FAQ

San Blas is unlike the BVI, St. Maarten, or the Bahamas—no hotels, no mass tourism, and no party scene. This pristine part of Panama is one of the last true Caribbean destinations untouched by foreign influence. Immerse yourself in this hidden paradise, explore vibrant snorkeling spots, visit breathtaking islands, and experience the rich Kuna culture and indigenous traditions. Be part of the last authentic Caribbean escape!

All Boats that Charter in San Blas need a Charter License. All our Boats are completely Legal and operate with Charter License.

 

Land Transport:
Expect a 4-hour journey each way, with pickup and drop-off at your chosen location in Panama City. The cost is $70 per person, which includes the water taxi to your catamaran. Departure from Panama City is around 5 AM, and you’ll return by approximately 12:00 PM. If you prefer to drive, only 4×4 vehicles are allowed. We’ll recommend the most reliable water taxi for a seamless transfer to your reserved catamaran.

Flying:
Flying to San Blas offers a hassle-free and scenic option. Skip border chaos and land directly in the most beautiful part of San Blas, far from crowded day-tourist islands. Your flight will glide over lush jungles and the turquoise cays of San Blas, delivering you right next to your catamaran for the perfect start to your vacation.

  • A passport valid for at least six months.
  • Proof of onward travel, such as a return flight or ticket to your next destination.
  • Financial proof: At least $500 USD in cash, credit card, bank statement, employer letter, or traveler’s checks. Certain nationalities may require more—confirm with your airline or local Panamanian consulate.
  • Hotel address and reason for your visit.
  • Valid passport.
  • Personal tax fee: $20 for non-residents, $5 for Panamanian residents.

Ensure you meet all these requirements before your trip!

December – April: Ideal Sailing Season

From December to April, peak season offers perfect sailing conditions with minimal humidity or rain, thanks to the Trade Winds. Christmas, Carnival, and Easter dates often book up to a year in advance, so be sure to reserve early. Sailors will love the strong winds and ideal angles during this time, making for an unforgettable experience. 

May – November: Tropical Paradise at Its Best

For those who love a hot tropical climate, visit San Blas between May and November. While it can get warm, you’ll have this paradise almost to yourself—fewer boats, no day tourists, and uninterrupted beauty.

During these months, San Blas enjoys calm weather with sunny days, occasional clouds, and brief rain showers. The calm waters and occasional squalls enhance visibility, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring coral reefs right by your catamaran. Enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of San Blas with minimal interference.

The truth is, San Blas is a year-round paradise. With its calm waters and stunning beauty, it’s always a good time to visit this tropical haven, no matter the season.

While we offer day charters, we highly recommend staying at least 2 nights to fully explore different areas of San Blas and reach the offshore islands. A 2-5 night stay is ideal for experiencing the true beauty of San Blas.

You’re making a pre-reservation—no payment is required until we confirm your dates and boat. Booking is simple: send us your request, and once we confirm availability and price, you’ll have 24-48 hours to complete your reservation.

Act quickly, as we often book out and have pending requests. You’ll receive an email with all the details for paying the 30% deposit to secure your dates.

The remaining balance can be paid in cash upon boarding or via bank wire 7 days before your trip begins.

We can accept wire transfer in Euros but all cash payment on board must be USD.

Of course you can. All our boats are listed on Airbnb but take into consideration that Airbnb adds a somewhat hefty commission on top of our prices. Reservations are therefore more expensive through Airbnb.

Yes, you can in most cases, ask us when you send your request.

Yes, we offer discounts for stays of more than 7 Days and we have always one boat in promotional discount, just get in touch and ask for it.

No, there are no bareboat Charter boats available in San Blas as its a dangerous are to navigate. The navigation aid and Charts in this region are unaccurate and every year boats end up on the reefs of the San Blas Islands.

San Blas: The Best Caribbean Sailing Destination

San Blas offers the ultimate Caribbean sailing experience, with its stunning beauty and secluded charm. However, this remoteness comes with limited infrastructure — no repair facilities, refueling stations, or provisions are available nearby. In case of a technical issue, repairs may require sailing to the nearest marina, 40 miles away.

