Manatee Encounter & Wildlife Tour

Service Description

Discover the remarkable San San Pond Sak Wetland in Panama with Cahuita Tours and join us on a unique ecotourism experience in search of the Antillean manatee in its natural habitat. The experience begins approximately 10 km from the Costa Rica–Panama border, in the community of San San Pond Sak. From here, we travel by boat for approximately 40 minutes through natural waterways surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The journey takes us toward an observation platform near the mouth of the San San River, where we look for manatees in their natural environment. Along the way, you will explore different ecosystems, including mangroves, flooded forests and areas where freshwater and saltwater meet. These habitats support a remarkable variety of wildlife, including resident and migratory birds, fish, reptiles and other species that depend on the wetland. The tour is operated in collaboration with the Asociación de Amigos y Vecinos de la Costa y la Naturaleza, a local organization committed to wetland conservation and sustainable tourism. This connection with the local community makes the experience an opportunity not only to observe wildlife, but also to learn about the importance of protecting these ecosystems. The experience also includes a visit to Don Sixto's Organic Farm, where you will learn about local crops, their nutritional benefits and sustainable agricultural practices directly from a local farmer. The tour includes: liability insurance, light breakfast, international transportation between Costa Rica and Panama, assistance with immigration procedures, boat transportation, bilingual guide and lunch. Important: Full name and passport number are required for each participant when making the reservation. Each traveler must carry a copy of their passport and a valid onward or return ticket from the destination country. Migration fees are not included: Costa Rica USD $9 per person and Panama USD $8 per person for entry and exit. What to bring: comfortable clothing in neutral or dark colors, hat or cap, insect repellent, camera and closed-toe footwear suitable for outdoor activities. Duration: approximately 6–7 hours. Minimum operation: 4 people.