What Is The Best Itinerary For Sailing The San Blas Islands On A Catamaran?
Enjoying the best itinerary depends on the number of days booked, preferred type of in and out transfer, interests, or preferences of the guests. Whatever the itinerary, our crewed catamaran charters in San Blas are totally adaptable.
Embarking on a catamaran trip in the San Blas islands in one of our all inclusive sailing adventures and not in a monohull trip of any kind has a few advantages we have discussed earlier in "Catamaran or monohull, which is best for sailing the Caribbean?" . Catamarans are the best option for Sailing the San Blas Islands and that is because of the comfort offered by these type of boats with double hulls.
Catamarans offer huge living spaces, stability for not rolling on anchorages and easy sailing is thanks to a large beam (width). In the case of our Salina 48, the huge beam of almost 8 meters equals that of the total length of some monohulls in San Blas that are actually offered for sailing charters or various island vacations in Panama.
There are many other many reasons why choosing a catamaran for sailing the San Blas islands is a good choice. We will not go through them all but one key factor is that catamarans do not need nor have prolonged keels, hence sailing and anchoring the best shallower anchorages in the San Blas islands is made possible and an important variable to take into consideration when defining our itineraries and those special places to visit.
The shallower you can reach in San Blas, the more possibilities to explore!
Shallow draft only accessible anchorages like this, definitely make a difference.
What is the best itinerary for San Blas islands sailing?
Although short trips are possible and also amazing, the perfect San Blas trip is by definition a week long sailing adventure with air transfers to/from San Blas covering most of the jewels of San Blas islands: Coco Bandero and Dutch Cays.
Day 1 - East Coco Bandero Cays
Short sail from the airpot run way of around 40 minutes to the impressive East group of islands within Coco Bandero Cays. Here you will have your first encounter with the Guna indigenous, their kindness will remain in your memory forever. This is the paradise we always talk about, so take your time to enjoy the islands around and the absolutely breathtaking scenery.
Day 2 - West Coco Bandero Cays
After breakfast at Coco Bandero East, a short sail of 50 minutes will put you in the totally isolated islands of West Coco Bandero. No Guna indigenous population here, just pristine reefs teeming with marine life and all the islands for yourself without no interference from the outside. Simply enjoying lunch and dinner onboard and engage in any water activity such as paddle boarding or kayaking on the stunning crystal clear waters, an experience of a life time.
Day 3 - BBQ island, Turtle island: Dutch Cays (Cayos Holandeses).
After your breakfast and possibly a swim around your catamaran, you will sail to the, by most sailors considered, best islands in San Blas, Panama. BBQ island also referred to as Turtle island has alway been the perfect choice for those adventure seeking enthusiasts. Healthy reefs, plenty of lobsters and colorful fish on the outer reef, make the best snorkeling in San Blas.
Time to visit the grandiose BBQ island and enjoy a beer with the local indigenous Gunas, the striking beauty of Turtle island along with the islands around Dutch Cays will definitely leave a mark on you.
Day 4 - Maqui island in Dutch Cays
Following your breakfast at "the Pool" in Dutch Cays is a one hour sail through the numerous islands that compose "Cayos Holandeses". It is your time to decide which island to visit, tough decision... We recommend anchoring in Maqui island on the other side of Ducth Cays but it is really up to you. All of these pristine islands within this cays offer you the possibility to enjoy the best of the best of San Blas.
Day 5 - Cambombia island
After breakfast and spending half of the day at the islands around Maqui, we will sail South taking advantage of the local winds and we will gently glide until reaching the almost unknown and rarely visited island of Cambombia. The particularities of this island is that even though it is close to the jungle and to the community of Rio Azucar, still provides the perfect and untouched scenery we aim for. The surroundings are dotted with tiny islands, time to jump on the dinghy and explore.
Day 6 - Bapurgana island
The amazing Bapurgana island was sold between Guna indigenous families for only a few $. In another part of the world, this island could be easily sold for a couple of million. Enjoy your visit, the island and the vast coral reef is free to explore and probably just for you to enjoy.
Day 7: Corazon de Jesus and Nargana: airport
One hour sail will put you next to the runway for your 50 minute sail to Panama City. There is also the possibility to sail from Bapurgana to Corazon de Jesus on the afternoon of the 6th day.
Remember to visit www.catamaranadventures.net for your next San Blas trip.
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