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Zip lines around the World

July 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This article describes Canopy Tour zip lines around the world that can be enjoyed primarily by tourists to these regions. The intent is to provide the reader an understanding of what different ziplines include and offer.

The main focus of this article is focusing on similar designs and functions that zip line tours offer in particular. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all ziplines, but does focus on the most noted ziplines in Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Hawaii, Thailand, Belize and the United States

Panama Ziplines

Boquete Tree Trek

Location: Boquete

Description: Offers a tour through century-old Panamanian forests, pristine rivers, waterfalls that border National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru Volcano. Boquete Tree Trek has partnered up with many other tour and accommodation providers and offer much more than just a canopy tour.

Number of Zips: 12 (3.5 kilometers)

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • Age – 6 and up
  • Women – 170 lbs.
  • Men – 250 lbs.

Price: $55 Student, $60 Regular

Time: 2.5 hrs. (1 hr 20 min of actual zipping)

Online Reservations: Yes

Panama Outdoor Adventures

Location: Portabelo (1 hr from panama city)

Description: “Rapidly gaining a reputation throughout Panama as one of the finest canopy tour sites operating in the country”. This facility offers very basic activities, amenities, and accommodations such as: river tubing, jungle camping, horse backing, rope swing into river, and group meals.

Number of Zips: 9

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 1 year old. (but just took a 11month old they say)
  • 300 lbs.

Price: $45

Time: 1-1.5 hrs.

Online Reservations: No

San Miguel Canopy Ecoventuras

Location: 35 min from Panama City

Description: No relevant information provided. From the pictures it looks like the tour crosses a small river and they also offer rafting as an activity. Their very basic website is in all Spanish. I tried to call, for more info but they hung up me.

Number of Zips: 8

Age/Weight Restrictions: ?

Price: ?

Time: 1.5-2.5 hrs. depending on group size and interest

Online Reservations: No

Panama’s Canopy Adventure

Location: El Valle de Anton (2hrs. from Panama City)

Description: This is a basic canopy tour. No on site facilities. Any other lodging, activities, or amenities are can be found in El Valle.

Number of Zips: 5

Other Features: It’s unclear on their website whether the guides rappel to the canopy floor or the guests do.

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 200 lbs.
  • 6 years old

Price:

  • $52.50
  • $131.25 with transportation, lunch, and a tour of a museum and El Valle

Time: 1.5 hr.

Online Reservations: No

Customer Reviews: The tour was very simple, but pretty fun. She did not feel like she received the value for the money she spent, but knew that was an activity that her and her husband wanted to do. She said it was well run and felt safe the entire time.

Bastimentos Sky at Red Frog Beach

Location: Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Description: This is a Panama zipline with a ropes course high on a Caribbean island. The zip line is attached to Red Frog Beach Resort and Bocas Bound. Most amenities are present in this location including nice beaches and a bordering national park. Just opening August of 2010.

Number of Zips: 7

Other Features: Ropes course, tarzan swing, suspension bridge, interactive guide.

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 300 lbs.
  • ?

Price:

  • $40 for zip line tour
  • $50 for zip line and ropes course

Time: 2.5 hr.

Online Reservations: No

Customer Reviews: One of the most unique setting witsh the island rainforest atmosphere. Guides were well trained and professional. The ropes course is very exhilarating and one of the best activities I have ever done on a vacation.

Costa Rica

“The original Canopy Tour”

Location: Multiple locations throughout Americas

Description: This company comes up first in a Google Search For “Costa Rica canopy Tour” They claim to be the “pioneers” of the Costa Rica Canopy Tour Industry. The company was started by a Canadian in the 90’s and have many operating tours in existence throughout the Americas. They provide funding for canopy tour start-ups and structures them as a franchise.

Online Reservations: Yes, centralized website

Drake Bay Location

Description: Located in the Osa Peninsula near Corcovado National Park “one of largest untouched rainforest left in the country” The rustic lodge is accessed by foot, horseback or 4×4.

