Sailing Cartagena To Panama

Five Night San Blas Island Adventure

Included

  • Five Nights Accommodation On Board

  • All Meals, Tea, Coffee And Water

  • Standard Immigration Agent And Port Fees

  • One Fresh Lobster/Seafood Meal

Not Included

  • Visas If Required

  • Guna Yala Tourist Tax $20.00 USD

  • Alcoholic Drinks

  • Onward Transport To Panama City

Our Route

The Trip

The length of the trip and what islands you will visit will depend on the weather and the anchoring conditions. You will likely visit 3 – 5 groups of islands and depart the boat in Cartagena after 5 nights.

Our standard trips finish in Puerto Lindo, meaning much cheaper onward transport costs to get to Panama City compared to many other boats that only go as far as San Blas. Our trip is easily one of the best value available as well as one of the longest running.

Please see the sample itinerary below. Note that changes may be forced due to circumstances out of our control.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Day 1

Departure: Cartagena

The boat will depart from Club Nautico Marina. This is a short distance by taxi from most of the hostels. The exact time will be confirmed by the captain the day before at the meeting however it is normally early evening.

You will have some time to make last minute purchases for he trip before being undergoing a security search and boarding the boat.

Day 2

Day At Sea

This whole day will likely be spent on the open ocean. Depending on wind and currents, you might arrive to San Blas late this evening, anchoring overnight in a remote area.

Hopefully you will have a smooth crossing, however make sure you pack some sea sickness medication anyway!

This part of the trip is normally 35 – 40 hours

Day 3

San Blas Islands

This will be the first full day in San Blas, most likely in one of the more tranquil anchorages in the outer section of the islands.

We prefer visiting these islands as there are generally less tourists here, more chilled and cleaner. The noisy tourist speedboats can’t get here and as such are some of the best anchorages in the San Blas islands.

Day 4

San Blas Islands

Your second day in San Blas will see you move to some new locations.

Like the previous day, the captain will probably anchor in one of the more chilled outer islands.

Day 5

San Blas Islands

The final day in San Blas before heading towards Puerto Lindo. You will likely visit two islands in the western part of the archipelago. El Porvenir and Chichime are popular anchorages here.

You will then sail overnight along the coast to finish the trip in Puerto Lindo the next morning.

Day 6

Arrival: Puerto Lindo

You should arrive to Puerto Lindo early in the morning and will be free to leave the boat after breakfast.

Public transport is available here or a group shuttle that can take you directly to your booked accommodation in Panama City.

Puerto Lindo To Panama City

Group Transfer $25.00 Per Person

A group shuttle bus will be available from Puerto Lindo after you have disembarked. 

They can drop you at any centrally located hostel/hotel.

Public Transport $12.00 Per Person

Public buses run several times a day. You will need at least one connection to make it to Panama City.

This can take quite some time and can be very crowded.


What To Expect

General Comfort

We provide an island hopping adventure boat tour. Our boats are not luxury charter vessels or romantic honeymoon voyages. Privacy and space is limited and the trip is only suitable for open minded adventure travellers and backpackers.

Heat

You will be travelling in a tropical climate. Fans are provided in sleeping areas however it still might get hot. Hatches may need to be closed for safety reason when the boat is sailing limiting the amount of fresh breeze entering the boat.

Showers

The trip involves offshore sailing, therefore fresh water must be conserved for safety reasons. A rinse down shower may be possible once during the trip depending on the levels in the fresh water tank.

Food

We consistently get great reviews about our food. You certainly won’t go hungry on this trip. We can accommodate, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten free diets at no extra charge, however it is not possible to make separate meals if there are certain ingredients you don’t like.

Dogs

In case you have an allergy it is important to know both of our boats have friendly canine crew members on board. We may also be able to take passengers travelling with dogs as well on some trips.

Delays

It is very rare that we have any issues resulting in a delay, however it does happen from time to time. We do not recommend booking if you have a tight schedule or without travel insurance.

Sailing

Sailing time is only possible when the conditions are right. Too strong, not enough wind or wind in the wrong direction may not make it possible. The boat also has a schedule to keep to as well.

Activities

We have snorkel sets to share as well as a stand up paddle board, hammocks and beach/water toys. The crew can also help arrange a village tour and beach party bonfire when possible.

San Blas, Guna Yala

Guna Yala is an autonomous territory or ‘comarca’ comprised of approximately 350 islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The inhabitants of the ‘San Blas Islands’, as they are commonly called are indigenous people with their own laws, language, congress and distinct culture.

Our boats have been sailing in the region for ten years, running popular backpacker sailing trips to between Colombia and Panama. The boat has a great relationship with the inhabitants of the islands who always provide a warm welcome when we arrive.