The Panama Survival Expedition

It starts and ends in Panama City, Panama. We meet at the hotel no later than 5pm; book your return flight for the final day after 3pm.

Our expeditions in Panama are typically led by the insanely talented Tom McElroy. We feel very fortunate to have these immensely talented and special humans teaching. They aren’t just amongst the world’s most talented bushcraft instructors; they are also some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. You can check out their bios on our about page here.

When it comes to bushcraft survival, less is more. It is all about learning to improvise using your surroundings from making rope from the bark of a hibiscus tree to a trap out of a water bottle. However, we do encourage you to bring a basic kit list of appropriate clothes, a knife, headtorch, and water bottle. We bring the rest of the kit from your hammock to your machete.

Our island expeditions are typically 11 days long. The first and last day are spent at a boutique hotel, and the 8 days sandwiched between on the desert island. The first 5 nights on the island are your bushcraft course. This is survival light, where you learn all the skills to equip you for the final 3-day survival phase. For these 5 nights, you are sleeping in a hammock, eating very well, playing all sorts of games, and passing around a bottle of rum around the fire. The final 3 days after this are your survival phase, the true test of your mettle before you are rescued and head to what now feels like a 10-star hotel.

When it comes to deserted islands, we don’t mess around with safety. We carefully handpick islands that won’t try to eat you or drag you away with strong ocean currents. Plus, we make sure to give you a full safety briefing so you know what to do if you accidentally step on a crab or get a sunburn. Our instructors are wilderness first aid certified, so you’re in good hands. And while we can’t promise to keep you completely out of harm’s way, we’ll make sure you’re aware of any risks with our system of informed consent. Check out this page for more info on the exciting dangers you might face on our expeditions.

You’ll learn the following bushcraft skills:

• Fire making: Bow drill, hand drill, bamboo fire saw as well as fire steel.
• Making Coconut bowls and utensils.
• Traps and hunting.
• Jungle sanitation and hygiene.
• How to make cordage from natural fibres.
• Coconuts: opening, making coconut cream and various uses.
• Primitive spearfishing
• Palm weaving.
• Knot tying.
• Shelter: building techniques.
• Water: physiology, collection and purification.
• Identification of flora and fauna for food, fire and other utilities.
• Fishing techniques: Making and using traps, spears.
• Fish identification, preparing and cooking fish.
• Traditional cooking methods: Bamboo pot, leaf wraps, clay bakes and smoking racks.
• Rescue: Techniques for gaining attention.

On the first night, we’ll venture out from the hotel for a tasty meal. The following morning, we’ll indulge in a cooked breakfast at the hotel before making our way to the island where we’ll set up camp and cook our meals over an open fire on the beach.

For the next five days, we’ll pamper you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ranging from flavorful Thai fish curries to pasta dishes infused with red wine and chorizo. We’ll also teach you how to wrap and prepare fish using natural leaves and cordage to cook directly on the coals.

After five days of indulging in scrumptious food while learning, it’s time for you to put your newly acquired skills to the test and survive on your own findings and catches. Upon rescue, we’ll kick off your return with a brunch that’s sure to satisfy any cravings. Later that evening, we’ll take you to a charming Italian restaurant on Contadora Island, known for its unbeatable pizzas that are out of this world. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements? Don’t worry we will adapt the menu for you.

All hotel accommodation is on shared basis. Single room supplement is available and can be requested on the booking form. However, this is subject to availability.

The first night we meet at the Hotel Riande Urban in Panama City. The hotel is located in the heart of Panama City and offers modern amenities, a stylish ambiance and a tropical garden pool, making it a perfect starting point for our adventure.

During the training phase you will sleep in an expedition Hennessy Hammock with built in mosquito nets. You will learn how to build your own sleeping space in the wild for your survival phase.

The last night we stay at the Mar y Oro, a luxurious hotel located on the beautiful island of Contadora in Panama. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush greenery surroundings.