The only cave you can visit is the largest, approximately two kilometers long. The Dry River makes its way through the cave, allowing boats to go all the way to the inner half of the cavern. It is not a place that is still equipped for visits, it is quite rural and not very clean, as locals throw away trash everywhere, although this usually happens throughout the country. A lot of bats live in the cave but they don't do anything to you. I went with friends and loved the place. We saw crocodiles (lizards for Panamanians) by the river. Inside the cave you will see a landscape that will look like something out of an adventure movie. Fully recommended.

We just returned from this tour and I’m sure it will be the highlight of our trip to Panama. Alex and Manuel took such great care of us. You have to be willing to get wet and climb over rocks but this was a phenomenal experience. You drive for 2 hours from Panama City to Lake Bayano. Along the way, we stopped to see monkeys and sloths. We got in a boat and headed across Lake Bayano to the estate with Manuel and his family live. There we changed into bathing suits and took the boat into the cave - bats flying around above our heads - as far as we could go. After this, you jumped into the water and headed up through the cave to a swimming area. Later we came back down and had a lovely lunch, before returning to the city. Alex is a biologist and told us a lot about the vegetation. He also knows the bird population.

We had Alex as our guide both days of our tour. Day one was a boat trip into the canal zone and through various islands. Then on to the Miraflors locks where we got to see the same boats converse through the locks that we had passed when on the canal. Alex was a fantastic guide. Knew everything about the areas we visited but also well versed on the history of Panama and was a source of unlimited information. The second day our group went on the Cave Tour, again with Alex. It was the highlight of our vacation. There were four of us and most of us being in our 60's so there was some trepidation from a couple in the group. Manual was our boat driver and helped considerably when there were areas in the cave that were a bit tougher to walk through. For us it was an experience we will never forget. Riding the boat halfway through the cave and having bats flying all around was something to behold. Then we get out of the boat and walk about 1/2 mile in water that sometimes got up to your shoulders where you could even swim across those areas. We then finished it off with a great meal prepared by some of the locals that lived on the island where the cave is located. Alex, by far, is the best guide we have ever had on a tour. Knowledgeable but more important, just a fun and entertaining person. I also have to thank Manual who was the boat driver on the Cave Tour and who really made sure our walk through the cave was as easy as possible. There are a couple of areas in the cave that were tough to navigate and he got us through with no problem. Our friends who are not real adventurous continued to speak of this trip for days. We took this tour while on an Azamara cruise. So, one item that I have passed along to Xplora was to make sure you have a Panama entry stamp on your passport or some proof you are from a cruise. We did get stopped by the police on a routine check and Alex had to spend time explaining why none of us had an entry stamp. It wasn't an issue but would have been quicker if we were prepared. I also have to thank Ester who manages the tours. I must have sent her 20 emails regarding various questions and issues trying to coordinate the two days of activity. She was always pleasant and quick to respond to even the most minor questions.

My husband and I booked our trip to Panama fairly last minute. This was my first time to the Bayano caves( his second) and we had sooo much fun! However, by the time I got in touch to book a tour was the night before, and despite being booked they were so accommodating! Not sure how they did it but I got a guide for my husband and I and we had a terrific time! Alex, an incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent man was our tour guide. He was fluent in English, extremely patient (I take 100+ pictures- it can get taxing ) yet he was super chill. We picked us up from our hotel and we took us on an amazing drive to the caves. We made some stops along the way to look at horses and nature. Alex gave us great insight into the government, culture and how to navigate our travel. ( I also got some of the best tips as to where to go from him!!) The actual cave was amazing! Huge rocks, lots of bats!! The treck was not easy! The water was high in the caves and we had to swim and navigate through it carefully. Again, Alex made it super fun and I enjoyed the challenge. I would highly recommend using Xplora to check out the caves. 5 stars all around!!

Amazing cave tour with Alex, Manuel and received by Miguel (the landlord). This is an amazing tour, beautiful and unique experience swimming through the cave, along with bats, caimans, frogs and all kind of natural formations. You will love it!

When my mom and I booked our trip to Panama for late November into early December, we didn't realize the rainy season would still be in full swing. The day of our tour to Lago Bayano dawned stormy and extremely wet and we were disappointed/worried that the weather would completely ruin the experience, but guide Alex assured us that we would still have a great day. It was just the two of us on the tour so we had the entire drive to chat with Alex about the history of Panama and notable sights along the way. When we got to Madungandi village (the launch point for the boat ride across the lake), our boat driver warned Alex that there might be too much water in the cave for us to safely pass through. This turned out to be true, but we were still able to go quite deep into the cave and see bats, scorpions, herons and cormorants. We also encountered an anteater that had fallen into the cave and become trapped. Alex and the boat driver, Manuel, decided to rescue it, which made for quite an interesting 15 minutes as they hustled it into the boat with us and drove it to safety! Because we couldn't fully explore the cave, Manuel instead took us further down the lake and up a winding river between steep limestone cliffs. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and we were able to see even more amazing wildlife, including howler monkeys, iridescent butterflies and a caiman. We were so appreciative that Alex and Manuel were able to adapt the tour for the weather conditions and still deliver a wonderful experience that showcased the beauty and biodiversity of Lago Bayano. This day was definitely a highlight of our week in Panama.