Let us introduce you one to one of Panama’s most treasured secrets and show you The Gulf of Montijo on a boat cruise, with amazing wetland scenarios, wildlife paradise, and small islands with tiny private beautiful beaches.
We will take you on a discovery tour through the rich wildlife, dramatic scenery, and ever-changing landscape of the world-famous Gulf of Montijo. It’s just 30 minutes from Santiago, Veraguas, or four hours driving from Panama City. These mangrove forests are important breeding and feeding ground for water, shore, sea birds and provide a habitat for large numbers of freshwater and saltwater wildlife.
Our mangrove boat tour offers a remarkable journey through the region’s wetlands and a fantastic way to view the flora and fauna of this amazing ecosystem in total comfort. You can glide across the wetlands on a guided boat tour through their waterways.
Mangrove act as incredible filters, they are “The earth’s liver”
Cruise along to the giant twisted root systems that characterize mangrove forests where the blend of freshwater and saltwater create a unique ecosystem. You will discover a natural wonderland, It’s one of the largest wetlands in Panama. This biodiversity hotspot is home to abundant wildlife, dolphins, other mammals, reptiles, hundreds of native and migratory birds. It’s an amazing wetland environment declared as an internationally recognized RAMSAR site.
Is extensive and complex coastal wetlands, estuarine waters, beaches, several species of mangroves, marshes, and seasonally flooded grassland. With about 89 thousand hectares, we have a lot to do and discover.
The water is filled with amazing creatures such as oysters, cocodriles, stingrays, baby sharks and many large schools of fish.
All our tours are kid-friendly, family-friendly adventures!
Our boat tour departs from El Bongo de Montijo, is a private marina on the banks of the San Pedro River. These complex mangrove wetlands, giving visitors an intimate experience with some of mother nature’s most interesting flora and fauna, is a perfect retreat for travelers of any age. Anyone from children to senior citizens can enjoy scenic boat tours through the mangroves.
Our experienced tour guide is available to answer your questions about the wildlife and ecosystem throughout the tour.
Our guide will explain the role of every component in the ecosystem and search for wildlife throughout the channels of the Gulf of Montijo, along the way your guide will identify and help you spot the wetland wildlife and plant life, including red, black, white mangroves. Discover the secret ways the mangrove replenishes the environment.
Once aboard, our guide will describe to you a variety of biological relationships between many organisms in this delicate habitat. Learn about the unique wildlife and enjoy the optional lunch on Leones Island surrounded by nature, is the perfect place to relax in a hammock with only the crashing waves as background noise. Is an experience not to be missed.
Gulf of Montijo Beach Day Experience
Without a doubt, the Gulf of Montijo is a naturally spectacular place, with more than 10 islands, some deserted and others with populations that exceed 200 residents, with a lot of stories to tell.
If you are looking for a place to get away from the big crowds, where it is almost certain that you will have a beach or even the entire island just for you, you have come to the right place.
The Veraguas South Pacific Coast is a remote area with pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and untouched rainforest.
Depending on your budget and how far you want to go, we have the dream destination, just for you and your group.
Close to the border of the Gulf and ocean, we found “Tres Islas” with golden sand beaches
Cebaco Island, the best keep secret of Panama, 80 km2 of nature and adventure
Outside of the Gulf of Montijo, it’s Coiba National Park, 38 islands on 2,700 km2 of full biodiversity
If you want an untouched beach experience without all the stress of a busy tourist destination, the Veraguas’ coast might be just what you’re looking for.
Birdwatching
We will provide you an intimate adventure tour that you will never forget. In the Gulf of Montijo, we found about12% of the wetlands of Panama, which is a big scenario for birdwatchers, with at least 250 species are found in the wetlands.
Including Whimbrel, Short-billed Dowitcher, Willet, several nationally threatened species are also found, including Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, and Muscovy Duck.
The sunrise and sunset tours are very popular, is the best time of the day to taking amazing pictures and wild bird encounters, like Perdomo Island is like a bird hotel.
Do you know…
Seabirds have special organs called salt glands above their eyes that extract excess salt from the bloodstream and excrete it through the nostrils.
What will I see?
We will understand how tides operate according to the moon, what high tide means for the mangrove, and how many times the tide flows in and out every day. Why the mangroves are important for the protection of the ocean, reef, small fish, coastal towns, and the relationship con Coiba National Park.
Each of our boat adventures is different and nothing is staged. With more than 12% of the wetlands of Panama, which is full of magic, you will have a true Gulf of Montijo’s experience with amazing wildlife, and stunning scenery! We strive to provide the most genuine and authentic experience possible.
Only Private Tours
No crowded boats here! Sit back and relax in our comfortable private boats. The seats are padded for comfort and our boats offer covered shade if you want to get out of the sun.
Our passengers LOVE having the boat all to themselves, at the same price.
What to bring?
- Comfortable shoes for walking in
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Camera
- A water bottle that holds at least one liter of water
- Light jacket as a raincoat (May-Dic)
The cruise offers a year-round spectacle, with different seasons providing a rich and ever-changing vista.
Amazing photos from: @fsaproduction, @cebaco_sunrise, @fundacionmarviva, @pacificadvent, @cabanaspalmareal
Video @fsaproduction