Number of Zips: 6

Other Features: 25 meter rappel to edge of stream, suspended observation walkway and deck

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 5 Years
  • 265 lbs.

Price:

  • $45 Adult
  • $35 Student
  • $25 Children (under 12 years old)

Time: 2.5 – 3 hrs.

Monteverde Location

Description: Located on a private reserve behind the Cloud Forest Lodge. The tour starts with guided hike through a private 70 acre reserve and the first part of the tour goes through old growth rainforest and the second part through new growth. There is an onsite Hotel with Restaurant.

Number of Zips: 12

Other Features: An exhilarating rappel down from “Scary Tree”, climbing up a tree, and a tarzan swing

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 5 Years old
  • 265 lbs.

Price:

  • $45 Adult
  • $35 Student
  • $25 Children (under 12 years old)

Time: 2-2.5 hrs depending on group size

Hacienda Gualchipelin

Location: Guanacaste

Description: This facility/lodge is located next to Rincon del la Vieja National Park and offers many amenities and activities. The surrounding area is very beautiful and has very many unique aspects like a volcano, hot springs, and slot canyons with rivers. The Canopy Tour is stunning and is said to be the among the best in Costa Rica.

Number of Zips: 12

Other Features: 24 platforms, climbing wall, tarzan swing, hanging bridges, and rappels,

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 4 years old
  • 300lbs.

Price:

  • $50 Basic canopy tour
  • $80 Canopy tour, horseback, tubing, hot spring access, and mud bath

Time: Half Day for Basic and Full day for package

Online Reservations: Yes

Cartagena Canopy Tour

Location: Guanacaste

Description: This tour is located in one the last dry forests in Guanacaste. No other amenities or features mentioned. Unable to get more info because they don’t speak English.

Number of Zips: 10 (1600 meters)

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • Suitable for all ages
  • ?lbs.

Price:

  • $40

Time: 2 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

Cedar Valley Canopy Tour

Location: Limon

Description: A well-developed tour with onsite butterfly garden, accommodations, restaurant, horseback tours, and more. Cedar Valley main influx of visitors come from the cruise ships that use Limon’s port for offshore excursions.

Number of Zips: 7

Features: A stunning 500 meter zip over the Banana River

Age/Weight Restrictions: 6

Price: $99 (includes transportation, guided nature tour, 1hr boat tour)

Time: 1.5hrs.

Online Reservations: No

Crazy Monkey Zip Line

Location: Limon

Description: A basic Canopy Tour with a lodge, and a cruise ship base of visitors similar to Cedar Valley Ranch. Spanish speaker answering phone.

Number of Zips: 13

Age/Weight Restrictions: ??

Price: $40

Time: 2.5 hrs. (1 hr 20 min of actual zipping)

Online Reservations: Yes

Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park

Location: Turubari Park

Description: This facility/lodge offers a great selection of amenities and activities, such as: a bamboo garden, butterfly garden, cactus garden, countryside farm, crocodile breeding, Iguana viewing, orchids garden, and a restaurant. Many package options available.

Number of Zips: 8 (4,900 ft.)

Other Features: 16 Platforms, Longest zipline in Costa rica (4,000 ft. superman style) Highest Tarzan swing in Costa Rica, 2,135ft long zipline, and arial tram to restaurant.

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 5 years old 12 for 4,000 ft. superman zip
  • 265 lbs. 6’7” tall

Price:

  • $55 Basic Canopy Tour
  • $55 4,000 ft. Superman zip
  • $15 Tarzan swing add on
  • Many package deals.

Time: 60-90 min. Based on the number of people participating in the tour

Online Reservations: Yes

Arenal Paraiso

Location: Arenal Volcano, (136km east from Monteverde)

Description: A well developed facility with amenities, accommodations and activities  such as: a wildlife refuge, rafting, canyoneering, a sky tram, hot springs, and hanging bridges.

