Exploring Paradise: Crafting the Ultimate Itinerary for Sailing the San Blas Islands

For the best itinerary, keep away from the area of Carti and most of touristic islands close to the road entrance and venture deep into the Dutch and Coco Bandero Cays. Follow our recommendations to improve your catamaran vacations in San Blas.

What’s the point of renting a catamaran in the most idyllic Caribbean sailing destination and limiting you and your family or fiends to the islands with the easiest access where most of the tourists reach? Like the rest of other charter destinations, San Blas also has it’s own share of places we recommend not to visit. We will not get into that matter now, please refer to the post Top 5 Islands Not To Visit In The San Blas if you are interested.

Anchorage in San Blas

Visiting the remote islands in the San Blas archipelago of more than 20 miles can be a truly unique and extraordinary experience,

Below are a few observations to consider when choosing your San Blas tour.

Choosing a 1-3 night sailing trip with the intention of visiting many islands may not be the best approach. We highly recommend adjusting your expectations for a more enjoyable experience. For just one or two nights, if you opt for a private flight, islands like Coco Bandero and Cambombia are a must-see.

Consider adding half a day to your itinerary, departing at 15:30, to enjoy the unique experience of sleeping out in the cays the night before your check-out.

If you prefer to arrive by road vs air, and don’t mind a 5-hour transfer, West Dutch Cays or Maoqui Island is about an hour’s sail from your departure point and is one of the region’s untouched gems, rarely visited by other travelers. Once in Maoqui, head ashore to meet Jose’s family and pick up some local crafts or molas. Jose, the Guna indigenous deckhand aboard our Salina 48 catamaran Mambo Diablo, will be your guide.

Jose, our famous deckhand and beloved friend.

A 4-7 night catamaran charter is where the real adventure begins and San Blas reveals its true magic. Flying into Corazón de Jesús in San Blas opens the door to stunning destinations like Coco Bandero East and West, Cambombia, Bapurgana, Green Island, and other remote gems of the region.

Prepare to encounter dolphins, turtles, friendly nurse sharks, and a rich array of tropical fish and corals while snorkeling. Be ready for the ultimate cultural immersion as you connect with the area’s unique vibe.

Reaching the Pool on a 5-night charter is not only possible but highly recommended. If you're arriving by road, start in Banedup, explore the Dutch Cays, and work your way through to the Pool and BBQ Island for an unforgettable experience.

Marine life in San Blas

Maoqui island at the bottom

Jump in the water and head over to the island

Sailing for 7 to 14 days, or even longer, offers the most unforgettable Caribbean sailing adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Begin your journey by flying in and following a one-way route through the stunning Coco Bandero Cays, Dutch Cays, and the Pool. Once you finish exploring Dutch Cays, head towards the Maoqui Islands, then continue southward, sailing through Salardub, Cambombia, Bapurgana, Coco Blanco, Green Island, and all the islands in between.

Extended stays of 7 nights or more allow you to immerse yourself in the local communities, including Soledad, Miria, and Rio Azúcar—explore the islands closer to shore and discover the authentic charm of these hidden gems.

If you’re taking a road transfer, simply begin in Salardub and sail counterclockwise through the islands for a seamless, breathtaking journey.

Coco Bandero Cays

Deep San Blas

Up for a cultural shock in a Guna community?

As said, we like to keep to the less visited and the bests islands in San Blas with pristine environment and natural equilibrium. If you would like to visit any island in particular we are totally open to your suggestions. Simply notify us with your reservation and we will brief the captain of your catamaran in San Blas.