Seamless Sailing with Our Fleet

If your catamaran needs repairs, we’ll automatically provide a replacement from our fleet at no extra cost, even if the substitute is more expensive. If the replacement is less expensive, we’ll refund you the difference.

No Cancellations, Only Solutions

As an experienced agency, we guarantee no cancellations due to technical problems. Trust us to ensure a smooth and unforgettable sailing adventure in San Blas.

Set Sail with Confidence!

Travel insurance is a smart way to safeguard your yacht vacation investment. Most insurance companies offer plans that typically cost 5-10% of your trip’s total cost. Considering the expenses of all-inclusive sailing charters and associated flights, which can reach several thousand dollars, it’s wise to be covered against unforeseen circumstances.

Reasons to Consider Trip Cancellation Insurance:

  • Personal Reasons: Injury, illness, or other unexpected events like jury duty or military deployment can lead to cancellations. Depending on your medical history, insurance can provide peace of mind.

  • On Our Side: We rarely cancel trips due to our own operations. In the unlikely event of a technical issue with your assigned catamaran, we’ll upgrade you at no extra cost or adjust the price if a smaller catamaran is offered.

  • Force Majeure: San Blas is a year-round sailing destination, free from hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, or natural disasters. Rain is the only concern during certain months, but it never leads to cancellations.

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you 100% for any deposits or payments lost due to unforeseen circumstances. For complete peace of mind, we recommend considering travel insurance for your sailing adventure.

Yes, definitely no Problem, everybody is welcome 🏳️‍🌈

At our catamaran sailing charters in San Blas, reducing or eliminating plastic use is just one part of our commitment to sustainability. We are dedicated to protecting the over 350 beautiful islands of San Blas and their surrounding ecosystems while offering you an unforgettable sailing holiday in this untouched corner of the Caribbean.

Experience the best of both worlds: a premier sailing adventure and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of San Blas for future generations. Sail with us and make a positive impact on this pristine paradise.

Our boats are equipped with solar panels, allowing for a quieter, eco-friendly sailing experience without the constant need for noisy generators. We prioritize responsible garbage disposal and regularly organize beach cleanups to keep the San Blas islands pristine.

Join us for a sustainable sailing adventure that respects the environment while enjoying the beauty of San Blas!

When you book a private catamaran sailing charter with us, it’s just you, your crew and a dedicated captain and cook, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience. For larger groups, we include a Kuna Indigenous crew member to assist with deck work and serve as a guide and translator. This allows our guests to immerse themselves more deeply into Kuna culture and communities, adding a unique cultural dimension to your sailing adventure.

Enjoy a tailor-made sailing journey in San Blas, where privacy, comfort, and cultural exploration come together!

Our sailing charters in Panama offer a truly unique culinary experience, reflecting the vibrant culture of the San Blas islands. Fresh seafood is a staple here, with dishes crafted from fish and seafood caught just moments from the sea — ensuring exceptional flavor and freshness.

Our “fishetarian” menu combines fresh fish and seafood with fruits, vegetables, legumes, eggs, rice, and pasta for a deliciously balanced diet.

Meat options are limited, chicken is the most common, as there is no tradition for other meats in these islands — a detail you’ll soon appreciate when you experience it yourself.

From March 1st to June 30th, we respect the no-catch lobster season in San Blas.

We can customize our menus to fit your dietary preferences, including keto, vegan, and raw diets. Please let us know of any allergies or food intolerances in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Enjoy a taste of San Blas on your sailing adventure, where every meal is an exploration of local culture!

Our meals for kids are crafted with the same fresh, delicious ingredients as our adult menu but adapted to suit their tastes. If your children have specific preferences or dietary needs, please let us know at least 15 days before your trip, or feel free to bring any special items along.

We ensure every family member enjoys their culinary experience onboard!

Life onboard our sailing charters in San Blas is a fascinating adventure, immersing you in the serene beauty of a tropical paradise. The sea becomes your playground, providing a natural remedy for both body and mind. However, it’s important to understand that a sailing charter offers a different experience than a hotel stay — embracing this difference ensures an enjoyable time for everyone.

