Slow Travel in Gobernadora Island near Coiba National Park
The accommodation options here are limited - in fact, the Art Lodge where you'll stay is the first and only hotel or lodge on Gobernadora Island. The founders of Art Lodge have taken advantage of this opportunity to create a unique tourism relationship between tourists and locals - one that is based upon mutual respect and understanding.
When you come to visit their island, you are treated as an honoured guest. People here don't have any of the unpleasant habits you might encounter where tourism has been over developed and people are fighting for your business or attention. They still follow the rhythm of the seasons and tides; mostly fisherman, they cultivate an atmosphere of serenity and peace.
Not trying to be pretentious, the Art Lodge rests on a hill looking out to sea and each of their four private bungalows strikes the perfect balance of being completely open but still retains your privacy in an intimate space.
The owners, Valerie and Yves, are both artists and the buildings and layout of the grounds reflects their creativity. Everything is unique. Each bungalow has its own character and artistic flair. Using local sources, re-using materials or even incorporating smooth driftwoods from the beach into the designs, they've managed to build an island paradise where you immediately feel at home and can instantly relax - forgetting whatever might have been once preoccupied your mind.
Day 1: Panama City to Gobernadora Island
7am-1pm- Transfer from your hotel in Panama City to Hicaco (close to Santa Catalina) or Puerto Mutis via Santiago de Veraguas (please confirm which options you will opt for - for more information on the transportation time, please go to the Location section).
There will be a coffee break in Santiago before going by boat to Gobernadora Island, where you are welcomed by Valerie & Yves, the French owners of the Art Lodge. Then there will be lunch, relaxation and a walk through the village where you can meet and talk with the locals. Dinner and overnight stay are at the Art Lodge.
Day 1-3 : Gobernadora Island
After enjoying a homemade breakfast you can do everything or nothing - it's up to you: learn how to make tejicoco handicrafts with the women artisans, go fishing with locals, visit the local village, go snorkelling to admire the amazing abundance and diversity of the marine life, swim on a secluded beach, surf some of the area's perfect waves, play badminton or just kick back and read a book in your bungalow's hammock.
You can trek along the Gobernadora Island coastline for two or three hours, enjoy great views of other islands and the mainland, stop to enjoy the white and black sand beaches all before enjoying a lunch of fresh grilled fish and fruits on the beach. You will have the opportunity to visit the artisan shops and spend time with the local women to see how they work and how it is affecting their lives by providing an extra source of income.
Breakfast, dinner and overnight stay at Art Lodge - possibility to take lunch at the lodge on the beach.
Day 4: Gobernadora Island to Panama City (or Hicaco if you wish to continue your travel)
After a fresh homemade breakfast, enjoy your morning at the lodge. Around 11am, transfer by boat to Hicaco you will go by boat to Hicaco and onto Panama City by private van.
Participant guidelines
Include in the package:
- Roundtrip transfer from/to hotel in Panama City
- Roundtrip transfer by boat from Hicaco-Gobernadora Island
- 3 nights at the Art Lodge with meals included
- Excursions by boat to other beaches
- Welcome cocktail
- Other services not mentioned in package
- Transfer by Boat from Puerto Mutis to Gobernadora island (US$65/person for two pax- US$32.50/person for four pax).
Other disclosures
Please let us know if you are interested in customizing the trip either by adding extra days or an excursion to Coiba Island to go scuba diving or walk around this pristine island with rare monkeys and other wildlife.
