What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• Amazing Lake Bayano Spelunking tour with Alex

  KatRocks,

  Apr 15, 2018

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My family and I recently booked the Lake Bayano cave tour and had an absolute wonderful time. With two young children (ages 10 and 8), my wife and I were a bit nervous, but our guide Alex quickly put us at ease. We enjoyed the two-hour drive from Panama City to the lake, as well as the 30 minute ride across the lake to the cave. From there, it only got better. Together with his friend Miguel, the two led us through the cave, following an underground river upstream for a kilometer until it opened up in a narrow canyon. Throughout, Alex ensured we had an enjoyable and safe time, pointing out the many interesting formations in the cave and sharing his knowledge of the many species of bats and other animals which inhabit the cave. He even helped our kids (and me) climb to a perch from which we jumped into the river for a cool, refreshing swim. Afterward, we enjoyed a fish fry (and played a little soccer) before boarding the boat for the trip back across the lake. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the outdoors (and a bit of adventure) - even those with kids (although be aware there is a bit of climbing and swimming in the cave). We would also highly recommend Alex as guide - whether on this or any other trip - as you'll be in very capable and friendly hands.

• Good outing looked like adventure movie set

  Juan C,

  Mar 16, 2018

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  The Bayano Lake Caves are three caves located on the south side of the lake in Panama Province, near the city. The only cave you can visit is the largest, approximately two kilometers long. The Dry River makes its way through the cave, allowing boats to go all the way to the inner half of the cavern. It is not a place that is still equipped for visits, it is quite rural and not very clean, as locals throw away trash everywhere, although this usually happens throughout the country. A lot of bats live in the cave but they don't do anything to you. I went with friends and loved the place. We saw crocodiles (lizards for Panamanians) by the river. Inside the cave you will see a landscape that will look like something out of an adventure movie. Fully recommended.

  

  

  

  

• Fantastic if you like an adventure!

  AlanD-Denver,

  Feb 8, 2018

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We just returned from this tour and I’m sure it will be the highlight of our trip to Panama. Alex and Manuel took such great care of us. You have to be willing to get wet and climb over rocks but this was a phenomenal experience. You drive for 2 hours from Panama City to Lake Bayano. Along the way, we stopped to see monkeys and sloths. We got in a boat and headed across Lake Bayano to the estate with Manuel and his family live. There we changed into bathing suits and took the boat into the cave - bats flying around above our heads - as far as we could go. After this, you jumped into the water and headed up through the cave to a swimming area. Later we came back down and had a lovely lunch, before returning to the city. Alex is a biologist and told us a lot about the vegetation. He also knows the bird population.

• Panama Canal and Cave Tour

  Rick C,

  Jan 28, 2018

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had Alex as our guide both days of our tour. Day one was a boat trip into the canal zone and through various islands. Then on to the Miraflors locks where we got to see the same boats converse through the locks that we had passed when on the canal. Alex was a fantastic guide. Knew everything about the areas we visited but also well versed on the history of Panama and was a source of unlimited information. The second day our group went on the Cave Tour, again with Alex. It was the highlight of our vacation. There were four of us and most of us being in our 60's so there was some trepidation from a couple in the group. Manual was our boat driver and helped considerably when there were areas in the cave that were a bit tougher to walk through. For us it was an experience we will never forget. Riding the boat halfway through the cave and having bats flying all around was something to behold. Then we get out of the boat and walk about 1/2 mile in water that sometimes got up to your shoulders where you could even swim across those areas. We then finished it off with a great meal prepared by some of the locals that lived on the island where the cave is located. Alex, by far, is the best guide we have ever had on a tour. Knowledgeable but more important, just a fun and entertaining person. I also have to thank Manual who was the boat driver on the Cave Tour and who really made sure our walk through the cave was as easy as possible. There are a couple of areas in the cave that were tough to navigate and he got us through with no problem. Our friends who are not real adventurous continued to speak of this trip for days. We took this tour while on an Azamara cruise. So, one item that I have passed along to Xplora was to make sure you have a Panama entry stamp on your passport or some proof you are from a cruise. We did get stopped by the police on a routine check and Alex had to spend time explaining why none of us had an entry stamp. It wasn't an issue but would have been quicker if we were prepared. I also have to thank Ester who manages the tours. I must have sent her 20 emails regarding various questions and issues trying to coordinate the two days of activity. She was always pleasant and quick to respond to even the most minor questions.

  

  

• Simply Incredible!