Number of Zips: 11 (2km total)

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 5 or 8 years old (conflicting information on website.) 70 years max.
  • No weight limit stated because “all equipment are certified for 2,000 lbs.

Price:

  • $45 Adults
  • $35 Students with I.D. & children 5-8 years old.

Time: 2 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

Dream Forest Canopy Tour

Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas

Description: Nothing specific described, but have teamed up with local oufitters and offer online and phone bookings of waterfall rappelling, catamaran island adventure, horse backing, kayaking, mangrove tours, white water rafting, and ATV tours.

Number of Zips: 13

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 246 lbs.
  • 3-4 years old.

Price: $60

Time: ??

Online Reservations: Yes

Hawaii

Big Island Zipline Tours

Location: Self explanatory

Description: This basic “island canopy tour” offers access to an isolated and exclusive eco-reserve. During the tour you will be served a gourmet, all-natural picnic lunch by a majestic waterfall, and an off-road journey in a Pinzgauer truck. No other amenities available as listed. Medium hikes during journey.

Number of Zips: 8

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • Age – No age restriction
  • Weight – Between 80 – 270 lbs.

Price: $160

Time: 4 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

Thailand

Flight of the Gibbon

Location: 90 min from Bangkok

Description: Bangkok’s first zip-line tour and adventure course. This facility offers amenities, accommodations, and activities such as: golf, safaris, a nearby zoo and wildlife sanctuary, a restaurant, and a hotel. They advertise that 1000 orphans and under privileged children fly each year, and another 2,000 for a modest fee. Education and wildlife awareness are their major goals. They’ve set a goal to plant 1 million trees in the next 20 years.

Number of Zips: 17

Other Features: 6 educational signs, 18 unique challenges including: suspended bridges, spider nets, tarzan jumps, flying-fox, and flying swings.

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • No age restriction, (3’ 3” height restriction)
  • 286 lbs.

Price:

  • $75 Canopy Tour
  • $65 Jungle Course add on
  • Package Deals

Time: 1:15 to 1.5 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

Belize

Chukka Zipline Canopy

Location: Belize City

Description: Nothing stated other than “Bake-a-Bush’s Station” which serves lunch. The company does describe many other activities that are available including: horsebacking, 4×4 off-road safari, ATV safaris, dune bugyy adventures, tubing, kayaking, air-boating, cave tubing, dogsleding and caving.

Number of Zips: 5

Other Features: Tunnel-like entrance, Caves, and a Rappel.

Age/Weight Restrictions:

  • 8 years old
  • ??

Price: $95

Time: 5 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

United States

Cypress Valley Canopy Tours

Location: Texas

Description: A basic developed facility. Very nice Treehouse accommodation is available and food delivery. Ponds and small creeks. Very beautiful area.

Number of Zips: 6

Other Features: Superman style zip, ropes course, sky bridges.

Age/Weight Restrictions: (two separate restrictions)

  • Canopy Tour
    • Good to moderate shape
    • 70-250 lbs.
    • 10 years old
    • Ropes Course
      • Excellent physical health and conditioning
      • 5 ft. min height

Price:

  • Canopy Tour – $75
  • Canopy Challenge – $85
  • Combined – $140

Time: 2-3 hrs.

Online Reservations: Yes

Filed Under Bocas Del Toro

Panama Vacation

July 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I was looking for a Panama vacation. I needed a break, a get – away, and Google came up with Bocas del Toro.  It could not have been better, a Panama vacation complete with sun, jungle, beaches, hiking trails and a whole lot more. In the whole Bocas del Toro area I found, on Isla Bastimentos, the best…a hostel called Bocas Bound. Air conditioned dorm rooms, a cool hang out area (complete with restaurant, bar, pool table, ping pong table, TV, hammocks, and social area), customer kitchen, laundry… and it is a 5 – 10 minute walk to the beach! This was the Panama vacation I had hoped for, and more!

