Plan
your trip
- Why Sail San Blas
- Sailing in Guna Yala
- Life onboard
- Meals
- Charter Options
- What’s Included
- Getting to San Blas
San Blas (Guna Yala):Authentic Caribbean Sailing
San Blas offers a rare balance: accessible, yet still largely untouched. No resorts, no crowds—just quiet islands, clear waters, and sailboats anchored between palm-lined shores.
Guna Yala is an autonomous indigenous territory, where tourism remains intentionally limited. This keeps the archipelago authentic, natural, and far from mass development.
With over 300 islands, many uninhabited, sailing is the natural way to explore. Days are slow and simple—moving between islands, anchoring in calm waters, and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of life at sea.
Life onboard follows a functional and relaxed rhythm
Life onboard follows a functional and relaxed rhythm:
- Sailing
- Anchoring
- Swimming
- Meals
- Rest
- Boat layouts, onboard services, and crew setups vary, reflecting the reality of operating in a remote sailing region.
Navigation in San Blas consists mainly of short sails between islands. Routes and anchorages are planned according to wind, sea state, and local conditions rather than rigid schedules.
Activities
Activities are simple and weather-dependent.
Typical days may include:
- Swimming and snorkeling over shallow reefs
- Kayaking or paddle boarding near the islands
- Time spent ashore
- Fishing may be possible while sailing, depending on conditions and equipment.
Wildlife encounters, including dolphins, can occur, but they are never guaranteed and should be considered a matter of chance rather than an expectation.
There are no scheduled excursions. Each day unfolds according to conditions and onboard decisions.
What’s Included
- Vessel, Crew, and Accommodation
- Boat rental (or private cabin on shared charters)
- Licensed and experienced captain
- Additional crew such as deckhand or chef on some boats
- Cabins with bedding, linens, pillows, and towels
- Starlink satellite internet onboard
Food and Drinks
Three meals per day are typically provided, based on Caribbean cuisine with Mediterranean influences and additional fusion styles depending on the chef onboard.
Snack availability depends on the vessel and whether the charter is private or shared.
Private charters:
Water, coffee, tea, fresh juices, sodas, beer, wine, and rum are usually included, offered in moderate and responsible consumption. Some privately owned monohull sailboats include water only.
Shared charters:
Drinking water is included. Coffee is served at breakfast. Limited additional beverages may be offered with meals, depending on the boat.
Equipment and Services
- Kayaks and paddle boards, depending on the equipment available on each boat
- Snorkeling gear and fishing equipment (when available)
- Fuel for engine, generator, and onboard systems
- Daily cleaning of cabins and common areas
- Dinghy with outboard engine for island access
- Cooler with ice for guest use
- Ice maker onboard on some boats
- Water maker converting seawater into fresh water on some boats
- Safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning available on some boats
Getting to San Blas
Land Transfer and Water Taxi
Shared transportation ranges from USD 110–150 per person (round trip). Pick-up from Panama City hotels occurs between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The drive to San Blas takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, crossing from Panama’s Pacific side to the Caribbean through Guna Yala territory.
Upon arrival, Guna authorities complete entry formalities before guests transfer by water taxi to the boats. Arrival at the boat typically occurs between 9:30 and 11:30 AM, depending on logistics, road conditions, and sea state.
On departure day, water taxis generally depart around 7:00 AM, with arrival back in Panama City between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, traffic permitting.
Private options:
- Private vehicle: USD 180
- Private boat transfer (water taxi): USD 280
- All logistics are coordinated by Go San Blas.
Flights to San Blas
Flights depart from Albrook Airport in Panama City and take approximately 40 minutes. Depending on availability, flights may be private or shared.
Aircraft type, capacity, and pricing vary according to the model and number of passengers. For this reason, a direct link to the flight operator’s website is provided so guests can verify schedules and current prices.
Check Availability with Go San Blas Request Detailed InformationWho San Blas Is For
San Blas is not designed for travelers seeking resorts, nightlife, or guaranteed outcomes. It is suited to those who understand variability, respect local culture, and value navigation, landscape, and context over convenience.
Sailing here is not staged.
It is deliberate, functional, and real.
Booking & Deposit Policy
Due to high demand, a 20% deposit of the total trip cost is required to secure the charter for the selected dates.
This deposit confirms the reservation of the vessel for the agreed dates and number of guests and is non-refundable.
If the trip is canceled 20 days before departure, the 20% deposit will be retained due to the extensive logistics involved and the fact that the reserved dates are held exclusively for your group.
As a courtesy, the reservation may be rescheduled within one (1) year from the original booking date, subject to availability.
If the originally selected vessel is unavailable on the new dates, an alternative vessel that meets the reservation requirements will be offered.
For a new booking, a new 20% deposit of the total trip cost is required, minus the amount paid for the previous reservation.
Date changes are subject to availability.
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FAQ
You’ll also have access to snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and either kayaks or paddle boards (depending on the boat). Fresh bed linen and boat towels are provided — and of course, guaranteed fun and unforgettable memories.
Due to banking fees and limitations in the region, we kindly ask that the remaining balance be paid in cash (U.S. dollars) upon boarding the boat. Some digital payments may include additional transaction fees.
We offer a flexible policy and can help you reschedule your trip within the same calendar year, subject to availability.
Please note: the 20% deposit required to confirm your booking is non-refundable.
We encourage our guests to embrace the experience, disconnect, and enjoy the natural beauty of Guna Yala.