Explore the archipelago of the San Blas Islands by boat
All Inclusive Cruise
8 days, 7 nights
Departure Panama (Panama)
Welcome to the San Blas Islands, an archipelago located in the north of the Isthmus of Panama and which consists of no less than 370 islands and islets. Although administratively part of Panama, the San Blas Islands are ruled by the indigenous Guna (or Kuna) population, who have protected their archipelago from mass tourism. You will be quickly immersed in the Guna culture thanks to the Guna crew. You will also have the chance to meet several of its members, on the largest islands of the archipelago (Aguja, Guanidup, Chichimei...) This all-inclusive trip is ideal to fully enjoy your holiday and discover Panama City.
Cruise Highlights
Meeting the Guna People
Snorkeling in Coco Bandero
Visit to the island of Rio Sidra by motor boat
4.3 4.3 · 4 reviews
Your Boat
Bahia 46
3 total cabins
6 people max
2 crew members
You will enjoy sailing on board Nikita, an impressive and comfortable Bahia 46, 14 metres long. Inside, you will find the kitchen area, the chart table and the saloon, ideal for reading in peace. The large cockpit allows you to share pleasant meals under the sun while watching the San Blas. If you wish to bask in the sun, the trampolines at the front of the boat are just what you need! The onboard equipment (kayak, fins, masks and snorkels) will allow you to explore the islands and the sea bed.
Snorkelling equipment
Kayak
Watermaker
The owner reserves the right to replace with a different boat model of the same quality and performance
Your Cabin
This catamaran can accommodate 6 passengers plus crew. All cabins have a double bed, storage space and a bathroom with private toilet. The cabins located in the points can accommodate children, and communicate with the parents' cabin through a small door.
Itinerary of your cruise
You are now ready to embark on your catamaran for a totally different adventure in the heart of an archipelago inhabited by an authentic native population, the Gunas. The skipper and his crew have devised a comprehensive itinerary for you to discover the most beautiful islands and reefs of the San Blas.
DAY 1 : Welcome in Panama
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you will be met by your driver, who will drive you to your hotel located in downtown Panama City (approximately 30 minutes). After dropping your luggage in your room, you can stroll around this lively area. You will have no trouble finding a nice little restaurant for dinner (we recommend El Trapiche, El Prado or La Taberna 21). You sleep at the hotel.
DAY 2 : Panama City - San Blas: Rio Diablo - Coco Bandero (approx. 45 min flight and 1h sailing)
After your breakfast, a pick-up will be waiting for you in front of the hotel at 7:15 am to take you to the airport (national). At 8:00 am, you will board a shared flight** to reach the San Blas islands. You will land at Corazon de Jesus airfield (around 8.45 am), where your skipper will be waiting for you. You board the catamaran and meet the rest of the crew (all Gunas People), who will show you your cabin. Nino will give you a quick briefing on the boat and your itinerary. You raise the anchor and set sail for the beautiful islet of Coco Bandero. This heavenly spot with its turquoise waters is perfect for swimming and exploring the sea bed. You can also go kayaking between the islets. Dinner and overnight at anchor.
DAY 3 : Coco Bandero - Holandes Reef (West) (approx. 2 hours)
Relax and admire the view over breakfast. The skipper raises the anchor and sets sail for the large coral reef of Holandes. You will anchor to the west of the reef, in the area known as "the pool", which is 2 to 3 metres deep*. This area is very popular with snorkelers and divers, as marine life is very diverse. Depending on the conditions, you will have lunch on the beach of a small island called "Barbecue Island". In the afternoon, the crew will be happy to show you the archipelago and what it offers... Dinner and overnight at anchor. *Note: from May to November, it is possible to explore the outer part of the reef on the ocean side.
DAY 4 : Holandes Reef (West) - Holandes Reef (East) (approx. 1hr)
This morning you leave the anchorage and head to the eastern end, Holandes Reef. You will meet a Guna family who will teach you about preparing coconut rice (scraping the coconut and cooking the rice the Guna way). Afterwards, you will have the pleasure of tasting this delicious meal and discussing their way of life. In the afternoon, you can explore the reef by kayak or walk along the beach searching for unusual shells. Dinner and overnight at anchor.
DAY 5 : Holandes Reef (East) - Chichime Atoll (approx. 2 hours)
Your skipper hoists the sails and sets sail for Chichime Atoll. This island is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the San Blas. Many sailors and sailing enthusiasts meet here regularly to share their adventures at sea and have a bonfire on the large beach. The beach is home to a few backpacker huts and a small local bar, ideal for chilling out while watching the sunset. There is no doubt that you will enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Chichime. Dinner and overnight at anchor.
