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#1 of 1 guest house in Río Sidra
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Bienvenido a Cabañas Naranjo Chico, un paraíso sin lujos. Ofrecemos estadía, Pasadía en una de las Islas mas linda de la región donde podrá conectarse con la naturaleza, al aire libre, bañarse en sus aguas cristalina. Desconectarse de la ciudad y sentir que está en un paraíso sin lujos.
On Isla Chico Naranjo, Cabanas Narasgandup is a group of ten basic but well-kept huts at the end of a small bay. The huts have bamboo walls and are simply furnished with beds and a table. Some have a covered terrace out-front. Some have basic private bathroom facilties with flushing toilet (paper goes in the bin not the toilet), cold water sink and cold water hose-pipe style shower. Needless to say, bring your own towels and toiletries. There is a light bulb in the room which provides low level light after dark. We were lucky enough to get one of the huts over the water and we fell asleep to the sound of the waves every night. Magical! (note there are only two over the sea so check when booking!).
The staff are fantastic and the food is amazing. Fresh seafood every night! All meals are served in a communal dining hut so you'll meet some great people - islanders and fellow visitors. We had lobster, crab and langoustines on the three nights we were there. Breakfast was some variation on eggs, sausage and bread (but different every day) and lunch was fish or chicken - the conch and seafood stir fries were particularly good. if you don't eat meat but eat seafood you will have no problems. If you don't eat seafood either it will be more difficult but they will be able to arrange something. We were also pleasantly surprised to get some salad and pineapple with lunch every day. The hot spicy sauce is also highly recommended!
You'll get a complimentary day trip every day to another island or snorkeling spot (there is a small "tourist tax" of 2-3 USD to pay if you visit another island - this contributes to maintaining and protecting the islands so well worth it). We visited the main island to see a local ceremony, a beautiful clear lagoon in the middle of the sea, and "star fish island" where there really are a lot of starfish!
And best of all - there's no WiFi - total Internet rehab :-)
A few things to keep in mind - not negatives but just things to be aware of:
- Be prepared for basic and if you book a hut without bathroom facilities bring a torch. - the sea is quite rocky and currents are quite strong so it's not great for swimming- but the swimming spots and islands you'll go to on the daily outings are perfect for that. - Not always easy to get a cold beer (or any beer) or even sometimes water. There is a small "shop" down the beach at the next guest house which usually has both (not necessarily cold!) But if you want anything else bring it with you. - Depending on weather conditions the boat journey over is a bit choppy and you might get a bit/quite wet (we were soaked on the way over but stayed almost dry on the way back!). Dress appropriately and make sure all phones etc are somewhere waterproof. Crew will give you bin bags for your luggage.
But please don't let any of that put you off - this is an amazing place run by lovely people and to be enjoyed!
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Date of stay: December 2015
Location
Cleanliness
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, We recommend Nubesidub for being good value. I think it is cheaper than the others and supplies the same: amazing tropical heaven, in very basic conditions. The food was pretty good, they even suply bottled water with the food. They are nice, but almost no English knowledge at all. The cabins are basic with sand floor. We were 4 so they added a bed. The island is small and clean, with nice showers/toilet. This is an excellent chioce if you want a quiet and peaceful island. They charged 1/2 price for children. The tour to starfish island (the pool) and dog island was much cheaper going with other guests than going alone, so we went to the tour some 10 minutes after we arrived (30 mins from Carti). We stayed 1 night and it was enough for us (we are not the beach type). Could stay until afternoon the next day for an extra of a litlle under 50% of what we payed for the night, but we didn't take this option. 2 nights should be considered a maximum...
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Date of stay: April 2014
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Ask for the suite on the last floor, with the jacuzzi.
Just joking...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The planning phases were painless and the logistics were well planned. The staff were all friendly and full of info about the region and the history of the islanders who run the tour. We felt secure as we were transported to and fro.
