12 years curating authentic experiences
Not your typical island getaway. This is where turquoise seas meet living culture, where every sunrise feels like the start of an adventure you’ll never forget.
Step aboard to explore San Blas (Guna Yala), a stunning chain of untouched Caribbean islands off the coast of Panama. You won’t just see paradise, you’ll live it. Sail across turquoise waters, anchor at white-sand beaches, and share moments with the Guna, one of the world’s few remaining indigenous communities that still preserve their traditions.
Wake up to the sound of the sea, enjoy freshly caught lobster, snorkel over vibrant reefs, and feel time slow down to the rhythm of the waves. This is more than a trip... it’s a rare chance to connect with nature, culture, and yourself.
Together, let’s keep this paradise thriving. Join us in traveling sustainably and respecting the land and sea we all depend on.
Customize your San Blas Adventure
This is a sample itinerary made for a 7-day journey. Actual islands visited will depend on the length of the trip. We have a 2-night minimum booking.
Day 1
You'll set off from your hotel in You'll depart from your hotel in Panama City at 5am and travel along a lush mountain road. At the dock, you'll take a water taxi to your sailboat anchored near the West Lemmon Cays. On the first day, you'll want to relax aboard and get a feel for your home for the next few days. You'll jump into the water to enjoy the Caribbean's warmth, and depending on the time, we’ll take you on a snorkeling or paddleboarding adventure before lunch. The lunch menu will be a surprise based on the fresh catch of the day. Afterward, you'll sail to the West Holandes Cays and drop anchor between the islands of Aquanargana and Waisailadub. This anchorage offers one of the best snorkeling spots in all of San Blas, with what looks like a forest underwater—full-grown trees you can swim among and explore. Dinner will be served on board, and you'll most likely want to go to sleep quite early after a long day of traveling and fun in the water.Panama City at 5am and will travel on a lush mountain road. At the dock, you'll take a water taxi to your sailboat anchored by the West Lemmon Cays. This first day you'll want to relax on board and get a feel for your home for the next few days. You'll jump into the water to revel in the Caribbean's warmth, and depending on time, we’ll take you on a snorkeling or paddle adventure before lunch is served. The lunch menu will be a surprise based on the fresh catch of the day. After, you'll sail away to West Holandes Cays and will set anchor between Aquanargana and Waisailadub islands. This anchorage has one of the best snorkeling spots in all of San Blas, as there's literally a forest underwater with what looks like full grown trees you can swim among and discover. Dinner will be served on board and you'll most likely want to go to sleep quite early after a long day of traveling and fun in the water.
Day 2
When you wake up in paradise, you'll want to pinch yourself. Am I really here? It will be your first thought as you look out the window to the swaying palms over the turquoise sea. You'll have a delicious coffee or tea, freshly squeezed juice, and a robust breakfast to get you started for a full day of adventure. You'll get to go on the island to walk around, meet Julio and Laura, our local grandparents, Jose's family, and Sandino at the other end of the island. If you swim the short distance from Waisailaub to Aquanargana, you'll meet Enrique and his wife, a very social and charming couple. After lunch, you'll set sail to Morobdub Island. It'll be around 2 hours of sailing, so you'll get to feel the wind in your hair, and you'll start understanding why we sailors cannot live any other way. The anchorage is called the swimming pool because its shallow bottom gives it a lighter blue color. The Gunayala version of Bora Bora huts over the water is run by our friend Ibin. His restaurant serves cold beer, rum, and freshly made bread and pizza. He can sort you out with fresh coconuts, too! The beach on the other side of the island is gorgeous for hanging a hammock for a snooze and for an afternoon swim.
Day 3
Your crew will take you snorkeling in the canal between the islands. You'll be amazed by the interminable coral and the hustle-and-bustle of the fish living there. You can stare for hours and realize there's a whole world underneath the surface with societies unconcerned with politics or social media. Drifting in the deep blue reminds you that we are all interconnected living beings in this planet and it makes you want to do more to preserve all life. Coming out of the water, feeling one with the universe, you'll be hungry for yummy food which will be waiting for you back at your ship. You'll sail to the Coco Bandero Cays and anchor in the middle of 4 islands. You'll probably swim over to one of the islands to meet the local fishermen camping there for a couple of days of fishing to take back fish to the village. During these encounters you'll start to interact more deeply with the locals as they share (in acts, perhaps more than words) a bit about the system of beliefs of the Guna people - the cosmovision that has shown them that taking care of their territory is the highest act of love and purpose on our Earth.
Day 4 most popular!