DAY 6 : Chichime Atoll - Cayos Limon - Kuanidup (approx. 2 hours)
The crew raises the sails to go to the island of Kuanidup. You will pass through the Eden Passage and the Cayos Limon during the sail. When you arrive in Kuanidup, the landscape may look familiar. The author of the book "The most beautiful island in the world," featured a photo of Kuanidup beach on the front page, illustrating the captivating allure of the destination. Once ashore, you will explore this beach and its few huts. Your afternoon will be devoted to a visit by motor boat to the island of Rio Sidra and its village. You will meet its inhabitants and have the opportunity to buy the famous "molas" (a form of textile art that expresses the cultural identity of the Gunas people) from the locals. Dinner and overnight at anchor.
DAY 7 : Kuanidup - Salar - Rio Diablo (approx. 2h sailing and 45 min flight)
For this last day at sea, we have concocted a busy day full of discoveries. After breakfast, you will sail to the beach of Salar, particularly known for its beauty and the kindness of its inhabitants. You will have lunch with the inhabitants on the beach. Back on the boat, the crew sets course for Rio Sidra. You will then travel up the Rio Diablo in a motor canoe and discover the surrounding fauna, tropical forest, and the traditional Guna cemetery. You may see monkeys, toucans, tapirs and crocodiles. At the end of the day, you will visit the 2 village islands linked by the Friendship Bridge. Dinner on board or on land (in this case, not included) and overnight on the boat.
DAY 8 : Rio Diablo: Corazon de Jesus airfield - Panama City
After an early breakfast, you will go to the Corazon de Jesus airfield to take your flight which departs at 9 am. You will land in Panama City around 9:45 am, where your driver will be waiting for you. You will visit the Miraflores Canal Locks and have lunch in the old colonial city. You will end the day with a visit to the colonial district. The driver will then take you to Tocumen International Airport for your return flight.
**Important: Domestic flights are not guaranteed between 1 May and 1 December. Your transfers will be made by shared car/minibus (approx. 2hrs 30mins) and by boat bus (approx. 30mins)
Panama City
Rio Diablo
Coco Bandero
West Holandes Keys
East Holandes Keys
Chichime Atoll
Cayos Limon
Kuanidup
Salar
Rio Diablo
Panama City
The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to technical or weather conditions.
The photographs and visual products presented have no contractual value.
Alcoholic beverages: red wine, white wine, rosé wine, beer and rum (unlimited in moderate consumption)
Bedding and towels
Equipment: fins, masks, snorkels, kayak (two-seater) and paddle
Dinghy with outboard motor
Mooring fees
Boarding crate
Consumables for the boat (water, petrol, gas)
Boat and passenger insurance
Please note: baggage accepted on board the aircraft may not exceed 10kg per passenger. Excess baggage may be kept at the service provider's offices.
**Important: Domestic flights are not guaranteed between 1 May and 1 December. Your transfers will be made by shared car/minibus (approx. 2hrs 30mins) and by boat bus (approx. 30mins)
Price does not include
Flights (international)
Overland transfer by shared car and boat-bus (approx. 3 hours)** - May to December only: $50/person to be paid on site
Entrance fees to San Blas: approximately $24/person to be paid on site
Dinner on Day 1
Optional insurance
Price adjustment :
Prices calculated on average market rates (May 2022)
Our customers' reviews of this boat
4,3·
4 reviews
5
Croisière en catamaran aux îles san blas
Bernard
Mar 2023
Peut-être le dernier endroit paradisiaque protégé au monde , pourvu que cela dure ? Oubliez les Maldives ou les Seychelles , les îles sont toutes plus belles les unes que les autres et SANS aunes infrastructures touristiques , SEULS au monde ; de plus les protecteurs des lieux , les Cunas , sont d'une gentillesse extrême ; voilà des souvenirs pour toute une vie ! L'arrivée en avion donne le ton (je vous en laisse la découverte :) ;Merciiiiiii à notre skipper , Lieberth et Alyssa notre cuisinière : quelle disponibilité , quelle gentillesse !
enfin , la découverte de Panamacity fut également parfaite (merci à Jérome notre guide :aussi intéressant que disponible ) Merci à Marie pour le travail parfait de réservation en amont et à Luis qui nous a accueilli à l'aéroport : une belle personne pleine d'attention et de gentillesse ; Bref , TOUT fut PAAAAAARFAIT , paradisiaque,... ALLEZ Y !
