Renowned for being home to one of mankind’s most innovative feats of engineering, and offering a wealth of attractions on both sides of its internationally acclaimed canal, Panama is one of the sailing world’s most underrated destinations. How this small yet fascinating country managed to avoid tourism superstardom, all these decades, remains a mystery. Yet all those who are curious enough to have sailed on Panama yacht charters agree: it’s been for the best. Endearing and unique, authentic and diverse, Panama hides an incredible array of appealing cultural, historical and natural attractions that go way beyond the Panama Canal. Most of them are blissfully uncrowded, delightfully non-touristy and a splendor to discover aboard a luxury Panama yacht charter.
Panama’s split-personality makes it an exceptional yacht charter destination; from modern, cosmopolitan and exciting on the Pacific to laid-back, exotic and dreamy on the Caribbean, this is by far one of the most varied places you could visit aboard a luxury Panama yacht charter. Revered marine national parks, brimming with amazing SCUBA diving and snorkeling sites, ancient tribes still living as if time has never passed, idyllic tropical islands, deserted beaches and outstanding jungles, all framing the most titillating capital city in all of Central America. A Panama yacht charter is a wonderful multi-faceted experience.
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Day 1 Eastern Lemon Cays
After boarding on El Povenir Island, you’ll sail straight for Banedup Island in the Eastern Lemon Cays. The pristine sandy shores and colorful reef make for an ideal introduction to the San Blas. Dive straight into the crystal clear waters before lunch, and enjoy your first encounter with the few Kuna inhabitants in the afternoon. This delightfully tiny island is easy to explore on foot and the scenery provides a feasting for all your senses. Feasting, by the way, is precisely what you’ll do after your chef barters for fresh seafood from local fishermen
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Day 2 Waisaladup & BBQ Island (Cayos Holandeses)
Cayo Holandeses is a cluster of 20-odd islands, located the furthest from the mainland and boasting superbly clear and unspoiled waters. Here’s where you’ll discover exquisite snorkeling and premier fishing. Exploring with your yacht’s tender or on kayak is perfect, as waters can be shallow, making mooring near land difficult for your yacht. Fantastic anchorage spots promise romantic and tranquil nights aboard.
BBQ Island is one of the most characteristic stop-overs on a San Blas yacht charter itinerary. Once known as Turtle Island, BBQ is renowned for being the ‘sailors’ meet-up’ place on San Blas, with regular communal BBQs held on the glorious beach with impromptu volleyball games thrown in for good measure. Surrounded by lush palm trees and turquoise waters, this is one of those islands people wish they could live on forever.
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Day 4 Isla Perro
Dog Island offers a phenomenal shipwreck snorkel, as long as you can take your eyes off the spectacular landscape, that is. This small triangular tidbit of gorgeousness hides arguably the most breathtaking gleaming-white beaches in all of San Blas, and the fact you can swim up to the wreck spot from the shore in mere minutes adds to the allure. Discover vibrant coral just off the surface of the sea, as the shipwreck comes into view at low tide. A collection of colorful fish inhabit the ship, which attract plenty of larger sea creatures as well.
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Day 5 Banedub Island
Explore the quiet cays of Banedup as you seek your ideal calm-water swimming spot. Snorkel the sections of reef you missed out on when you first arrived, and spend an evening admiring the fluorescent jellyfish at sea.
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Day 6 Tiadub (Coco Banderas Cays)
Many visitors say the Coco Banderos Cays are the most outstanding islands on San Blas, but to be honest playing favorites here is simply impossible! Pristine wilderness and translucent waters continue to convince you that this may be, in fact, the most heavenly corner of the Caribbean. Snorkel, kayak, dive and swim, and don’t forget to ask the crew to prepare all the fun water toys your luxury yacht has safely stored. For fun in the sun and surf, Tiadub is just ideal.
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Day 7 Cambodia Island
Cambodia Island marks the end of your San Blas yacht charter itinerary adventure. Don’t forget that there are still hundreds of islands for you to explore, so combat those post-holiday blues by planning your next visit. The San Blas will be waiting.
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Day 8 Disembarkation, El Povenir