Sailing the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts of Panama : San Blas Escape

4 Days / 3 Nights

One of the most beautiful parts of Panama is located along the Caribbean coast: the 365 islands of this archipelago are each and every one of them a real postcard scenery with white sand beaches, coconuts trees and turquoise waters. Circumnavigators even consider the San Blas archipelago as one of their top three destinations in the world!

Day : 1 - Panama City – San Blas:

A representative of Panama Trails will pick you up at your Panama City hotel early in the morning and take you on an adventurous 2.5 hours drive to Carti in San Blas.
In Carti, the captain of your boat will pick you up and take you the pier where your sailboat is waiting for you. Depending on your choice, you will enjoy the sailing trip on the Sailboat Animamare or the Catamaran Farabuleu.
After accommodating yourself on the boat – your home for the next four days – you will head out to explore the marvelous Caribbean archipelago.

Overnight on the Animamare or the Farabuleu, three daily meals and beverages included.

Day : 2 - 3 Sailing in San Blas:

Enjoy two full days of sailing at the gorgeous San Blas archipelago. In these days you will practice a lot of sailing, snorkeling and just enjoying the extraordinary surroundings. You will also visit an Indian community of the Kuna tribe to learn about their culture and traditions. They will prepare a typical lunch of coco rice and barbecue for you.
Established in 1938 as an autonomous Indian territory, the land and marine park of Kuna Yala (San Blas) offer both land and sea treasures. On the mainland, the "Cordillera de San Blas" mountain range rises above this gorgeous, unexploited, unspoiled and relatively unknown paradise.
Today's Kuna Indians inhabit the islands in the same way their ancestors did: trading coconuts and fishing for crabs, lobsters and snappers aboard their graceful hand carved wooden canoes complete with patchwork sails, called "Cayucos". Most of the communities speak only the ancient Indian language and the women still wear the traditional colorful dresses in orange and yellow, highlighted with the world famous "mola" rainbow colored patterns emblazoned with fishes, birds, jungle animals or geometric designs.
Of the 365 islands, only about one-tenth are inhabited, and those are very crowded. The remaining islands are deserted. You will have the opportunity to experience both. The San Blas archipelago is more a mooring destination than a sailing one: yachts sail 1 to 3 hours average per day, that's why cruising the San Blas is a pleasure all year long.
Meals are preferably prepared with the catch of the day: fishes, lobsters and the famous San Blas giant crabs are extraordinary!
No road gets (yet) to the archipelago: this helps preserving the San Blas from massive tourism. Unless one wants to meet other yachts, most anchorages are deserted. Ask your captain, he will take you to his preferred lonely island! From fishing to kayaking thru snorkeling and visiting the traditional villages.
The best area to cruise is located between Rio Diablo (Corazon de Jesus) and Porvenir: unlike the rest of the San Blas most islands are located far from the main land offering crystal clear waters and gorgeous sea life. Also the two great reefs of Chichime and Hollandes lay in the north of the selected sailing area: these are the most beautiful anchorages following guest's choice.

Overnight on the Animamare or the Farabuleu, three daily meals and beverages included.

Day : 4 - Carti – Panama City:

In the morning you will head back to Carti from where you will be transferred back to Panama City.