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June 24, 2024

“Christmas in July” in San Blas vs. BVIs

Choosing the Best Destination for Your “Christmas in July” Celebration

Exploring the idea of celebrating “Christmas in July” in San Blas versus the BVIs offers a unique perspective on mid-year holiday escapes. Each destination promises its own blend of tropical charm and festive activities. The breathtaking scenery of both destinations makes it a great choice for a summer yachting adventure. Are you drawn to the tranquil waters and indigenous culture of San Blas? Or do you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of the BVIs? This comparison will help you decide your festive escape destination.

About “Christmas in July”

During the Caribbean hurricane season, “Christmas in July” brings families and friends together in a huge festive reunion event. This social gathering takes place in the BVIs and has also become popular in the neighboring USVIs. It originated as a humorous way to enjoy Christmas-themed activities and decorations during the summer months, typically in July. The celebrations may include beach parties, live music performances, themed dinners, and decorations that mimic the traditional Christmas ambiance despite the warm weather.

Huge crowd celebrating "Christmas in July" in the BVIs is a big party while in San Blas is peaceful. You choose.
The British Virgin Islands come alive with the week-long celebration known as “Christmas in July”.

Weather Considerations

September 6th, 2017 will always be remembered as the day when hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the BVI’s charter fleets. However, thanks to the tremendous recovery efforts, the area has made significant progress and the damage caused by the tragic event is now hardly noticeable.

Wait a minute… the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Who in their right mind would spend a fortune to rent a catamaran in the BVIs during hurricane season? For seasoned sailors and fleet managers such as ourselves, booking a yacht charter in the BVIs during July feels a bit like taking a gamble on whether a hurricane or tropical storm will disrupt our long-awaited cruise.

We are unsure why local authorities would allow such a huge crowd and event in July. Maybe it’s a way to entice visitors during the slower central months. While a successful outcome is still on the table, it’s important to acknowledge the gamble involved when considering the hurricane season, location, and past weather disasters.

History of hurricanes chart show how Panama is out of the hurricane path, making San Blas a haven from extreme bad weather.
History of hurricanes provides undeniable evidence that Panama is not affected by their path.

Why Choose San Blas?

San Blas islands have a hurricane-free record and are not affected by them. Despite the wet season, light winds tend to disperse the rain rapidly.

In the summer months, you’ll find the archipelago of Guna Yala, particularly the outer Cays, blissfully empty. The pristine and well-preserved surroundings are never overwhelmed by crowds, no matter the time of year. It is just perfect for relaxing, disconnecting from everyday life, and reconnecting with nature. For us, it is definitely the definition of paradise.

Now, like in any other place, there are islands in San Blas that we advise against visiting.

A small paradise island in San Blas in July, the perfect time to explore the archipelago with empty anchorages.
July in San Blas means empty anchorages. Oh, and did we mention there are more than 365 paradise islands and cays to explore? And only 49 are inhabited… 😉

What about the BVIs?

“Christmas in July” in the BVIs blends Caribbean culture with a unique twist on traditional Christmas celebrations. It’s a time when the islands come alive with live music, food, and festivities, providing an authentic partying experience, all under the warm weather of July.

The key to a delightful and fulfilling sailing vacation in the Caribbean lies in having the right information.

In a nutshell, if you’re up for a wild beach party with thousands of people, go for the week-long extravaganza in the BVIs. But if you prefer a peaceful getaway surrounded by untouched islands and crystal-clear waters, San Blas is the perfect choice and we’ve got you covered! Plan your San Blas cruise and catamaran trip in the San Blas Islands for a true getaway and a complete break from the ‘real’ world.

San Blas aerial shot of small paradise island, never overwhelmed by crowds, especially in July.
Discover the charms of San Blas in July and all year round.

What are you waiting for? 😉

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