Top Sailing Itineraries: San Blas Islands
- Matt
- Aug 15
- 7 min read
Your Guide to Ultimate San Blas Sailing Itineraries
When it comes to experiencing the San Blas Islands, we recommend more than 5 nights for the most rewarding adventure. Why? Because with over 365 islands—hundreds uninhabited and untouched by the modern world and mass tourism—you’ll want the time to explore their diversity: from powder-white sandbanks to lush coconut-fringed islets, vibrant coral reefs, and encounters with the Guna culture.
A longer trip means slower sailing, deeper immersion, and the freedom to truly disconnect from the world while enjoying the most exclusive anchorages. More days allow you to venture farther, reaching the outer regions of San Blas, including the legendary Dutch Cays, and uncovering the most hidden gems the archipelago has to offer. You’ll experience unparalleled cultural immersion, from visiting our Guna deckhand Jose’s traditional family and enjoying a private island BBQ, to optionally exploring the ancient village of Soledad Miria—a highlight reserved for our 10+ night itineraries. With extra time, you can fully explore the diversity, beauty, and heritage that make San Blas truly extraordinary.
Curated Sailing Itineraries San Blas for Ultimate Privacy and Adventure
San Blas is a year-round sailing destination with consistently perfect weather and calm seas—unlike the BVI or European destinations, where conditions can vary significantly by season.. Its sheltered waters and gentle trade winds make it ideal for families, couples, groups of friends, and sailors of all experience levels, including complete beginners.
Our itineraries are designed to showcase only the most exclusive and remote islands in San Blas, offering true privacy, serenity, and pristine nature. Whether you choose our 5-night or 7-night plan, expect private sailing trips designed for those who value authenticity over crowds. And remember—these itineraries are not final. You can always propose the islands that interest you most, and we will tailor the route to match your vision.
Please note: These routes are designed for guests arriving by private flight into San Blas. If you prefer road transfer (and water taxi), we will adjust the sequence of stops to match schedules and availability while keeping the same exclusive character of your journey.
In this post, we’ll outline two of our most popular and highly recommended sailing itineraries, crafted for charter guests seeking the ultimate San Blas experience.
ITINERARY 1:
5-Night San Blas Sailing Itinerary with Private Flight
Perfect for travelers seeking the most time-efficient, exclusive catamaran sailing trips in San Blas.
Day 1: Corazon de Jesús landing strip - Coco Blanco - Green Island
Upon landing at the landing strip, a quick and smooth immigration process gets you on your way. Your captain will guide you on a 2-minute dinghy transfer to the catamaran, where you can settle in and get comfortable. After a thorough briefing on your itinerary and onboard essentials, set sail toward the tranquil Coco Blanco and Green Island—pristine, peaceful havens that ease you into the serenity of the San Blas archipelago.
Sailing Time: 45 min
Highlights: Scenic private flight, authentic Guna cultural encounters, your first swim in crystal-clear waters.
Activities: Light snorkeling, visiting tiny Waisaladub, meeting locals, exploring coconut groves.
Overnight: Anchored at Green Island.
Day 2: Cambombia - Nubesidub
After breakfast, we set sail for Cambombia, a serene haven where calm, sheltered waters meet vibrant coral reefs. This peaceful stop pairs perfectly with a visit to nearby Nubesidub, a secluded gem seldom seen by other sailors, offering untouched beauty and complete tranquility.
Sailing Time: 45 min
Highlights: Fresh lobster from local fishermen prepared by your onboard chef, catamaran tied to palm trees when possible, and a beach volleyball net for fun, energetic games right on Cambombia’s sand.
Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, relaxing with a piña colada.
Overnight: Anchored at Cambombia.
Day 3: Coco Bandero Cays
After breakfast, set sail for the Coco Bandero Cays, a trio of small islands fringed by a reef just steps from shore. Now venturing into the more remote reaches of San Blas, you’ll experience untouched beauty, vibrant marine life, and true seclusion.
Sailing Time: 1 hour
Highlights: Explore a sunken ship (weather permitting) and for the more adventurous, swim with friendly nurse sharks.
Activities: Beach picnic, snorkeling over vibrant coral gardens, swimming in pristine waters.
Overnight: Anchored at Coco Bandero.
Day 4: Dutch Cays: BBQ Island - The Pool
After breakfast, sail to the spectacular Dutch Cays, the outermost treasures of San Blas. BBQ Island boasts vibrant reefs and fresh lobster for adventurous souls, while The Pool—reserved for guests on extended itineraries—offers a serene, crystal-clear natural saltwater infinity pool, encircled by a full 360° reef, perfect for soaking in the unspoiled beauty of the archipelago.
Sailing Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: “The Pool”—a rare, tranquil natural infinity pool—and a visit to the charming Ibin’s Beach Restaurant & Bar.
Activities: Whale bone exploration, mangrove snorkeling, Guna community visits, kayaking, paddleboarding.
Overnight: Anchored at The Pool.
Day 5: Bapurgana - Flores
Sail to Bapurgana, a hidden gem of white sands, swaying palms, and two pristine reefs—one encircling the island, the other reachable by dinghy. Largely uninhabited, the island offers true solitude, occasionally visited only by passing fishermen. In the afternoon, glide to Flores, your final stop, just 15 minutes from the landing strip—perfect for a relaxed farewell before your return flight.
Sailing Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Secluded beaches, rare mid-sea reef snorkeling in outer Bapurgana.
Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, farewell sunset drinks onboard.
Overnight: Anchored at Flores, just 15 minutes from the runway.