Much of Bocas del Toro is an archipelago, scores of islands in a tropical rain forest with the main town of Bocas on the island of Colon. It is a sort of ‘surf town’ with a cool vibe and plenty of night life and is the main corridor for transportation in and out via plane and boat connecting with buses. One thing I wanted (and needed) for my Panama vacation was services. There is a whole host of services in Bocas del Toro – hospital, groceries, pharmacy in town and at Bocas Bound – phone, internet, tours and restaurants.

Bocas del Toro also has a fairly large indigenous population. They are a frequent site amongst the islands in their dugout canoes, fishing, transporting, and quietly going about their lives. They certainly add to the rich cultural diversity of this Bocas del Toro area. I was fortunate on this Panama vacation to visit the town of Bastimentos.  What a sweet little spot. It wasn’t that tidy or ‘put together’ but so unique! Got there by boat and had a nice hike around the town and a good meal at a reasonable price right over the water. I guess the fact that there are no vehicles and these nifty walking paths make it special.

One other stop in this Bocas del Toro area that is not to be missed is a hike into the jungle. I took a better part of a day hiking from Bocas Bound along the beach and eventually into the jungle. This was perhaps the highlight of my Panama vacation. Birds of all sorts, a caiman, sloth, little red frogs with black spots (apparently found only on the island of Bastimentos) and huge trees and plants, ferns and palms. I saw quite a few parrots, they usually traveled in pairs or sometimes three to a group – perhaps that was mom and dad with a young one, I don’t know. And I found the beaches quite wild and interesting, with the jungle and vegetation growing right down to the sand and beyond, almost encroaching on the beach,   giving it a very primitive feel.

If you are looking to lay by the pool, drink  cocktails and be served food all day long then this may not be the Panama vacation for you, but the Bocas del Toro area was perfect for me. I was so impressed with the quality of experiences, the diverse people I met and the way Mother Nature speaks to you almost everywhere you go. The only disappointment I had really was I didn’t have enough time to see it all, to do all the things I had on my ‘list’. Next visit to Bocas del Toro will include some kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and a cave tour into the National Park which is supposed to be spectacular! Oh my gosh, did I mention surfing? This Bocas del Toro area is supposed to have some of the best in all of Central America (of course I would need to take surf lessons first… no big deal). Well, I better stop while I can – this Panama vacation was a trip of a lifetime and I will certainly be coming back soon.

s8mNlNChOPnX
Filed Under Isla Bastimentos, Panama

Panama Marina

July 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Red Frog Marina in Bocas del Toro is a Marina in Panama that is relatively new.  It is located on the bay side of Bastimentos and with very little tidal change, depth of 18 to 30 feet, and a protected harbor – it is an ideal spot for a Panama Marina.

The Red Frog Marina is different from most Panama Marinas because it is located on a Caribbean Island. The rainforest and beaches on this island in Panama are extraordinarily beautiful. Boaters who keep their vessels at this marina can walk through native rainforest and visit several beaches –the most famous being Red Frog Beach.

While this Panama Marina is located in an exotic location in Bocas del Toro, there is plenty of activities and access right from this marina. Within walking distance from the Marina, boaters can walk to the largest covered activity center in Central America at Bocas Bound; there is a small general store here and a kitchen. This activity center serves as a lounge for diverse travelers that mainly come to experience some of the best beaches in Panama.

Boaters can quickly access Bocas town with many restaurants, nightlife and the Bocas del Toro airport. Many boaters that stay at this Marina in Panama comment on how beautiful the setting is but still able to access all that they need to enjoy their time in Panama. The Red Frog Beach Marina currently has a program where boaters that lease a slip can have 4 free boat rides to Bocas town per month (otherwise it costs $3–$5 per trip).

