Boquete Mountain Safari Your Path to Adventure

Panama Rafting • Owner Perishes on the River

There are 3 white water rafting companies in Boquete, Panama. One of them is 'Panama Rafters'. Last week the owner, Kevin, was taking some guests down the river and suffered a major heart attack. He fell out of the raft and his body was recovered later. Kevin was an ex-pat who started this company many years ago. He died doing what he loved the most. However, what will become of Panama Rafters?

Rafting is an exciting sport. But it can also be a dangerous one if you are not with guides who know what they are doing; and can think fast in moments of crisis. Just because a tour operator promotes the 'hours' their guides have been taking guests on the river, that doesn't mean that they are the most professional and clear headed when the going gets tough. And it will get tough, that's why it is called "White Water Rafting".

In the past couple of years, since I have been living in Boquete, I have heard of a few accidents on the river. Some guests fell out of the raft and the tour guides that where taking them didn't come back until the next day.  http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298424-d775510-r10536097-Panama_Rafters-Boquete.html  (this is just an example of what can happen if there is not proper leadership). This is not intended to slam Kevin, or his memory, but to give a heads up to anyone, BEFORE you book your rafting tour.

I'm sure Panama Rafters will re-emerge with new owners. There have been rumors running around Boquete as to whom that might be. I will not mention the name of the front runner at this point, but if it is purchased by them "Please beware". Water sports need to be handled by Water Experts--and they are not that; they are trying to be everything to everybody and end up doing a sloppy job all around. If you look at their web site you would think they do the "tours" themselves, but that is not the case, they are really just jobbing it out--and end up losing touch with their customer, and possibly you.

Boquete Outdoor Adventure and Chiriqui River Rafters are the 2 solid, experienced, WATER Sports specialist in Boquete. Safety and customer satisfaction are their number one priority. Hector Sanchez, with Chiriqui River Rafting, is ex-military: and Jim, with Boquete Outdoor Adventure, has gills, I think he lives in a fish bowl. Two professional water sport companies.

If you are coming to Boquete to experience the heart pounding thrill of White Water Rafting--PLEASE book from one of these two companies; It's fun--and it is safe, with the right leader.

http://boqueteoutdooradventure.com/

http://www.panama-rafting.com/

Volcanic Rock Formations Create Challenging Climbs in Boquete, Panama

The best rock climbing in Panama is in Boquete with world class climber Cesar Melendez. After the last Volcano eruption, 600 years ago, rock formations were created that have now become the play ground for some of the best climbing in the America's.

 

Cesar Melendez (born September 1, 1982) is a Rock Climber born in Boquete, Panama. Melendez, who was discovered by Canadian climber Gary Burton Henning in 2004, is considered to be the most talented sport climber in Panama. Most known for his accomplishments in the basalt formations of Los Ladrillos in Bajo Mono, he has also climbed difficult routes through out the world in countries like United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Italy.

For the last four years Cesar has been developing sport routes for climbing in Boquete, Panama with Gary Henning from Canada. He has found some easy and challenging spots like Gunko in Boquete, Mana and Paradiso. All fully bolted featuring amazing basalt formations originated by the last volcano eruption in the area. The climbing is for levels from 5.7 up to 5.13. More than 30 routes and new routes being developed each year, including some water solos in the Pacific.

For more pictures and link to Cesar's contact information: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/rockclimbing.html

White Water Adventures Boquete, Panama

The rainy season in Panama is from June to December. The rainiest month is October. Although we have had a rather dry rainy season the rivers are still flowing. With October just around the corner, the kayakers and rafters are getting ready to shoot the rapids, and challenge even the most adventurous white water explorers.

Panama is a world-class whitewater mecca with steep creeks, big volume rivers and many opportunities for remote multi-day paddling. Paddling just about anywhere in Panama’s Chiriqui Province is like paddling your all-time favorite run amidst the backdrop of tropical foliage teeming with howler monkeys and poison dart frogs, quetzals soaring above you and iguanas poking their heads out from the rocks strewn about the…wait…there are no eddies! The whitewater here is CONTINUOUS (no really).

Whether you want to practice the basics on some beautiful Class I & II, fine tune your skills on some hearty Class III and IV , or scare yourself silly on some Class V creeks that’ll make you want your mama, there is no paddling destination more extraordinary than Panama.

Most of the paddling is in the Chiriqui province because this is where the best water is located. With Volcan Baru towering some 11,347 feet over the valley of Boquete where over 100 inches of rain fall annually, Panama’s Chiriqui Province is the ultimate paddler’s paradise. In the Chiriqui province alone, we have more than 35 rivers to choose from within no more than a couple of hours drive from Boquete.

For more pictures, and to read more about the white water in Boquete: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/whitewaterkayakingpanama.html