Day 6: Return to Corazon de Jesús Airstrip
A smooth, stress-free departure—no immigration checks—before your scenic return flight to the mainland. Your captain will escort you by dinghy directly to meet your plane, ensuring a seamless end to your San Blas adventure.
Sailing Time: 15 min
Flight to Panama City: 45 min
ITINERARY 2:
7-Night San Blas Sailing Itinerary with Private Flight
A full week on a private yacht charter in the San Blas Islands allows you to sail farther, reach the outer cays, and enjoy a well-rounded mix of the archipelago’s top highlights and hidden gems. This is the standard duration for world-class catamaran sailing trips, giving you time to immerse yourself in Guna culture, explore secluded beaches, and experience the most pristine reefs in one of the best yacht destinations in the Caribbean.
Day 1: Corazon de Jesús - Coco Blanco - Green Island
After a quick two-minute dinghy transfer with the Captain to your catamaran, you can settle in, receive a detailed journey briefing, and sail towards Coco Blanco and Green Island. These untouched islands offer a serene introduction to the archipelago’s magic, letting you relax and acclimate.
Sailing Time: 45 min
Highlights: Scenic private flight, explore tiny Waisaladub (alongside the larger one), authentic cultural introduction, first swim in San Blas’s crystal-clear waters.
Activities: Wander coconut tree plantations, light snorkeling, meet a few locals.
Overnight: Anchored at Green Island.
Day 2: Cambombia - Nubesidub
With the rhythm of San Blas now familiar, today is about fully immersing yourself in island life. Sail to Cambombia, a peaceful, reef-protected haven, then explore the hidden gem of Nubesidub, rarely visited and completely serene.
Sailing Time: 45 min
Highlights: Fresh lobster from local fishermen, served onboard by your chef; catamaran tied to palm trees for direct beach access (weather permitting); beach volleyball net for fun and games right on the sand.
Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, sunset cocktails.
Overnight: Anchored at Cambombia.
Day 3: Coco Bandero Cays
Venture deeper into San Blas as you reach Coco Bandero, a cluster of small, secluded islands. With coral gardens and pristine waters, it’s a paradise for explorers and thrill-seekers alike.
Sailing Time: 1 hour
Highlights: Explore a sunken ship (weather permitting) and for the more adventurous, swim with friendly nurse sharks.
Activities: Beach picnic, snorkeling over coral gardens, swimming in pristine turquoise waters.
Overnight: Anchored at Coco Bandero.
Day 4: Dutch Cays: BBQ Island - The Pool
Head to the outermost cays of San Blas for a day of unspoiled natural beauty. BBQ Island offers adventure and vibrant reefs, while The Pool is a rare, calm lagoon framed by a 360° reef—a perfect spot to soak it all in.
Sailing Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: “The Pool” — a crystal-clear natural saltwater infinity pool; lunch at charming Ibin’s Beach Restaurant & Bar, San Blas' unique and truly unforgettable secret bar.
Activities: Whale bone discovery, mangrove snorkeling, visiting Guna communities, kayaking, paddleboarding.
Overnight: Anchored at The Pool.
Day 5: Dutch Cays: The Lagoon - Prado’s Island
Today takes you to one of the most remote corners of San Blas: the Lagoon anchorage. Accessible only by catamaran, its shallow turquoise waters and untouched beauty make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It doesn’t get any better than this! A short sail brings you to Prado’s Island to meet a master Guna mola artist.
Sailing Time: 50 min
Highlights: Remote Lagoon anchorage — accessible only by catamaran, with shallow turquoise waters; meet Prado, a master Guna mola maker, and explore a submerged island.
Activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Lagoon, mola shopping at Prado's private island.
Overnight: Anchored at Prado’s Island.
Day 6: Waisaladub
A short sail takes you to Waisaladub (the larger island), home to Jose’s family and a newly emerging island. This is a day of cultural immersion and discovery, blending top-notch snorkeling, village visits, and untouched natural beauty.
Sailing Time: 15 min
Highlights: Discover an emerging island and visit Jose’s family small village; authentic Guna cultural immersion.
Activities: Top-notch snorkeling, exploring a unique beach formed between islands, meeting locals.
Overnight: Anchored at Waisaladub.
Day 7: Bapurgana - Flores
Sail to Bapurgana, a secluded gem with white sand beaches, coconut trees, and pristine reefs. Mostly uninhabited, it’s a peaceful day of exploration before heading to Flores — just a 15-minute sail to the airstrip for your departure.
Sailing Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Snorkel Bapurgana’s pristine outer reef and a hidden mid-sea reef. Relax on secluded white sand beaches and meet nomadic fishermen along the way.
Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, relaxing onboard, farewell sunset drinks.
Overnight: Anchored at Flores, just 15 minutes from the runway.
Day 8: Return to Corazon de Jesús Airstrip
Your unforgettable San Blas journey concludes today. A seamless transfer from the catamaran to the airstrip ensures a stress-free return flight—no immigration checks required—leaving you with only memories of paradise.
Sailing Time: 15 min
Flight to Panama City: 45 min
Charting Your Dream Escape
Our Top Sailing itineraries: San Blas Islands are designed to immerse you in pristine beauty, vibrant Guna culture, and hidden anchorages few will ever see. The longer you stay, the more of San Blas’ secrets you uncover—turning your journey into an unforgettable chapter of adventure, connection, and pure serenity.
Regardless of the number of nights you choose, we are committed to delivering the very best experience—and for guests short on time, even one-night charters can be arranged.
Ready to discover the untouched beauty of San Blas on your next unparalleled Caribbean sailing adventure?
Contact us today and let’s craft your dream voyage.
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