There are currently 38 boats at the Red Frog Marina with 24 slips and a 200Meter walkway. Over 40 slips are planned to be added by Fall 2010 to this Panama Marina. The marina is located with surrounding mangrove gardens and fringed by beautiful Panamanian Rainforest. Power was recently installed on the docks and boaters enjoy spring fed water with great pressure to their boats.

Many marinas in Panama are located on the Pacific side of the county. The tidal change on the Pacific is so much more dramatic than you will find on the Caribbean side. This marina is so well priced that many boaters throughout the Caribbean boating community  may consider bringing their boat to Panama for hurricane season. Many boaters do not realize that Panama and Bocas del Toro have never been hit by a hurricane which makes this Panama Marina so unique.

New visitors are welcome to come and stay at this Marina in Panama located on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro.

Filed Under Isla Bastimentos

Red Frog Beach Resort and Marina: Comes Alive

July 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bastimentos Sky Zipline & Canopy Tour

Opening August 2010

We are pleased to announce that the construction phase of our Bastimentos Sky Canopy Tour is coming to a close.  As of early June all platform structures have been built and all 7 zipline cables have been fully strung.   We are in the “integration” phase of the project which entails finish carpentry of platforms, coordinating systems with harnesses and final build-out of ropes course features.    We should be ready for internal trial runs and training in approximately two weeks.    A “community week” will give the opportunity to let local business owners experience what is sure to be a proud new feature of the Bocas tourism landscape.   All businesses should benefit from increased traffic to the region as a result of this new amenity.  We are proud of the fact that we are that the vast majority of guides have been sourced from our local community here in Bastimentos.

Red Frog Beach “Activity Center”

Opening August 2010

Our “Beach Club Activity Center” brings together two of the best features of Bocas del Toro:  the natural beauty of Red Frog Beach coupled with an array of incredible water sport activities.   This activity center will rent surf boards, paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear and boogie boards and will be staffed by a professional surfing tour operator.   Since Bocas del Toro is a growing hub for surfers, we will be the first outfit to originate surf tours and lessons directly on the beach.  Our goal is to become THE locale for new and experience surfers to originate their surfing adventures from.    Of course not all beach goers are looking to surf, so we will offer a variety of the aforementioned activities.   The activity center is due to launch by the last week in August.

“Punta Lava” Bar and Grill at Red Frog Beach

Over 1000 meals served over last 6 months.  Expansion slated for completion by November 2010

The Punta Lava Bar and Grill has quickly become a Bocas institution for visitors and locals alike.   The grill offers a solid menu of burgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken sandwiches with all the freshest fixings.   The bar features a variety of mixed beverages, beers and sodas.   Take in the international scene and expect to eat well and make a day of it at our choice location right on the beach.   We are currently undergoing an expansion of this beach club and restaurant and will feature greater choices for dining, seating and relaxation within the next five months.

Kayukos Restaurant and Island Lounge

Over 15000 meals served over last 6 months (Jan-Jun)

This restaurant and lounge serves as the nexus for dining, socializing and relaxing at The Red Frog Beach island resort.   The island ambiance and mellow music make this an especially attractive place to enjoy a reasonably priced meal and enjoy a cool drink.   The restaurant and lounge can accommodate special events, parties and retreats for up to 200 people.   A perfect event center just a five minute walk to Red Frog Beach.

Bocas Bound Island Hotel Suites and Hostel

Over 1100 visitors over last 6 months (Jan-Jun)

Located in a living rainforest, on a Caribbean island, Bocas Bound is the place to stay and visit in Bocas del Toro. Bocas Bound provides immediate access to surfing, rain forest hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and beautiful beaches. Bocas Bound is an exotic destination that attracts back-packers, surfers, and cost-conscious families looking for a place that is extraordinarily different from a typical Panama Beach Resort. Trails from your doorstep lead you through dense jungle to breathtaking beaches and hidden coves.    Bocas Bound can accommodate up to 80 visitors per night, making this a terrific option for group events such as school retreats, meetings and corporate events.

