Chagres River in Expedition Kayaks

What your day looks like

The Panama Canal is much more than a canal for transiting vessels. To create it, the Gatun Lake was created in 1928 by building a dam on the Chagres River before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Every time a Ship crosses the canal toward the Pacific Ocean at Pedro Miguel Locks or toward the Atlantic Ocean at the Gatun Locks, 52,000,000 gallons of fresh water are bled from Gatun Lake. It used to be the world's biggest artificial lake. With the creation of Gatun Lake, many mountain tops were turned into islands. It offers endless channel possibilities to scout. On its shores, covered by dense tropical forest, you will find all kinds of exotic flora and fauna. This was discovered by the Smithsonian Research Institute, that operated the famous Tropical Research Center of Barro Colorado since 1940 In 1668, Henry Morgan attacked the town from the land and launched a surprise attack on Fort Santiago. The city was at the mercy of Morgan's men, who launched an orgy of looting, debauchery, and torture. After Portobelo lived through this reign of terror, the town was attacked by other buccaneers and pirates, such as Englishmen William Parker in 1601 and Edward Vernon in 1739. As a result of the repeated pirate attacks, Portobelo's annual trade fairs were forced to stop. Spain abandoned the Isthmian route for the longer but more secure one around Cape Horn. The golden age of Portobelo ceased. Our guides are trained in kayak navigation skills, first-aid, and CPR. Private tours are available upon request.