The young man who picked us up from our hotel was a very nice young man who is also of islander heritage. He stopped at a small restaurant in the jungle where we had some really good tasting coffee that was grown in the region.
Once we were on the boat and headed out to the islands, there were several species of jungle animals that were easily spotted along the river bank. We saw a crocodile, several different types of birds and one monkey. My kids were ecstatic. The rest of the boat ride was uneventful. However, the scenery was beautiful.
As we approached the island we were mesmerized by the beauty. The cabins were very minimalist but that is what we were looking for. We had a semi private beach that was protected from the rougher waters of the Caribbean by a small coral reef. My kids all had snorkeling gear and after putting their masks in the water came up screaming with delight about all that they had seen underwater. That only got better!
My oldest son is very into wildlife and made friends with one of the islander boys that was close to his age. They were instantly buddies and that boy showed my son how to catch all kinds of critters that were there in the little cove during low tide.
The trip includes two tours of some cool attractions that are close to the island. The first was to a sand bar in the middle of the sea that is very shallow and drops of into deeper waters that surrounds the little natural pool. We shallow dove and snorkeled for and hour while taking some awesome pics. The second trip was to a couple of outlying islands that were nice to look at but I was happier on the island where we were staying.
The boat captain was very nice. He took my sons and me fishing and my boys both caught fish which was the highlight of their trip. The boat captain shared bait (squid) and fishing secrets very liberally and because he did not have to take us fishing, I gave him a good tip. Without him, I would have been hard pressed to produce some fish. We took our own tackle, which was just some 8lb line and a weight and hooks, but it was enough. The captain and his two deck hands caught a lot of fish.
Our time on the beach was priceless. We hung our hammocks between the coconut palms (we all have our own hammocks) and relaxed, swam and took naps. Our hosts would harvest, open and serve us coconuts full of about a liter of milk for only two dollars. My kids loved them and they stayed hydrated without me having to force them to drink water.
The food was tasty and plentiful. Mostly typical dishes of very well seasoned dishes. Breakfast was simple, but filling. We took plenty of snacks to get us through between meals but only ate a little of what we had. Take fresh drinking water, enough to have at least 3 liters per person per day. The only complaint I have about our dining experience was that they only served instant coffee. So, if you are a java person, watch out for that detail. I was able to obtain hot water from the cook and make my own. There was usually an alternate menu for my kids who are picky eaters. The fried chicken that my kids had was pretty good, too.
Overall, it was one of our favorite vacations that we have had so far and that is saying a lot. My wife made me promise to take her back. If you can deal with the basics for a couple of days, this is the place. I hope all of my future vacations are as satisfying.
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Date of stay: July 2017
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:the rooms on the water are the best
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unfortunately a lot of the islands are covered in plastic and trash. One morning we even experienced one of the locals canoeing out on open water to dump trash in the ocean. Furthermore, we had no running water for 3 out of our 4 booked nights, in addition to a flooded bathroom floor which gave a smell of sewer, despite paying approximately 250$ a night. A working toilet+shower were some of the main reasons we booked this expensive accommodation to begin with. Instead we had to shower with a bucket and kiss our remains goodbye using the same bucket. We asked several times, when the water would be back, but they kept answering “soon soon” - obviously not interested in helping us. We tried to explain to the host that we were unhappy with the situation and tried to cut what we believe was a fair deal. The final offer we were given was to either pay the full price and stay the last night, or pay for 3 nights and leave immediately. Given the circumstances and the hostile energy, we didn’t want to spend another minute in this overpriced cash machine.