  Dev H,

  Jan 22, 2018

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  My husband and I booked our trip to Panama fairly last minute. This was my first time to the Bayano caves( his second) and we had sooo much fun! However, by the time I got in touch to book a tour was the night before, and despite being booked they were so accommodating! Not sure how they did it but I got a guide for my husband and I and we had a terrific time! Alex, an incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent man was our tour guide. He was fluent in English, extremely patient (I take 100+ pictures- it can get taxing ) yet he was super chill. We picked us up from our hotel and we took us on an amazing drive to the caves. We made some stops along the way to look at horses and nature. Alex gave us great insight into the government, culture and how to navigate our travel. ( I also got some of the best tips as to where to go from him!!) The actual cave was amazing! Huge rocks, lots of bats!! The treck was not easy! The water was high in the caves and we had to swim and navigate through it carefully. Again, Alex made it super fun and I enjoyed the challenge. I would highly recommend using Xplora to check out the caves. 5 stars all around!!

• Cave tour!

  Traveler D,

  Dec 22, 2017

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Amazing cave tour with Alex, Manuel and received by Miguel (the landlord). This is an amazing tour, beautiful and unique experience swimming through the cave, along with bats, caimans, frogs and all kind of natural formations. You will love it!

  

  

  

  

• Highlight of our trip, even in the rain!

  Alexandra P,

  Dec 10, 2017

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  When my mom and I booked our trip to Panama for late November into early December, we didn't realize the rainy season would still be in full swing. The day of our tour to Lago Bayano dawned stormy and extremely wet and we were disappointed/worried that the weather would completely ruin the experience, but guide Alex assured us that we would still have a great day. It was just the two of us on the tour so we had the entire drive to chat with Alex about the history of Panama and notable sights along the way. When we got to Madungandi village (the launch point for the boat ride across the lake), our boat driver warned Alex that there might be too much water in the cave for us to safely pass through. This turned out to be true, but we were still able to go quite deep into the cave and see bats, scorpions, herons and cormorants. We also encountered an anteater that had fallen into the cave and become trapped. Alex and the boat driver, Manuel, decided to rescue it, which made for quite an interesting 15 minutes as they hustled it into the boat with us and drove it to safety! Because we couldn't fully explore the cave, Manuel instead took us further down the lake and up a winding river between steep limestone cliffs. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and we were able to see even more amazing wildlife, including howler monkeys, iridescent butterflies and a caiman. We were so appreciative that Alex and Manuel were able to adapt the tour for the weather conditions and still deliver a wonderful experience that showcased the beauty and biodiversity of Lago Bayano. This day was definitely a highlight of our week in Panama.

  

  

• I did this tour with my 10 year old...

  Kathryn D,

  May 30, 2017

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  I did this tour with my 10 year old daughter and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Alex is truly first rate, and was exceptional with my nature-loving kid. He made sure she saw all sorts of critters, and had all of the patience with her in the world. Manuel, who drove the boat and accompanied us into the caves, also was just terrific. He was attentive and, like Alex, concerned first and foremost with safety. There really is nothing like it, and it is so worth it if you are adventurous and not easily spooked and have a nature-loving kid. It is however raw nature. You may come across poisonous animals, you'll be swimming in an underground river with possibly said animals, and you'll be climbing up and down boulders as you make your way through the caves. Thank you Alex and Manuel for taking us on a safe and exceptional adventure!

• This tour is amazing but you must be in...

  Delores Pifer,

  Feb 12, 2017

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This tour is amazing but you must be in good physical condition to hike the subterranean stream with many rocks and boulders. It also is a trip that requires you to be comfortable in a natural environment without the comforts of the western world. It was likely one of the best adventure excursions we have ever taken and we've traveled a great deal. The guide Alex was knowledgeable in both history and the natural environment. The boat operator, Manuel was always helpful and watchful as we hiked the stream together. We were given headlamps to wear so that we had light to see during the hike. We always felt safe and that we were in good hands as they guided us along the stream climbing over many size rocks. The formations within the caves were beautiful and the natural openings in the cave ceilings with the light streaming down were amazing sights. There were numerous bats within the cave but we were never fearful of them harming us. They were incredible to watch in their natural environment. This was an exceptional tour and we would highly recommend it to the right type of people seeking an adventure experience.

• A great trip, most people will never...

  Lori M,

  Oct 22, 2016

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  A great trip, most people will never experience a place like this. It is remote, however I felt safe with the entire trip. Alex was a great driver / guide. He was friendly and knowledgeable. What makes a trip really great is when something goes wrong and the guide fixes it I left my expensive prescription glasses in the van when we were dropped off at our hotel. I realized it about 10 minutes later and call Alex on his cell. He said yes they were in the van and he would be back in 20 minutes with them - he was! He could have just as easily said he could not find them and that would have been the end of it, but he probably spent an hour of his time after the trip was over to return them. Wow who does stuff like that!!