What’s The Best Sailing Destination in Panama?
Discover Panama’s Ultimate Sailing Paradise
Panama has long held the status of being the ultimate sailing destination for those seeking an authentic and exhilarating catamaran sailing vacation. Whether you prefer the Caribbean or the Pacific, the choice is yours, as Panama offers both extraordinary options.
Unlike other popular Caribbean sailing destinations like the BVI, Antigua, the Grenadines, or St. Martin, Panama enjoys a distinct advantage. Located south of the hurricane zone, it has never been struck by a major hurricane or fallen in the path of tropical storms. This exceptional safety record makes both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Panama highly attractive year-round for boating enthusiasts and yacht charter aficionados.
The primary allure of Panama lies in the 365 islands of the captivating San Blas region. Its breath-taking uniqueness is unparalleled. However, Panama has more to offer than just San Blas. Bocas del Toro, also situated in the Caribbean, and Las Perlas on the Pacific side, provide enticing opportunities for all-inclusive catamaran charters. These destinations deserve serious consideration when planning your voyage. There are a few other sailing areas in Panama that we will not delve into in this post, mainly due to their small size, isolation, or failure to meet the minimum safety requirements.
Now, let’s explore the distinctions among these three main cruising locations in Panama and discover what you should know before booking a sailing charter in any of them.
Accessibility to sailing locations
Las Perlas: To embark on a sailing charter to the Las Perlas archipelago, you typically board the previous night at Marina Flamingo in Panama City. The next morning, you set sail at 6:00 AM, and after 12 exhilarating hours, you will arrive at Las Perlas. From there, you can effortlessly explore the surrounding areas.
Bocas del Toro: Book a one-hour flight from Panama City’s Albrook terminal to Isla Colon, the main island of Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, a quick taxi ride will transport you to your catamaran or sailboat. The main cruising grounds around Cayo Zapatilla are approximately a two-hour sail away.
San Blas Islands: Take a 40-minute private flight from Panama City’s Albrook terminal directly to the heart of San Blas. Alternatively, opt for a four-hour land and water taxi transfer from Panama City to your catamaran. The choice is yours.
Transfer costs
Las Perlas: Taxis within Panama City to Flamingo Marina are affordable. However, keep in mind that embarking the night before and paying for an additional charter night to sail 12 hours the next day could significantly increase your overall charter expenses. Consider this factor when booking your sailing charter in Las Perlas.
Bocas del Toro: Local flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, departing from the Albrook terminal, cost approximately $150 per person each way and conveniently position you on the main island, where your catamaran is most likely located.
San Blas Islands: Road transfers from Panama City amount to $75 per person each way. Alternatively, if you prefer a more exclusive experience, a private plane for up to eight guests is available at a cost of $1,337.50 per way. In a group of eight guests, the per person price per way would be $167.
Cuisine
Las Perlas: The culinary experience in this archipelago closely resembles that of Panama City. Its proximity to the capital makes provisioning easy, ensuring a wide variety of dining options.
Bocas del Toro: The bustling main island and its neighboring Bastimentos islands boast an array of international and local restaurants, catering to diverse tastes.
San Blas Islands: Indulge in the exquisite cuisine of San Blas, where the Guna indigenous people provide us with an abundance of fish, live lobster, and other sea delicacies. The surrounding jungles offer tropical fruits, adding a flavorful touch to your dining experience.
Nature
Las Perlas: The Pacific side of Panama has long been renowned for its exceptional whale-watching opportunities during the season from August to September. However, be prepared for rain showers, as these months mark the peak of the rainy season. The waters of Las Perlas teem with fish, making snorkeling an absolute must. Keep in mind that visibility may be compromised due to the abundance of plankton and other organisms. Commercial and sport fishing have experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Mosquitoes are present throughout most of the islands and anchorages.
Bocas del Toro: The non-fishing areas of this archipelago are home to an abundance of Caribbean tropical fish. Easily accessible reefs and corals, located outside the wave breaking zone, offer captivating opportunities for exploration. Snorkeling is a must, although water visibility can be reduced at times due to the presence of river mud. Mosquitoes are prevalent in some areas, including anchorages, owing to the lack of wind and extreme humidity.
San Blas Islands: The absence of commercial fishing in this part of Panama contributes to its unique appeal. Abundant local wildlife thrives both in the crystalline waters and the adjacent jungles. The outer cays provide perfect water visibility. With no fresh water available, mosquitoes are unable to reproduce on the cays, and the wind effectively disperses any remaining pests towards the nearby jungle.
Climate
Las Perlas: From May to November, the southwest currents prevail, bringing abundant rainfall, particularly to the southern side exposed to the Pacific Ocean. During both the dry and wet seasons, the winds are usually minimal. Expect hot and humid weather year-round. Don’t forget to pack a raincoat during your visit.
Bocas del Toro: Experience the quintessential Caribbean climate, characterized by high temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout most of the year. Wind is generally scarce. Beware of squalls during the rainy season, as they can pose a concern for sailboats without proper shelter. Bocas del Toro has become a renowned surfing destination for American and European surfers, boasting strong surf during the dry season.
San Blas Islands: Unlike Bocas del Toro, the Trade Winds consistently blow across the region, reaching as far as Colombia from November to May. These winds effectively disperse atmospheric moisture, preventing it from turning into rain in most instances. However, when the Trade Winds subside, humidity increases, accompanied by occasional showers. With minimal surf and small tides, sailing within the Cays becomes an effortless and enjoyable experience. Additionally, thanks to its strategic location outside the hurricane belt and its natural reef barriers, San Blas enjoys year-round favorable weather with minimal risk of storms.
Sea conditions
Las Perlas: Expect year-round high surf with minimal wind.
Bocas del Toro: Anticipate moderate to high surf throughout the year, accompanied by light winds.
San Blas Islands: During the dry season (November to May), there is little to no surf and moderate wind. In the wet season (May to November), both surf and wind remain minimal.
People and culture
Las Perlas: The islands are primarily inhabited by Panamanians and US expatriates. The cultural influence of tourism and the proximity to Panama City has significantly shaped the local culture.
Bocas del Toro: The population consists mostly of Panamanians, US expats, and European residents. The culture reflects a fusion of Panamanian and Caribbean influences, with an indigenous touch.
San Blas Islands: The Guna indigenous people are the predominant inhabitants, preserving their unique culture with little to no influence from Panama or the international community. The islands cannot be sold to foreigners, resulting in the absence of major hotels or tourist attractions.
If San Blas is the right location for your next catamaran sailing getaway, don’t hesitate to contact San Blas Catamaran to book an unforgettable adventure today!
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