Exciting Onboard Activities for All Ages

Our boats are equipped with 2 paddleboards and snorkeling gear, inviting you to explore the crystal-clear waters and nearby reefs. The captain will guide you and suggest daily activities, from visiting local Kuna communities and discovering their traditions to snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs or simply relaxing onboard with a book.

A Typical Day Onboard

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a variety of activities like paddling to a nearby island, snorkeling, or learning about the local sea life. After lunch, enjoy more adventures, like strolling the beaches, sampling fresh coconuts, or sipping a piña colada at sunset. Each day, the captain will change anchorages, ensuring new scenery and experiences, especially for the little ones!

A Dynamic, Ever-Changing Experience

With a new location to explore daily, life onboard is never boring. Join us for a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery in the stunning San Blas islands.

Smooth Sailing in San Blas: Stability, Comfort, and Adventure

San Blas offers calm sailing conditions, protected by a vast network of coral reefs that shield our sailing area from open seas. Behind these reefs lie serene cays, providing an ideal environment for a comfortable sailing experience.

For those prone to seasickness, rest assured — our experienced captains know San Blas inside out and will avoid any rolling anchorages. If you do feel unwell, a beautiful white sand beach is always just a minute away for a quick escape.

Getting to San Blas: Choose Your Adventure

Arriving by road includes a 50-minute water taxi ride that can be bumpy at times, which might not be ideal for everyone. For a smoother arrival, consider flying in to avoid the water taxi ride entirely.

Longer Trips, Greater Comfort

The longer your trip, the more time you’ll have to acclimate to life at sea. With our expert crew and calm waters, you’ll feel right at home on board. Come sail with us in San Blas for an unforgettable, worry-free adventure!

Yes, you can dive into endless snorkeling and fishing! We provide all the snorkel gear you need to explore the vibrant reefs of this stunning Caribbean archipelago in Panama.

Catch mackerel, snapper, barracuda, and tuna, or try your hand at spearfishing for octopus, crab and lobster. Every day is a new adventure on the water!

Come sail with us and experience the thrill of the catch and the beauty of San Blas!

While some of our boats offer wifi, others do not. But don’t worry — you have options! You can use your phone’s roaming in San Blas or, even better, buy a +Movil or Tigo SIM card and top it up with an internet plan. It’s very affordable, costing just a few dollars for full internet access.

Keep in mind that some areas may have limited or intermittent internet coverage, so take this as a chance to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views!

SIM cards are easy to find on the streets of Panama City — just avoid buying them at the airport, where prices are inflated.

Or disconnect to reconnect with nature in San Blas!

If you boarded the boat in the morning you can always go for this option. Late checkouts are charged with 1/2 night and are a wonderful idea to extend your stay in San Blas, both for short and long duration charters.

 

– If you came in by road, the latest you may checkout is  3 PM

– If you flew in, check out is latest 4 PM

In San Blas, credit card payments are not possible as there are no banks, ATMs, or payment terminals on the boats or in the few bars ashore. Ensure you bring enough cash for your trip.

Currency Information

For visitors from the United States, you’ll find that USD is the local currency and is widely accepted in San Blas. However, if you’re traveling with Euros, note that they are not commonly accepted and if they are, you might face unfavorable exchange rates (1 USD = 1 Euro).

Exchanging Foreign Currency

Exchanging currencies in Panama can be challenging. You can do so at Banco Nacional or Tocumen International Airport, though these locations may be out of your way.

Cash Tips for San Blas

  • Entry Fees: The entry tax is a one-time fee of $22 per person. Some islands have small entry fees, while others are free.
  • Handcrafts: Unique mola handcrafts range from $5 to $100, depending on quality.
  • Daily Expenses: Bringing $30-$40 per person per day should be sufficient.

Tipping the Crew

If you feel the crew has gone above and beyond, a tip of 15-20% of the charter cost is appreciated.

Prepare with cash and enjoy your unforgettable San Blas adventure!

More Questions?