Your questions,
answered.

A San Blas sailing charter is a multi-day sailing experience through the San Blas Islands on a crewed sailboat or catamaran. You live onboard, move between islands by sail, and enjoy meals, activities, and lodging on the boat. Trips are hosted by a professional crew and planned around weather, sea conditions, and guest preferences rather than fixed routes.

Booking starts with a request through our website. We then manually check availability with the specific boat and crew to confirm dates, length of stay, and trip style. Once availability is confirmed, we finalize the booking and payment. This assisted process ensures accurate scheduling and the right match between guests and boats.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for trips of two nights or more or during high season. Because each boat has limited space and operates under Guna Yala permits, availability can fill quickly. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.

Most guests choose between two and four nights. One-night trips offer a short introduction, while two or more nights allow more island visits, snorkeling spots, and time to relax. Longer stays provide a better balance between sailing, activities, and downtime.

Yes. Sailing allows access to remote islands that day trips cannot reach. You avoid daily transport back to the mainland, spend nights anchored near the islands, and experience San Blas at a slower, more natural pace. It is the most immersive way to explore Guna Yala.

No sailing experience is required. All trips are fully crewed, and guests are free to participate as much or as little as they want. Most travelers simply relax, swim, snorkel, and enjoy island life while the crew handles navigation and safety.

Yes. San Blas sailing trips are a popular choice for first-time visitors because transportation, meals, lodging, and activities are handled in one experience. Our team also assists with planning details before arrival to make the process smooth.

Routes are flexible but not fixed in advance. Crews choose islands based on weather, sea conditions, permits, and guest interests. While specific islands cannot always be guaranteed, the goal is to visit the best locations available during your stay.

It can be both. Some trips focus on calm sailing, swimming, and quiet island time, while others include more snorkeling, paddle boarding, and exploration. We help match guests with the right boat and crew based on their preferred pace and travel style.

We offer both private and shared sailing charters. Some boats are designed for private trips only, while others operate as shared experiences where guests book individual spots. Whether a trip is private or shared depends on the specific boat, guest count, and length of stay. If you have the exact number guests that can sleep on a sailboat or catamaran then it automatically becomes a private charter just for your group.

Each trip includes a professional crew, typically a captain and a cook or host, and in some cases an additional crew member. On shared charters, other guests may also be onboard. On private charters, only your group and the crew will be present.

Many of our captains and crew live in or have long-standing ties to the San Blas Islands. This local knowledge allows them to choose the best islands, snorkeling areas, and anchor spots based on daily conditions and Guna Yala guidelines.

Days are spent sailing between islands, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing onboard. Meals are prepared fresh by the crew and shared in a casual setting. Evenings are typically quiet, anchored near islands, with time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

It depends on the boat and the guests onboard. Some trips are quiet and relaxed, while others are more social, especially on shared catamarans. We help match travelers with boats that fit their preferred atmosphere.

Most trips include short sailing legs between islands rather than long open-water passages. Some days involve more movement, while others focus on staying anchored near good snorkeling or swimming spots. The pace is adjusted based on weather and guest preferences.

Yes. Guests are welcome to observe or assist with simple sailing tasks if the captain allows, but participation is optional. Most guests choose to relax and let the crew manage the sailing.

Yes, many of our boats welcome families and children. Catamarans are especially popular for family trips due to their stability and space. We recommend discussing ages and expectations during booking so we can suggest the best boat.

Pricing is based on the boat, number of guests, and length of stay. We do not sell fixed packages. Each booking is reviewed manually to confirm availability our boat and crew, then priced according to the selected dates and number of nights.

One-night trips have a higher flat rate because preparation, permits, crew logistics, and transport costs are the same regardless of trip length. For stays of two nights or more, a lower per-night rate applies to all nights, making longer trips more cost-effective.

We do not offer discounts in the traditional sense. Instead, our pricing naturally favors longer stays through lower per-night rates when booking two or more nights. This reflects the true cost structure of sailing in San Blas.

