Panamá / San Blas Islands

The cruises among the San Blas Islands are one-week cruises with the option to be extended to two, three or four week cruises. The trip schedules can be easily combined.

Where we sail

This cruise starts at the Atlantic Locks of the Panama Canal, in Isla Grande. Other starting points are Nargana in the heart of the Indian region or Cayos Limones in the west of the region.

We sail through the magical landscape and culture of Guna Yala. In this island world of over 300 islands – better known as the San Blas Islands – we immerse in untouched nature with JONATHAN. If you wish, we take you on a jungle hike or take a dinghy to one of the rivers to feel the special charm the subtropical jungle oozes. We sail to islands packed with palm tree, which are surrounded by a powdery sandy beach and lined by a wonderful reef to snorkel. There are no marinas, no supermarkets and no banks in Guna Yala – nothing of that which seems so important in our organized world. The semi-autonomous region Guna Indios, who call themselves Dule, has its own laws and traditions. In contrast to the Aztecs, Incas and Mayas, the Dule survived the genocide of the Spanish conquerors. The sailing trip ends either in the heart of Guna Yala (the San Blas Islands) Playon Chico, Cayos Limones, or again in Isla Grande.

Sabine serves good, original Caribbean food on board the catamaran. She is the right and left hand of the captain. If you want, Sabine prepares also vegetarian food. The skipper Karl Heinz “Carlos” is responsible for safe sailing. He organized several social projects for the Guna Indigenes and is well known there. Because of that he knows many Shailas (leaders) and we are always welcome in the little settlements.

A Journey in San Blas Islands:

Day 1: Check-in on board at noon and get to know the crew. Ship and safety briefing. In the early afternoon leave for the first anchorage. Wonderful sailing between the 400 islands and frying the freshly caught fish are the highlights of today.
Day 2: In the morning we raise the anchor and sail to the the magical Island “Waisaladup”. This is one of the islands in the archipelago where you can snorkel particularly well.
Day 3: We visit the island town of Uwargandup. Our long-time friend Senor “Guti” lives there. He will show us his art of how to build Kayukos (dugout) from a trees, these are the typical Indian canoes that are also sailed. Here we get to know something about the indigenous culture. Then we sail with Jonathan to one of the sandy islands overgrown with palm trees and relax.
Day 4: In case of good sailing weather we sail to the north side of the island of Puyades. It’s a bit of a thrill to sail behind the outer reef flanked by the reefs. You lie there like in “Mother’s lap”. If the weather does not allow this, we continue our sail to Snug Harbor. This protected bay was already described by the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, who attacked and robbed the Spaniards from here.
Day 5: We walk around the island. On the southeast side Paco lives. He guards the coconut palm island and always has fresh coconuts with “Manzana” (that is the very young, intensely tasting coconut kernel) ready for us. If we catch a fish we make a BBQ otherwise we buy Lobster from a local fisherman
Day 6: We take the opportunity that there is a small Guna “Resort” north of Playon Chico. Here we can try the local cuisine and go out for dinner.
Day 7: Check-out in the morning by 10:00 a.m.

Subject to changes.

Arrival

For best Flight connections contact a travel agency of your choice. At Panama City airport you will board a taxi shuttle which will drop you off directly at the Linton Bay Marina where JONATHAN is moored. You check in at JONATHAN. Helping hands take your luggage on deck. Then it is time for a welcome drink!