They did not speak English, but the language barrier was not really the problem. When trying to communicate in a polite way with the hostess, they seemed extremely indifferent and annoyed by the situation, which obviously made us feel very unwelcome.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 2 nights in a cabin over the water, with wood floor and private bath, which was $100 a night, including 3 meals, drop off and pick up from boat dock to island, and one excursion per day. The excursion fees were $1 or $2 per person, which is the entrance fees for the other islands. Analio was our happy, outgoing guide and he was available anytime we needed to ask a question. We brought some snacks, but the meals were good (fish & rice or huge local crabs), the coffee was instant, and cold drinks were reasonably priced. I brought my own soda, which they cheerfully placed in their gas powered refrigerator. There is also a small store on the other side of this island, with friendly Elsa and Felicio, who were gracious and kind. It seemed the other side was the party side, with music playing, and our side was quiet and tranquil. We brought beach towels, which doubled as bath towels (none in cabin) and there are no top sheets on bed, but it's warm, so don't need it. Our cabin was warm at night because the bathroom blocked the breeze, but I would go back in a flash. There was mosquito net available, but we had no bugs, inside or out, during our whole stay in early May. I bought a few of the women's crafts which were available but not hawked. The best snorkeling I ever experienced is behind the dining hall and along the drop off, with amazing coral, fish and sea life--color of the water is stunning, and very clear. We saw large star fish on other islands in greater abundance, but the host island itself had the most amazing assortment of sea life. The trip to the Kuna communities was an eye opener, and might be tough for some, but we found the people happy, cheerful, and friendly, especially the children, who made their own paper kites. We emailed ahead to request pick up and drop off from our Panama City and they sent safe, reliable drivers who were on time and helpful. The road trip itself was an experience and well worth the price! :) Amazing cultural and natural experiences, which are much better you know some Spanish. The boat was safe, with a bimini roof for shade, and the hosts were excellent. I would happily stay there again.
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Date of stay: May 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Bring your own towels
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arranged this visit in Panama City and thought we were in for something special... we paid US$160 a night and then found when we arrived that the young travellers just a short distance on the other side of the island were only paying $20 a night - same food, by far a better beach... but without a wooden floor in their cabinas.
We were told we would have a free trip each day - the first day we were taken to another island to snorkele - but the the snorkeling was dismal - few fish and tatty coral. The second trip was to another island to see the traditional culture of the Indians - from the moment we arrived we were accosted by drunkards, the whole island was drunk, some men were abusive and one threatened my wife. Our boatman and guide disappeared the moment we arrived - so we returned to the jetty and watched cartons of booze being unloaded - what a tragic experience to see the people throwing their culture to the booze! Meals were late, the generator started over an hour late one evening so we were in total darkness, there was old dog poo outside our cabin door, for departure we were told to be ready at 7am - which we were - but eventually left at 8.45am - not really good enough for US$160 a night. Best advice is don't go to this island... just don't go!
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Date of stay: January 2013
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Don't choose - just don't go to this island.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I enjoyed three nights in paradise and it was not nearly enough time. We settled into one of the two cabins over the water, raised up on stilts. Each night the waves were literally right under our bed, lulling us to sleep. A breeze makes its way through the bamboo walls, taking away some of the heat that is trapped in the cabaña. The one night I found it too hot, I just slept in the hammock on the porch. The days were delightful! Snorkeling along the reef off of Narasganup was the best but the guides also take you on a boat excursion once each day. One of the boat trips took us to a beautiful island but there were only starfish to observe. The second excursion was over to the boat wreck - this was amazing and not to be missed. Food was simple but always the 'catch of the day', which meant it could be crab, lobster or whitefish, and always served with rice or potatoes and small amounts of other vegetables. But the seafood was half the plate and often too much to finish. If you don't like seafood, solitude (the competition on the other side of the island hosted the party crowd) and simplicity (lights off at 10 p.m.) then this is not the place to visit! Many people complain about the prices but we were thrilled to experience a few days on unspoiled Caribbean Islands with no resorts, and be hosted by the very hospitable Kuna people. That is worth paying for.
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Date of stay: December 2014
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The cabaña beside the dining 'hall' has the best view and ventilation, and is less...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I stayed here for two nights in January 2017. Correspondence with the hotel before our stay was great, so no problems there and they assisted with setting up transportation as well.