No. We do not offer fixed packages. Each San Blas sailing trip is flexible and planned around weather, sea conditions, permits, and guest preferences. This allows crews to select the best islands and routes during your stay.

Our sailing trips include the boat, crew, accommodation onboard, meals, snorkeling equipment, island visits, and activities offered by the boat. Some boats also include transportation from Panama City. Inclusions vary slightly by boat and are confirmed before booking.

Meals are included on all sailing trips. Drinks may vary by boat and are clarified during booking. Special dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

Payments are processed securely online after availability is confirmed with the boat and crew. We do not accept cash payments. Payment details and deadlines are provided during the booking confirmation process.

No. We require full payment at the time of booking once availability is confirmed with the boat and crew. This secures your dates, permits, and onboard arrangements and allows us to finalize logistics without delays.

Prices shown on our website may change at any time before booking. However, once availability is confirmed and pricing is agreed upon, your rate is locked in and will not change for that reservation.

All our sailing trips include early morning 4x4 transportation from Panama City to the Caribbean coast, followed by a boat transfer to your sailboat or catamaran. Pickup details and timing are confirmed after booking.

Departure times vary based on weather, tides, and boat location, but most trips begin early in the morning at 5AM as that the time we pickup customers in Panama City.Return times depend on the length of stay and sea conditions and whether or not your reservation has morning departure from the islands or afternoon departure. Exact schedules are shared before departure.

We recommend lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, personal medications, and a small dry bag. Space onboard is limited, so soft bags are best. A full packing list is provided after booking.

Phone signal is limited and unreliable in most parts of San Blas. Most of our boats offer Starlink internet however when navigating sometimes the signal is not reliable. Internet availability is always listed on the individual boat page and confirmed before booking.

Facilities vary by boat. Most sailboats and catamarans have marine toilets and freshwater showers, while some offer outdoor showers. Details are listed on each boat’s page so guests know what to expect.

Yes, but power is limited. Boats typically use solar panels or generators for essential systems. We recommend charging devices during the day and keeping power usage reasonable.

Yes. All trips are led by experienced captains who navigate according to daily sea and weather conditions. Safety equipment is onboard, and routes are chosen to prioritize calm waters and safe anchor areas.

Weather conditions can affect sailing routes or timing. Crews may adjust the itinerary, choose alternative islands, or remain anchored to ensure safety. Flexibility is part of sailing in San Blas.

In many cases, yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-related requests can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs should be shared during booking so we can confirm with the crew.

The San Blas Islands are governed by the Guna people. Visitors must follow local rules, including respecting community guidelines, designated anchoring areas, and environmental protections. Your crew manages permits and ensures compliance throughout the trip.

Yes. Guna Yala authorities require permits and community fees to enter and navigate the territory. These are arranged as part of your booking and explained clearly before your trip. Tourists must pay $22 in cash to the government at the border of Panama & Guna Yala. Panama residents pay $7.

In some cases, yes. Community visits depend on local approval, timing, and cultural considerations. When visits are possible, crews guide guests on respectful behavior and expectations.

Weather can influence sailing routes and daily plans. Crews may adjust destinations, remain anchored, or change timing to prioritize safety. These decisions are made day by day based on conditions.

Cancellations and refunds follow a clear policy shared during booking and published on our website. Refund eligibility depends on how far in advance a cancellation is made and accounts for non-refundable local permits and fees. View our refund policy .

There are no fixed age limits, but suitability depends on the boat and trip style. Families with children are welcome on many boats. We recommend discussing ages and expectations during booking so we can suggest the best option.

Pets are not allowed due to local regulations, limited space onboard, and community rules within Guna Yala. No exceptions.

Drone use is restricted in Guna Yala and often requires special permission. In many cases, drones are not allowed. Guests should check with us before bringing one.

Guests are expected to respect the crew, fellow travelers, local communities, and the environment. This includes proper waste disposal, respectful photography, and following crew guidance at all times.