Kayaking Gatun Lake Panama: Jungle wildlife & horseback

You paddle past monkeys and caimans in the same morning you ride through the jungle.

Kayak and horseback activity from Panama City combining paddling on Gatun Lake in the Panamanian rainforest with guided horseback riding through La Granja Campo y Aventura. You paddle single or double kayaks through calm waters surrounded by native flora and fauna, then ride horses along jungle paths with views back to the lake. Transport from Panama City, a live guide in English or Spanish, water and snacks included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and horseback riding tour

• Leave Panama City at 8:00 AM
• Arrive in Colon at 9:00 AM
• Kayak activity at Gatun Lake
• Horseback riding in La Granja Campo and Aventura
• Leave Colon for Panama City at 11:00 AM
• Arrive in Panama City at 12:00 PM

The experience

The day starts with a pickup in Panama City at 8 AM and a drive to Colon, arriving by 9 AM. Once there, you get into a single or double kayak on Gatun Lake's calm water. The lake sits inside the Panamanian rainforest, and the paddling lasts about an hour. You move slowly enough to watch the biodiversity around you: birds, monkeys, caimans and the native plants that line the shore. The guide navigates the route and points out what moves in the water and the trees.

After kayaking, you switch to horseback riding along the paths of La Granja Campo y Aventura. The horses move through the jungle interior, and the trails offer views back toward Gatun Lake. This part of the day runs about 45 minutes. You ride through the habitat where the animals you saw from the kayak actually live, so the two activities show you the same landscape from different angles and speeds.

The return drive to Panama City leaves Colon around 11 AM and arrives by noon. You get bottled water and snacks during the outing, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. The whole experience runs four hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Kayak and snacks.
• horseback riding through the jungle.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from Panama City.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Monkey Adventures

Is this one for you?Children from age 6 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, so families and mixed-ability groups can book together. The morning timing gets you back to Panama City by midday, leaving the afternoon free for other plans in the city.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see kayaking on Gatun Lake?

Gatun Lake holds monkeys, caimans, and a range of native birds. The calm water and rainforest setting mean you move slowly enough to spot them, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle on Gatun Lake?

No experience is required. The lake water is calm, and you paddle a single or double kayak with a guide who handles navigation and can assist if needed. The activity suits all fitness levels.

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The horseback riding runs roughly 45 minutes along the jungle paths of La Granja Campo y Aventura, with views toward Gatun Lake from the trails.

What is included in the price?

The kayak, horseback tour, bottled water, snacks, and air-conditioned transport from Panama City are all included. A live guide in English or Spanish leads both activities.

What time does the activity start and end?

Pickup from Panama City is at 8 AM. You arrive back in Panama City by noon, making it a four-hour outing from door to door.