Water sports and activities in the San Blas Islands
Our packages offer more activities and water sports than any beach resort. Whether you are celebrating your honeymoon, traveling with friends or enjoying a family vacation, our all-inclusive packages transform your plans into a relaxing and exciting journey through one of the most beautiful archipelagos on the planet: San Blas.
Sailing in San Blas: an accessible and authentic experience
Sailing in San Blas is a real pleasure, as the distances between islands are short: usually 1 to 3 hours of sailing per day (or more if requested). The sailboats are easy to handle and the captains love to teach the basics of sailing to beginners, while allowing the more experienced to actively participate in the maneuvering.
San Blas has hundreds of reefs and natural passages; therefore, although guests can guide the boat, hoist sails or participate in the navigation, sailboats are never rented bareboat. The experience and advice of the captains are essential to find the best anchorages, the best spots for snorkeling or free diving and to navigate in complete safety. In addition, communication with the natives is easy, and speaking Guna is always an advantage.
Every night the sailboat is anchored, since San Blas has no marinas, which reinforces the feeling of disconnection and direct contact with nature.
Learn to sail in San Blas depending on the season
The best time to sail is during the Trade Winds season, when winds blow from the northeast, from December to April. Between June and October, the winds are milder, but underwater visibility is even better, making this period the ideal season for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing, and there is much less tourism.
During the voyage, you can stay active while the crew teaches you the basics of sailing, anchoring, and life on board.
Snorkeling and freediving in San Blas
Once the boat is anchored, and thanks to the equipment included on board (mask, snorkel and fins), snorkeling in San Blas is accessible to everyone. Beginners can enjoy depths of around 3 meters, while more experienced snorkelers can explore up to 30 meters deep.
It is important to note that the Gunas do not allow tank diving, and there is no decompression equipment on board. However, fishing is permitted and the variety of fish is remarkable. If you do not fish, most captains will do it for you, as many of the meals are based on the catch of the day.
The marine life is rich and fascinating: eagle rays, barracudas, starfish, nurse sharks, clownfish, parrotfish, and thousands of small, colorful fish. Birdwatching is also very interesting, both for seabirds and river birds.
Coral reefs and river exploration in San Blas
Coral of all colors is one of the great natural attractions of San Blas. The archipelago offers magnificent diving areas from 1 to 30 meters deep, ideal for snorkeling and free diving.
One of the most popular activities is river exploration. With the sailboat's dinghy, a kayak or a Guna canoe, guests can enter the Devil's River or the Cartí River, navigating slowly through the rainforest, accompanied by the song of birds, the movement of bamboos and, on occasion, the distant roar of monkeys or the appearance of a toucan. Access to the rivers may vary according to season and rainfall.
Swim in turquoise waters and enjoy beaches ideal for children
Swimming in the turquoise waters of San Blas is a surreal experience. Starfish rest on the white sand, and there is nothing more pleasurable than diving into the cool water early in the morning, straight from the stern of the sailboat.
For children, San Blas is a paradise: the beaches offer depths of less than one meter, ideal for playing and snorkeling in complete safety, almost always accompanied by their new Guna friends.
Kayaking and beach sports in San Blas
Kayaking in San Blas is one of the best ways to reach a deserted island or nearby reef. Most sailboats have a double kayak, which provides independence for couples and guaranteed fun for children.
Walking along the white sandy beaches, with the turquoise sea on one side and coconut trees on the other, conveys a unique feeling of freedom. In the evening, it is usually the perfect time to play beach volleyball, with friendly matches against the Gunas of the island... who almost always win.
Fishing in San Blas: from sea to plate
During the voyage, captains often fish, and that might be the day's catch: tuna, barracuda, kingfish, and occasionally red snapper. Some captains practice spearfishing, and if this is important to you, you can inquire about it beforehand.
The sailboats manned by gunas usually excel especially in fishing, and fresh fish is always one of the best dishes in San Blas.
Onboard dining: eating well is also part of the experience
Food on board is taken very seriously. Each crew shares specialties according to their nationality, but the base is always fresh fish, lobsters and the famous giant crabs of San Blas, respecting the breeding seasons.
The sailboats are stocked directly from Panama City with tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, quality meats, and more. Beverages are included: Chilean or Argentinian wine (red and white), purified water, local beer, soft drinks, local rum, and fruit juices.
Total relaxation aboard the sailboat
Most guests enjoy a relaxing vacation. Hammocks, outdoor cushions, good cabin ventilation, floating mattresses, and spacious common areas invite you to sleep, read, chat, or simply close your eyes and enjoy the sun and sea breeze.
Guna culture: an authentic encounter
The Gunas, their culture and traditions, are a fundamental part of the San Blas experience. Thanks to your captain, you can visit traditional villages and remote homes, learn about the places where the famous molas are made, and observe a living ancestral culture up close.
The Guna people are surprising for their authenticity: children playing happily, older women with firm gazes, young people always ready to laugh, and men with a relaxed attitude that reflects their way of life.
San Blas Sailing: sailing San Blas since 1997
In San Blas Sailing, since 1997, we have been sailing the waters of San Blas aboard our sailboats, offering authentic, safe and personalized nautical experiences. Our passion is to share this unique paradise, combining sailing, nature, Guna culture and adventure, so that each trip becomes an unforgettable memory in the San Blas Islands.