Red Frog Beach Marina

Marina slips fully leased, new electric system complete, expansion for 43 more slips to commence in October 2010

The Red Frog Beach Marina currently accommodates over 20 vessels and has recently completed upgrades to its electrical and metering systems.   In July we will commence an expansion project in the marina which will allow it to accommodate an additional 25 slips.   Demand for space in The Red Frog Beach Marina continues unabated and is the result of state of the art construction and the fact that we have the perfect natural harbor setting for deep water Panama Marina. This Panama Marina offers unparalleled access to beautiful sandy beaches, resort amenities which includes our two restaurants, a large island activity lounge, small general store and boat service to Bocas del Toro town.

Red Frog Express

Key data points: 16,143 visitors in last 6 months (Jan-Jun)

The Red Frog Express is the quickest, surest and most comfortable means of getting back and forth from Red Frog Beach to Bocas Town.   Our shuttle service provides safe roads, clean bathrooms/bathhouses and most importantly several comfortable transport vehicles that will take you to Red Frog Beach via our public dock space adjoining the Red Frog Marina.   The public welcome center features a lounge area, cableTV (a hit during world cup season) and maintained tropical gardens.   Red Frog express has accommodated over 16,000 visitors to our beach area in its first six months alone.  Expect more to come as our amenities continue to develop.

Filed Under Isla Bastimentos

Bocas del Toro Hotels

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bocas del Toro is known for several great hotel and lodging options for visitors to this island community.   There are many Bocas del Toro Hotels that offer standard accommodation on the archipelago and most of them are in Bocas del Toro town.  Bocas del Toro Hotels frequently are designed to accommodate a single individual or a couple but they are more limited when considering the needs of a couple, family or several families traveling together.   Perhaps the best Bocas del Toro hotel for such groups is not a hotel at all.  Consider renting a villa at Red Frog Beach Resort and Bocas Bound.

A villa becomes very economical when interests are pooled.   With two families or couples travelling together the experience of deluxe accommodations are within reach.  Bocas del Toro Hotels typically do not offer kitchen facilities.  Add up a restaurant bill for 7 dinners/7 lunches/7 breakfasts and you can get the idea of what it would be like staying at a Bocas del Toro Hotel.  It is a rule of thumb that often times dining expenses are 1 to 1.5 times as expensive as the cost of hotel accommodation itself.  This alone might justify NOT staying in a traditional Bocas del Toro Hotel.  It is amazing to actually think that by upgrading to luxury accommodations you can save money- but you truly can.  Red Frog Beach is also the #1 destination for many who visit the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.   For those who want a true vacation with one of the best Panama beaches actually at their doorstep, this is a huge factor to consider.  Transportation costs around the Bocas del Toro archipelago can be very high.  By staying at the beach, the Red Frog Beach villa renter saves additional money.  After all, what is the point to heading to the islands if the beach isn’t at your fingertips?   The Red Frog Beach Resort is ideally located to make sure that those who seek the beach on vacation can truly get enough of the beach.

Bocas del Toro Hotels also are not as well equipped for “downtime” after a day at the beach or a night on the town.  A significant percentage of vacationers like to have time to relax in their accommodations.   A villa affords the opportunity to relax in luxury.   All Red Frog Beach resort villas have deluxe finish and appointments:  granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, private plunge pools and king or queen size beds with comfortable linens.    For the super active vacationer it is also a treat to come back to luxury accommodations in a priceless setting.  At the end of the day vacations are all about experiences and the memories they create.  Bocas del Toro Hotels are a stop gap and do “the job” for fulfilling basic accommodations, but the Red Frog Beach Resort aspires to creating these essential vacation experiences and memories.    At the end of the day, what is the value of feeling relaxed, fulfilled and doing it for less money in a comfortable yet amazing environment?  In a word: priceless.  We hope you enjoy your stay at our “Bocas del Toro hotel”-  the Red Frog Beach Resort!

Filed Under Bocas Town
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