- 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:
A week-long charter offers the ideal balance between exploring the outer cays and enjoying key highlights of the region. It’s a popular choice globally, providing a well-rounded experience that lets you venture deeper while still capturing the essence of the area’s top attractions.
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 Blanco – Green Island
Upon arrival at the Corazon de Jesus airstrip and after a smooth immigration process, your captain will escort you on a short, two-minute dinghy ride to your catamaran. Once aboard and settled in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about your itinerary and key information. You’ll then set sail towards the serene islands of Coco Blanco and Green Island. These tranquil, untouched islands are the perfect introduction to the peaceful beauty of the San Blas archipelago.
Sailing time:
45 minutes
Highlights:
- Scenic flight from Panama City
- The adventure begins! Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience that promises to be transformative
- Discover Tiny Waisaladub, a charming, secluded island all to yourself
Activities:
- Stroll through coconut tree plantations
- Meet a few of the local residents
- Take your first dip in crystal-clear waters and enjoy light snorkeling
Overnight:
Anchored at Green Island
Day 2: Cambombia – Nubesidub
By day two, you’ll be familiar with the weather, sailing conditions, and the crew. It’s the perfect time to fully relax and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the San Blas Islands.
After breakfast, we’ll sail to Cambombia, where time slows down and calm, protected waters are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Later, we’ll stop at Nubesidub, a hidden gem rarely visited by other sailors, offering you a tranquil and private experience.
Sailing time:
45 minutes
Highlights:
- Savor fresh lobster provided by local fishermen from Cambombia, expertly prepared by our onboard chef
- When conditions allow, we’ll tie the catamaran’s stern to a palm tree, letting you step right onto the beach
- Join a fun beach volleyball game at Cambombia, where everyone can get involved for an exciting and energetic match
Activities:
- Paddleboarding and kayaking adventures around nearby islands
- Relax onboard with a refreshing pina colada
- Soak in the breathtaking views
- Enjoy great snorkeling opportunities
Overnight:
Anchored at Cambombia
Day 3: Coco Bandero
After breakfast, we’ll sail to Coco Bandero, a cluster of three small islands. This picturesque location in the outer cays features an outer reef just 100 feet from the main island, offering a perfect tropical escape.
By this point, you’ll be exploring the more remote and secluded areas of San Blas.
Sailing time:
1 hour
Highlights:
- Discover a hidden sunken ship (weather permitting)
- For the adventurous, experience the thrill of swimming with gentle sharks
Activities:
- Snorkeling adventure: Dive to explore a secret sunken ship
- Swim with friendly nurse sharks
- Enjoy a beach picnic on the pristine shores of Coco Bandero
Overnight:
Anchored at Coco Bandero
Day 4: Dutch Cays: BBQ Island – The Pool
After breakfast, we’ll sail to the breathtaking Dutch Cays, the outermost part of San Blas. BBQ Island is an adventure lover’s paradise, boasting vibrant reefs and plentiful lobster. The Pool, one of the most spectacular spots in San Blas, is reserved for those extending their stay. This serene location, surrounded by a 360-degree reef, offers calm, protected waters—an ideal place to fully relax and absorb the beauty of the archipelago.
Sailing time:
1.5 hours
Highlights:
- The Pool: Swim in a pristine, crystal-clear saltwater pool that feels like a natural swimming pool
- Experience the charm of Restaurant Ibin for an unforgettable meal
Activities:
- Discover whale bones washed ashore
- Snorkel through vibrant mangroves
- Explore nearby islands and connect with Guna communities
- Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding adventures
Overnight:
Anchored at The Pool
Day 5: Dutch Cays: The Lagoon – “Prado’s Island”
After breakfast, enjoy a short 40-minute sail to another breathtaking spot in the Dutch Cays. You’ll arrive at the wild and secluded Lagoon anchorage—one of the most stunning highlights of your trip. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! With a pristine barrier reef just meters away and no signs of civilization, this untouched paradise can only be reached by catamaran. After exploring the Lagoon, we’ll sail just 10 minutes to meet Prado, a remarkable Guna artisan renowned for his masterful mola craftsmanship.
Sailing time:
50 minutes
Highlights:
- Explore the Lagoon: Discover one of San Blas’s hidden treasures—a secluded paradise with shallow, turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty, accessible only by catamaran
- Meet Prado, the famous master mola maker
- Experience the unique adventure of exploring a submerged island
Activities:
- Enjoy unparalleled kayaking and paddleboarding on the vast turquoise waters of the Lagoon
- Shop for beautiful molas, the traditional Guna textile art, on Prado’s island
Overnight:
Anchored at “Prado’s Island”
Day 6: Waisaladub
After breakfast, we’ll sail to Waisaladub, the home of Jose, our longtime deckhand aboard the fully equipped Salina 48 catamaran. This extraordinary island offers a bit of everything, from exceptional snorkeling to the rare sight of a new island emerging from the sea.
Sailing time:
15 minutes
Highlights:
- Witness the formation of a new island emerging from the sea
- Immerse yourself in Guna culture by visiting local families in their traditional huts, nestled within their small village on this paradise island
Activities:
- Enjoy top-notch snorkeling
- Meet Jose’s family
- Relax on the unique beach that stretches between Jose’s Island and the last uninhabited island of the Dutch Cays
Overnight:
Anchored at Waisaladub
Day 7: Bapurgana – Flores
Bapurgana, with its white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, and two vibrant reefs—one surrounding the island and another accessible by dinghy—is a hidden gem. Mostly uninhabited throughout the year, you may encounter only local nomadic fishermen passing by. In the afternoon, we’ll sail towards Flores, our final stop, chosen for its proximity to the landing strip. Just a short 15-minute sail from the runway, Flores is the perfect place to relax before your flight back to civilization.
Sailing time:
1.5 hours
Highlights:
- Explore Bapurgana’s outer reef, a pristine snorkeling paradise
- Discover a secluded reef in the middle of the sea
Activities:
- Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding: Dive into vibrant underwater worlds and enjoy calm waters for endless adventures
- Toast to your last day of an unforgettable journey with a pina colada onboard, celebrating the memories and experiences
Overnight:
Anchored at Flores
Day 8: 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination: Flying lands you in a more secluded, pristine area of the San Blas Islands, whereas road transfers take you through more touristic spots.
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Cost: Flying is more expensive at $175/person/way compared to $75/person/way for the road transfer.
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Luggage: Flying requires lighter packing due to airplane weight limits, while road transfers offer more flexibility with luggage.