We’ll take a water taxi to Digir Island, one of the Guna villages truly committed to community-based tourism. Their youth runs the visitor center and works really hard to provide an immersive experience so guests get acquainted with the Guna town life. You’ll walk around the village meeting important members of the community, great artisans working their craft, whether it’s women sewing the famous ‘mola’, or men making baskets. You’ll meet the medicine men and will eat freshly harvested crops from the nearby community plots. The Guna are proud of their food and you’ll taste local dishes prepared with love and dedication. The community visit is a keystone of the experience as seeing such simple, yet admirable ways of being, begin to change us and make us question our lives and the path of the western lifestyle. There is a cost for visiting the community that is distributed among the members visited.
Day 5
On this day you'll finally be comfortable enough on the boat and the surrounding water to jump into the ocean and get to the reef to snorkel on your own. Early morning is a good time to catch fish having breakfast too! Alternatively, you can paddleboard to the beach and do some stretching, yoga or meditation, accompanied by birdsong and breeze. When you get hungry you can head back to the boat. Say goodbye to these islands and time to head to Salardub. You'll be crossing a big canal so definitely look out for dolphins that love to play with the passing boats. Your best shot at spotting them is to be on deck! Salar is a great place to have dinner on land as there's a nice table to set up all the food, and Jairo, our local friend there, will certainly offer to make a bon fire perfect for storytelling, just like your ancestors have done for over a million years.
Day 6
Yes, you stayed long enough to earn a trip to the nearby waterfall and swim in a fresh water river. This morning, Lisa, an experienced mountain guide will pick you up in her boat to take you on a 30 minute ride to the nearby mountains where you'll go up river on a 4 hour hike through lush jungle. This part of the trip is a true gem, as Lisa will tell you stories of how the Guna farm their land, and actually show you a real Guna cemetery where her family is buried and will explain the Guna beliefs about life and death. You'll get to see and hear tons of birds and if you're lucky and quiet enough perhaps a rabbit, a wild boar or the ever elusive jaguar. You'll arrive at a waterfall with a great pool for enjoying the fresh water. Clean water like this is such a gift. You can drink it as the stream bursts straight out of the mountain with no pollutants, only healthy minerals.
Day 7
As with any dream, it can't last forever. Make sure to wake up early to catch the last sunrise. And with that parting ritual say thanks and goodbye to this beautiful land and vessel that hosted you for a week of disconnection from the matrix and reconnection to nature and yourself. Time to say goodbye to your sailor hosts who have surely by now become your friends and have taught you much about the beauty of the simplicity of life aboard. Also time to say goodbye to the amazing Guna people who provide the setting for a magical experience and whose wisdom for preserving their land and living in community can well be emulated in all societies everywhere else in the world. Be prepared to go home changed.
Gunayala
San Blas islands
A trip to Gunayala or San Blas (as the territory is more widely known) is not just a regular vacation; it's a journey into a different world, an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry that has been woven through generations. Here, you can build a real connection with a community that has held onto their beliefs and way of life despite the whirlwind of change around them. Whether you choose to sail gently around the islands, feel the soft touch of the trade winds, or take an exciting hike through the rainforest guided by a local storyteller, your time in San Blas promises an experience that's way beyond the ordinary. With every step you take and every beat of your heart, you'll be drawn deeper into the living story of these islands and the people who call them home. Don't miss out on this rare chance. Seize the moment to explore one of the world's best-kept natural treasures, a place where time seems to slow down, and where you can find peace in the simplicity of truth. Take a leap of faith, and let the enchanting magic of San Blas reveal itself to you, sharing secrets whispered by the gentle caress of the Caribbean breeze. It's an adventure waiting for you to embrace, a story just waiting to be shared. Nestled along Panama's inviting Caribbean coast, the San Blas Islands are a hidden gem, just waiting for adventurers like you to discover their untouched beauty. It's truly amazing how these islands have managed to keep their charm intact, almost like a time capsule untouched by the rush of modern life. Imagine this: more than 350 coral reef islands surrounded by a vast, wild rainforest that stretches for nearly 200 kilometers. The sheer vastness of this place is simply mind-blowing. But beyond the breathtaking scenery lies a fascinating story—the tale of the Guna Indians, the keepers of this pristine paradise. These incredible people have held onto their ancient traditions, preserving a way of life that the fast-paced world hasn't touched we know today. Here, the hustle and bustle of modern life seem far away. Living in perfect harmony with nature, the Gunas tend to their unique coconut groves, expertly cast their nets into the clear waters to catch fish, and skillfully create their mesmerizing textiles, known as molas. As you explore the islands, you'll see the vibrant colors of these molas blending effortlessly with the land's natural beauty, creating a living masterpiece that's hard to forget—a testament to their unique skills and deep connection to their surroundings.