We had chosen the accommodations over the water and SO happy we did! I think we would have been miserable had we not. Aside from a private bathroom, we were also able to eat our meals overlooking the water as opposed to in a hot buggy dining area. There is NOTHING to do, nowhere to even sit outside of your room unless you go to the other side of the island and sit on the beach from the other resort, so having a nicer room was very beneficial.
The major downside though...that hot buggy dining area (which shares a wall with the cabana we were staying in) is also where all of the staff sleep, including a baby who was up crying most of the night on our first night. The whole "resort" is so small though, my guess is that everyone was woken by the baby. Not exactly what we were expecting on our romantic getaway. The second night we got to listen to snoring....again, not that great.
We were not expecting much from the food based on the other reviews and I'm glad that we brought an abundance of snacks. The meals are traditional and not very large. Breakfast the first day was a hotdog and some plain bread, the second day was one egg and some plain bread. Lunch was rice with a whole fried fish, bones and all and dinner was lobster with rice. Unfortunately the lobster was so overcooked that it wasn't as appealing as we had hoped.
My husband and I were looking forward to some great snorkeling and looking forward to the boat trips to other islands. The two trips we went on lasted two hours total and unfortunately, since the other guests staying at the time were not all that interested in snorkeling, the islands that were chosen were more geared towards swimming. We snorkeled around our island quite a bit though and the area certainly is beautiful.
The saddest part of the whole trip though, was seeing so much trash on every island we visited and in the water. The Kuna have a beautiful paradise at their fingers and I just can't believe how poorly they are treating it. My guess is this place will be trashed in ten years so go now if you want to see it.
These islands are a great experience but I couldn't recommend staying here.
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Date of stay: January 2017
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed there for 4 nights and were very happy about it. The island is incredibly nice, also the staff cares very well. They offer activities like snorkeling, visit to other islands, visit to the central island of their tribe.
The 'rooms'/hut are kept simple but are clean and offer an authentic experience. After a few days you feel like belonging to their tribe.
The comfort reminds me a bit about the early days when I was travelling around with basic comfort and rucksack. But you get an authentic experience on an area of incredibly wonderful Caribbean islands.
You should not have a problem with boats, also smaller ones, as you will take a lot of (short) rides.
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Date of stay: February 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, what a place! San Blas obviously has many more places to stay, also on equally beautiful islands, but this one is small scale, which makes your stay a really special experience. There are also more luxurious place further to the east, but these can only be visited by plane. This one is just a 30-45 minute boat trip away from the Bar Suguw which is 45-60 minutes from the Inter-American highway (exit near El Llano). A great tie by the way, not even a 4x4 needed. The island is small and there are only 6 bungalow. Everything is basic, but remember you're in the middle of no where. The fee includes 3 meals a day and the food is really good. At least once a day you get lobster or crab, all fresh from the ocean. They also sell beer and wine. The fee includes a day trip, snorkeling, fishing, visiting another island. All great! Your stay is all about relaxing, enjoying and having fun. The only down side is the price which is $75 per person per night, but this is worth it. 2 or 3 nights is probably enough to go back with a fully relaxed feeling and a great experience added!
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Date of stay: January 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When booking by booking com, the administrator will contact you to give you all the information, to organize the whole trip to the transport that has an additional cost of $ 50 per person (round trip)
Hi Mark,
I can only agree with Cristiane's answers -
1) There are no safe deposits but I left my things in my cabana and felt quite safe doing that.
2) There is a different boat trip every day to different islands - the boat trip is free but there is usually a couple of dollars to pay to land on the island - this goes towards the conservation of the island.
3) I also stayed for three relaxed and wifi-free days - this was perfect for me but some people stayed for two or four.
Enjoy your trip!
"The cabaña beside the dining 'hall' has the best view and ventilation, and is less expensive than the over-the-water cabañas. They do not have 'en suite' bathrooms, though, so you have to choose what you want most."
There are more places to choose from in the Río Sidra area.
PRICE RANGE
C$291 - C$332 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaGuna Yala RegionRío Sidra
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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