4
Une croisière seule au monde loin de la foule dans un cadre préservé
Leslie
As a couple
Mar 2022
Super croisière à la voile dans un environnement préservé à la "Robinson Crusoé", loin des foules et des touristes. C'est simple nous étions toujours quasi seul au monde ! Dépaysement garanti avec la côte du Panama côté forêt vierge en toile de fond, et les iles et îlots déserts parfaitement préservés et sauvages. Acceuil charmant et Briefing du gérant avant le vol et l'embarquement. Nos 2 hôtes Skipper et cuisinier Gunas A-DO-RA-BLES ! Ils n'hésitent pas à vous faire découvrir tout ce qu'ils savent pour peu que vous les sollicitiez. Superbe rencontre, nous ne les oublierons pas ! Ni les plats locaux succulents cuisinés midi et soir ! Avec poissons issus de la pêche du jour.
Côté itinéraire : quelque peu modifié afin de "traquer" le soleil (temps un peu maussade) ce que nous avons apprécié car le skipper s'est adapté en fonction du temps. Le bateau a "bien" vécu mais reste confortable, de plus il semblait que son remplacement était prévu. Pour résumer nous sommes ravis de cette croisière avec des paysages et une ambiance très reposante.
4
Ruta al paraiso salvaje en catamaran
Montse
As a couple
Jan 2022
El catamarán podría estar mejor.
Muy maja la tripulación, buena comida, excelente ruta.
4
Carmelo
Sep 2019
Frequently asked questions
What documents are required for a trip to Panama?
It is advised to check with the consulate of your country of origin for information on formalities.
What vaccinations are recommended for travel to Panama?
For your cruise in Panama and the San Blas Islands, we advise you to check your universal vaccines (DTPP, hepatitis B) and to vaccinate yourself against :
- typhoid, hepatitis A and B ;
- Yellow fever (highly recommended);
- possibly rabies
Before your trip, we advise you to consult the "advice to travellers" section, "health" tab on the France Diplomatie website: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/
Is everyone on board English-speaking?
Please note that this cruise is not exclusive to English travelers. It is quite common to meet people of various nationalities on board as we offer cruises to international clientele - encouraging curious and enriching exchanges for both passengers and crew.
Crew members are multilingual and qualified to offer multilingual service.
Who takes care of the air transport to Panama?
Your air tickets can be booked by the GlobeSailor team. You just need to specify this to your consultant when booking your cruise.
When is the best time to sail in the San Blas?
The best time to sail is during the trade wind season, when the winds blow from the north (December to April). From June to October, the winds are lighter, but the visibility underwater is much better. You can snorkel, dive and fish.
Does the boat operate only with the sails?
It depends on the weather. When the winds are strong, the skipper will use the sails to sail silently. On days with calmer winds or to reach the stopovers on schedule, the skipper may need to use the engine. The engine is also used when entering and leaving the marinas. We cannot guarantee a minimum time of using the sails. The skipper will do their best to use the sails as much as possible and involve passengers in manoeuvres.
What is the time difference in Panama?
Panama is at GMT -5.
In winter in Paris, when it is noon, it is 6am in Panama (-6 hours).
In summer in Paris, when it is noon, it is 5am in Panama (-7 hours)
What is the currency used in Panama?
The official currency is the Balboa but this currency does not exist in practice (except for the coins which have the same size and weight as the American ones) because the only real currency in Panama is the USD which has been in circulation since 1914! The exchange of the euro is not advantageous in Panama and it is advisable to leave with USD, especially in small denominations for the purchase of handicrafts from the Amerindian communities of San Blas. Banknotes higher than USD 100 are not accepted.
What payments do I need to make to confirm my booking?
To confirm your booking, you need to inform your GlobeSailor consultant who will hold an option for you until your deposit is received. The booking will only be considered final once we have received your deposit (by bank transfer, Paypal or credit card) of 50% of the booking amount. A 100% deposit will be required for all bookings made within one month of departure. The balance must be paid at the latest 45 days before the date of embarkation.
What happens in case of cancellation?
In the event of cancellation, you must notify your GlobeSailor consultant as soon as possible. Regardless of the cause, the following cancellation fees will be charged: up to 90 days prior to departure: 30% /// from 89 to 60 days: 50% /// from 59 to 30 days: 75% /// from 29 days to departure: 100% of your booking.
We advise our clients to subscribe to a cancellation insurance with Ouest Assurance : http://www.ouest-assurances.fr
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Explore the archipelago of the San Blas Islands by boat
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