Meet the Guna that make
this community so special!
These are the friends who have shared their lives, their smiles, and their traditions with us. Join us as we introduce you to the faces and souls that make San Blas a true treasure.
Must know
Tips to prepare for your trip
If you’re paying the boat balance in cash, make sure you withdraw the money before flying to Panama, as ATMs in Panama only dispense 250 USD per withdrawal. There are no ATMs in San Blas, you'll only find them in Panama City.
Guna fees and transportation
· Guna fees: 22 USD per person · Car to dock: 75 USD round trip per person · Water taxi: 75 USD round trip per person · Beers, souvenirs, islands fees: 150 USD should suffice *withdraw enough for this plus tip for crew (5 to 10% charter total)
Pickup
· Pickup is at 5 a.m to be on the boat by 10 a.m. On the last day you leave the boat at 7:30 a.m to be in the city by 1 p.m. · You'll stop at a gas station on the way where you can pick up drinks and snacks, but if you want fine wine, cheese, etc., ask the driver to stop at a real grocery store like El Rey before leaving the city limits.
Getting to the boat
· The ride to the dock can be a bit rough because of the undulate road and strong wind. The car is shared with others and takes 2.5 hours to get to the dock. · You might wait around for the water taxi to fill up and take you to the boat. You'll be in open water for about 45 minutes to an hour. You may or may not stop at islands or other boats before you. Make sure you wear clothes you're comfortable getting wet in, and either cover your bags with something or bring waterproof luggage. *The overall journey takes about 4/5 hours
Pack light!
· You'll literally live in your swimsuit! Bring 2 bathing suits to always have a dry one. · You'll only need shoes for the trip in and out so a good pair of sandals works perfectly. · A couple of sundresses, shorts, tee shirts - long sleeve and windbreaker for the evening should be all you need. A sarong is great as a beach towel as it dries fast and is easy to shake off the sand and salt. · Sun protection gear is a must so a long sleeve rash guard for snorkeling, hat, sunglasses and coral safe sunscreen. · Duffle type bags are best for storing on board. Hard tops are not easy to accommodate in the cabin. You can leave large luggage at most hotels even if you're not staying there upon return from the trip.
Electronics and internet
· Please have your electronics fully charged as the boat runs on solar panels. Any charging on board will get done during the day while the sun's out. · Best to enable your international plan for internet on board. But if you want a local sim card, Mas Movil or Tigo have the best service, although it can be spotty anyway. Best to reconnect with nature instead :)
Seasons / Weather
Panama is a year-round destination for adventure travelers. Temperatures are the same all year (avg. 27°C/82°F) and hurricanes & tornados do not reach this area. Dec-April: dry & windy (summer) May-Nov: rainy & calm seas (winter) During the dry season there's plenty of wind to sail around. If the sailing part is your priority we encourage to visit us then. The wet season has advantage of having really calm waters; it's when snorkeling and swimming are best enjoyed. Weather varies a lot so it will still rain a little in the summer and you'll have plenty of sunny days in the winter.
FAQs
· Can I start the tour any day of the week? Yes! We have a lot of boats available, so you can start a tour any day you want. · Are tours private or shared? It's up to you! You can book a cabin or the whole ship to yourself. · How do I get to the boat? By car: You take a 6 passenger SUV for 2.5 hours from Panama City to the port of Carti. There, you take a 45 min to 1 hour water taxi to the island where your boat is anchored. By plane: check with us for flight alternatives that may be available your trip dates. · At what time do I get picked up in the morning to get to the boat? At 5am to be at the dock at 8:30am and on the boat by 10:30am, depending on number of people getting dropped off at different islands/boats. · At what time do I leave the boat? If leaving in the morning at 8:00 am; if in the afternoon, at 3:30 pm. · Is it true that yacht charter isn't allowed in San Blas? Yacht charter is a legal activity in Gunayala since June 2023. We only work with boats who are up to date with their charter license fees with the Guna General Congress (Congreso General Guna).
Mola-Making workshop
Participating in a Mola-making workshop will be the most fun you can have on a trip, combining visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth with bonding with the local folks by learning to stitch layered fabrics to form two blouse panels, the unique MOLA! You'll work side by side with the women each day, and afterward have time for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the beauty around you. On this trip, you'll connect with people, nature, and learn a new skill. What's more satisfying than that?
