- For guests arriving or departing by road, the schedule will be adjusted based on water taxi availability.
- Itineraries are flexible. You’re welcome to suggest islands of interest, even if they differ from the proposed plan.
Ideal for:
Discover the top 3 destinations in Zone 2 of the San Blas Islands on a brief yet captivating catamaran journey. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling at prime locations, and trying out paddleboarding and kayaking. This quick trip will leave you eager to explore even more of the stunning archipelago.
Arrival and transfer:
- Taxi to Albrook Terminal: Take a taxi from your Panama City hotel to the Albrook local airport.
- Private Plane to San Blas: Board a private plane for a stunning 40-minute flight over the jungle and San Blas islands.
Tip: Keep your camera ready for breathtaking aerial views.
In San Blas:
- Land in San Blas: Upon landing, present your passport and pay a $20 per person fee to Guna officials.
- Transfer to the Catamaran: The captain will greet you and escort you to the catamaran, anchored just a short dinghy ride from the airstrip.
Welcome to paradise!
Your journey begins here. As each day unfolds, you’ll experience the full beauty and serenity of San Blas, with adventures that build towards breathtaking moments.
Day 1: Corazon de Jesus Airstrip – Coco Bandero
After clearing immigration, the Captain will escort you on a two-minute dinghy ride to your catamaran. Once you’ve settled in and received a briefing, sail towards Coco Bandero, a set of three serene islands with an outer reef just 100 feet away.
Sailing time:
30 minutes
Highlights:
- Discover a sunken ship (weather permitting)
- For thrill-seekers, swim with friendly nurse sharks
Activities:
- Snorkeling adventure: Explore the hidden wonders of a sunken ship
- Swim with gentle nurse sharks
- Enjoy a beach picnic on the breathtaking shores of Coco Bandero
Overnight:
Anchored at Coco Bandero
Day 2: Cambombia – Nubesidub
By your second day, you’ll be familiar with the weather, sailing conditions, and crew. Now is the time to fully unwind and let the breathtaking beauty of the San Blas Islands sweep you into an unforgettable journey.
After breakfast, we’ll sail to Cambombia, where life moves at a tranquil pace. Its calm, protected waters are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Then, we’ll head to Nubesidub, a secluded gem rarely visited by others, ensuring you an undisturbed and peaceful experience.
Sailing time:
- 45 minutes
Highlights:
- Enjoy fresh lobster from Cambombia, provided by local fishermen and expertly prepared by our chef onboard
- If conditions allow, we’ll tie the catamaran’s stern to a palm tree so you can step almost directly onto the beach
- Play an energetic game of beach volleyball at Cambombia!
Activities:
- Paddleboarding and kayaking around nearby islands
- Relax onboard with a piña colada
- Soak in the breathtaking views
- Great snorkeling spots nearby
Overnight:
- Anchored at Cambombia
Day 3: Bapurgana – Flores
Day 3: Bapurgana – Flores
With its pristine white sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and two stunning coral reefs—one encircling the island and another accessible by dinghy—Bapurgana stands as a hidden paradise. The island is mostly uninhabited year-round, with the occasional local nomadic fishermen passing through. In the afternoon, sail towards Flores, the ideal final stop due to its proximity to the landing strip. Just a short 15-minute sail from the runway, Flores offers the perfect setting to unwind before your flight back to the bustling world.
Sailing time:
- Approximately 1.5 hours
Highlights:
- Explore Bapurgana’s outer reef, a snorkeling haven.
- Discover a secluded reef in the open sea.
Activities:
- Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding: Dive into vibrant marine life, glide over serene waters, and embark on endless water adventures!
- End your unforgettable vacation with a piña colada onboard, celebrating the memories made.
Overnight:
- Anchored at Flores
Day 4: Return to Corazon de Jesus airstrip
We’ll ensure you’re ready for your early morning flight. After anchoring near the runway, the captain will take you by dinghy to catch your plane. No immigration procedures are necessary, and the flight back to Panama City takes just 45 minutes.
Sailing time:
15 minutes
Flight time to Panama City:
45 minutes
Note: The captain may adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions. This is rare during high season, though summer months may bring slight changes. With over 365 islands in San Blas, there are always incredible alternatives to explore.
Key Differences Between Flying In and Taking a Road Transfer:
-
Travel Time: A road transfer takes around 5 hours to reach the catamaran, and due to the water taxi schedule, you’ll need to leave the boat at 7:00 AM. Flying in, however, takes just 40 minutes, giving you immediate access to the catamaran and 4 extra hours on your charter.
-
Border and Port Issues: Flying avoids border delays and bureaucratic issues often encountered with road transfers. Plus, you won’t have to deal with mosquitoes and sand flies, which are common at the road transfer ports.
-
Water Taxi: A road transfer includes a 40-minute water taxi ride, while flying in eliminates this, as the catamaran is anchored right next to the landing strip.
-
Destination: Flying lands you in a more secluded, pristine area of the San Blas Islands, whereas road transfers take you through more touristic spots.
Cost: Flying is more expensive at $175/person/way compared to $75/person/way for the road transfer.
-
Luggage: Flying requires lighter packing due to airplane weight limits, while road transfers offer more flexibility with luggage.