China Wild Panda Adventure 2026
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Why Join This Trip? - Trip Overview - Inclusions & Exclusions - Trip Type
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China Wild Panda Adventure 2026
Group Trip
Join Bluewater in 2026 for a rare chance to search for wild pandas in Sichuan, China, on an adventurous wildlife tour through remote mountain habitats.
Why Join This Trip?
- Journey deep into Sichuan’s remote mountain regions and enjoy uninterrupted time in nature
- Encounter other unique wildlife, including red pandas, Tibetan macaques, and sambar deer
- Get the chance to search for wild pandas in their natural habitat (sightings are a truly rare and special occurrence)
- Experience an authentic side of China in a less-developed region, far from typical tourist paths
- 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
- Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
March 27 - April 04 , 2026
Trip Leader: Tim Yeo
8 Nights For:
$3,800 per person, double occupancy
$4,250 per person, single occupancy
Trip Overview
Embark on an 8-night Wild Panda Expedition through the remote mountains of Sichuan Province, China, for a rare chance to search for giant pandas in their natural habitat. This overland journey takes travelers deep into less-developed regions, where sightings of wild pandas—while not guaranteed—offer an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Along the way, guests may also encounter red pandas, Tibetan macaques, sambar deer, and other elusive species.
Dive Conditions
Temperature in the mountains is around 0-5C at the lowest and 10-20C at the highest. In Chengdu city, it can be above 20C. A separate clothing list and packing list will be provided.
The following gear is recommended: Camera (with lens 600 or above) and tripod binoculars (or scope) - 10*42 minimum.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1 (Mar 27): Arrive in Chengdu and airport transfer to hotel, overnight in Chengdu
- Day 2 (Mar 28): Morning visit to Chengdu Panda Sanctuary and then after lunch drive from Chengdu for 5 hours into the mountains for late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 3 (Mar 29): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 4 (Mar 30): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 5 (Mar 31): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 6 (Apr 1): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 7 (Apr 2): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 8 (Apr 3): Early morning search, go back to lodge to rest, late afternoon search, overnight in mountain lodge
- Day 9 (Apr 4): Early morning search (depending on flight schedules), transfer back to Chengdu to airport
Inclusions
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Chengdu, twin share
- Meals while in the mountains (full board with some simple meals while in the mountains)
- Half-day visit to Chengdu Panda Sanctuary
- All travel during the trip in a 4x4 Jeep with driver (3 guests per vehicle)
- 7 nights mountain lodge accommodation, twin share
- 6 full days and 2 half days of searching for wild pandas
- Round-trip airport transfers from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Experienced guide
Exclusions
- Meals in Chengdu (first night dinner and last day dinner)
- Trip extensions
- Personal gears and expenses
- Gratuity
- Single room supplement ($415)
- Optional visits and change of plans
- Trip insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Trip Type
This trip is a GROUP TRIP. It will be ed by an experienced Bluewater trip leader who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected.
Learn more about what's included in this trip type.
Accommodation Overview
The mountain lodge is simple but modern with ensuite bathrooms. Electricity is available 24-hours and guests can charge phones and cameras, no problem. There is internet and cell reception available after Chengdu, and the only time you may not have reception or internet is when you go into the mountains searching for pandas.
Flight Information
Guests should fly into Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), arriving on March 27th. There are direct flights from LAX and Vancouver with Sichuan Airlines. The flight out on April 4th should be booked for early evening to allow for a morning panda search before departure.
Flight Package
Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.
However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.
If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.
About the Trip Leader
Tim grew up in tiny Singapore, where driving for more than an hour meant you would need a passport. Traveling was always his passion, but Tim became addicted to dive travel soon after he got scuba certified in Malaysia. As his diving addiction grew, Tim eventually became a Staff Instructor with PADI and an Instructor Trainer with SDI. After getting his instructor certification, Tim spent time teaching scuba in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Tim serves as General Manager and COO at Bluewater Travel and is the company's most seasoned trip leader. With a portfolio of leading over 30 group trips, his extensive expertise encompasses a variety of popular dive destinations such as the Galapagos, Raja Ampat, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Red Sea, Palau, Maldives, among others. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and allowed him to dive in all five oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $1,000 to confirm your spot
- Payment 2: $2,000 due 1 September 2025
- Balance due: 1 December 2025
Got Questions? Ready to Book?
Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us trips@bluewaterdivetravel.com
And let us book your dream vacation!
Photo Gallery
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