White Water Rafting | Panama City, Panama

Staff Writer
Jun 5
2 min read

Are you looking for an adrenaline pumped adventure during your stay in Panama City, Panama?

Some of the best rapids in the country of Panama are located just outside the city. You gotta wake up early, but it will be worth it! This is an experience like few others that you can have while here.

Some Exciting Details about the River: Rio Mamoni

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure! The Mamoni River was first explored for Panama white water rafting and kayaking by Adventures Panama in January 1998. This thrilling river is rated as Class III-IV, check Panama White Water Rafting Rapid Classification. While some rapids are so intense that we choose to hike around them for safety, they include a stunning waterfall that you won't want to miss!

The surrounding area is bustling with activity, including gold panning, cattle farming, subsistence agriculture, forestry, and banana plantations.

As we head to the river, we'll pass through ECOFARMS Panama, an organization passionately dedicated to conserving and restoring the tropical rainforest in the Mamoni river region. We'll journey through the last remaining strips of primary and secondary forests, which serve as vital research sites for scientists studying tropical biodiversity. Discover more about their incredible work by visiting: www.ecofarmspanama.org (during low water conditions, we might exit from Ecofarms).

white water rafting in Panama City, Panama tours

SEASON:

Experience the thrill of rafting in Panama almost all year round, with just a brief pause at the end of the dry season. The Mamoni River near Panama City reaches its peak water level by November, at the height of the rainy season, and its lowest by May-April as the dry season concludes.

We select rafts based on the water level. Typically, we use 14' rafts from July through December, switch to smaller 11' rafts and duckies (inflatable kayaks) from December through February, rely solely on duckies by March, and return to smaller rafts and duckies from May to June as the rainy season begins to swell the river.

ITINERARY

Our adventure kicks off by picking up guests in Panama City around 7:00 a.m. We'll reach the starting point about an hour and a half later, ready to dive into the Mamoni Panama white water river rafting excitement around 9:30 a.m.

We'll wrap up at the take-out zone around 3:30 p.m., returning to the original pick-up spot by approximately 5:30 p.m.

Keep in mind, the itinerary may adjust based on the actual water level.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? We've got you covered with all mentioned transportation, rafts/kayaks, gear, guides, and lunch. Our guides are experts, trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid, and CPR.

WHO CAN GO? Anyone over eighteen in good health is welcome! During the dry season, participation is a bit more selective as paddlers will navigate inflatable kayaks solo, requiring more adventurous participants and a lighter weight.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG? Pack a swimsuit or shorts for the ride, sneakers or strapped sandals with good soles, a baseball cap, and sun lotion. Don't forget a set of dry clothes for the journey back!