Explore rowing on a kayak the beautiful Chagres River before it merges at the Gatun lake where the huge vessels and boats transit from Ocean to Ocean. The Chagres river is the main tributary of water of the Canal. A quite waterway, enjoying the sound of the wild life of this dense tropical forest.
You might get the opportunity to see a sloth in a tree, a colorful bird peacefully living in the jungle or at the top the water plants, caimans, turtles among many others species of the local fauna.
After a short hike to the small port used by the Embera indigenous at Gamboa, the tour last about 1 hour and 20 minutes (in the kayak) always accompanied by our bilingual guide and probably also by an Embera guide from the area who knows the place better than anyone.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 18–75)
$149
Youth (ages 12–17)
$95
Child (ages 8–11)
$65
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Kayaking tour in the Chagres River
Pickup included
Itinerary
Gatun Lake
Pass by
The travelers will see the big vessels transiting the Canal of Panama and amazing rainforest around.
Parque Nacional Soberania
Pass by
We will pass by the Important National Park.
Canal de Panama
Pass by
The road by car goes besides the Canal of Panama, passing by very close to The Pedro Miguel locks and the Centenario Bridge.
What's included
Included
All Fees and Taxes
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Kayak
Life jacket
Not included
Breakfast
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
Any other hotel , hostel or Airbnb, in the center of the city, in the finantial district or in the Casco Antiguo. Pick up in Hotels at Playa Bonita available with an extra fee
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
14 reviews
5
13
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Panama City
Starting price $149 is 49% above the typical $100 for tours of similar length in Panama City
Excurgo comparison of 857 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Weight limit per a double kayak of 400 Lbs (in total per 2 people)
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kayaking tour in the Chagres River take?
Kayaking tour in the Chagres River lasts about 3h 45min. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Kayaking tour in the Chagres River cost?
Prices start at $149 per person for this Panama City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Kayaking tour in the Chagres River run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
How much does Kayaking tour in the Chagres River cost for children?
Children aged 8–11 pay from $65, adults from $149.
Can I cancel Kayaking tour in the Chagres River for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Any other hotel , hostel or Airbnb, in the center of the city, in the finantial district or in the Casco Antiguo. Pick up in Hotels at Playa Bonita available with an extra fee Pickup points include Hotel Riu Plaza Panama, Waldorf Astoria Panama.
What languages is Kayaking tour in the Chagres River offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Kayaking tour in the Chagres River worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 14 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by VOYaIR PTY.
Reviews(14)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
1
146daraf
December 28, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Relaxing and impressive way to experience the canal region
I had a fantastic time kayaking with our guide and my three children. Another family was also on the tour. It was great to meet other people! We had beautiful weather and saw lots of fantastic birds. It’s amazing to watch a ship go by on the canal when sitting inside a kayak. Would highly recommend this as a way to experience the region and also get in some activity for activity for your body!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review! It means a lot. I am glad you have enjoyed the kayaking experience
D
D6528IEMaquina
December 30, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great Escape from City for Day
Great way to mix up a trip to Panama that otherwise might be a lot of city, beach and more cultural activities. Nearby, the kayaking allowed us to see a National Park and we even met people from the Embera community. Christian was a knowledgable guide who shifted our outing to the afternoon crucially to avoid morning rain.
Operator response
Thank you very much for taking time for the review, It is important for us. We are glad you've enjoyed the experience
J
joettem141
November 17, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Tour does not fit the description
We spent most of our time kayaking in the middle of the chagres river instead of along the sides where more wildlife would have been able to be viewed. We were not able to look up in the trees for monkeys sloths or toucans. Therefore we saw no wildlife.
Also, Christian took a couple pictures of us kayaking and said he would send them and never did. I’ve sent 3 emails to him requesting the pictures and he hasn’t even responded to my request.
Operator response
Thanks for the information. We haven’t gotten any reservations for that activity in this season in VIATOR or TRIPADVISOR so I imagine the booking was made using a different platform. Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather conditions and wildlife. Lately it has been very windy and with the present of many aquatic plants which make it very hard to be along the sides. The wildlife in the National Park is amazing but it is never guaranteed to see animals close by, to increase the chances of spotting animals such monkeys, you could take some of the tours to Monkey Island where people can interact with them.
Regarding your emails, we’ve been checking, and we can confirm that we haven’t received any notifications asking for the pictures, otherwise we would have replied pleasantly. Please contact us directly via email or WhatsApp or let us know your contact details (privately) and we will gladly send you the photos taken. We are at your service if you have any further questions.
D
Daniel_B
February 15, 2024 · via Viator
Beautiful family-friendly kayaking trip
We had a ton of fun on our family kayaking tour on the Chagres River. The surrounding jungle was so beautiful and our guide did a great job highlighting the wonders of the area. He was also really good with our kids, which is always appreciated.
Operator response
thanks for your review. I am very glad you and your family enjoyed the activity
J
Joe_A
January 5, 2024 · via Viator
A morning on the water
Great experience. Christian was great company and very knowledgeable on everything we encountered on the lake.
Would highly recommend, a salubrious way to spend a morning in Panama.
Operator response
I am glad you enjoyed the activity and thanks for the review, it means a lot for us.
N
nat6702022
April 2, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
A perfect day
The perfect mix: friends, nature, culture and exercise.
Reach the community by kayak, sail in the waters of the canal, meet an indigenous community and enjoy a nice day at the beach. The best experience.
Super recommended
B
Bill O
March 12, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
We got to see howler monkeys howling, lots of birds, and were about as close to the Canal as kayaks are allowed to get. Christian was an excellent guide, very friendly and helpful.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your review. It means a lot to me. I am glad you enjoyed the tour.
D
denined29
March 5, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Awesome kayaking tour!
Thank you Christian for this amazing kayak tour on the Chagres river!!!! Definitely our highlight for the week in Panama.
Operator response
Many thanks for your time writting the review. I am very glad you`ve enjoyed the kayaking ride.
V
V6793YYconnier
February 27, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
amazing tour guide
Our tour guide, Christian met us at our hotel on time, he was very knowledgeable of the area and the animals and birds and friendly and so easy to talk to. We had gorgeous weather, he made sure to remind us to put on sun screen and to stay hydrated. it was well worth the experience. The adventure will not disappoint you
Operator response
Many thanks for your review. It means a lot. I am very glad you have enjoyed the adventure.
P
Parejro
February 9, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip
Amazing trip , face to face with beautiful nature, diving in paradise away from civilization. Thanks for our guide, Christian, who provided great support and interesting information, familiarization with local culture and Panama history. Highly recommended !!!
regards , Andrejs and Larysa
Operator response
Many thanks for review. I trully appreciated and I am very glad you enjoyed the tour.
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