My sister and I planned and researched the best way to see the San Blas islands for my husband’s 60th birthday and our vacation. She found the tour group that helped us select the best fit Catamaran for our trip. Out of all the options she and I instantly knew that the Zenith was our Catamaran. First, during our 1000 questions of Chris (okay maybe not quite a 1000 but I’m sure it was close)! Yet, he patiently answered and even helped us with the selection of our extended Panama City hotel and area to stay questions even though it had nothing to do with the trip he runs. Absolutely professional and extremely helpful!
Also, we were a bit nervous about the wire transfer payment only because it was something we never did before. Wire transfer the deposit and final payment ahead of the trip. We researched that this was a real company and of course it is. I completely confirm it’s safe to do!!! As I ramble on more about just how wonderful this vacation was!
Now on to the Zenith Catamaran, truly the best option for any/all travelers! If I could give 10 stars it would fit this trip better then 5!!! When I tell you this was a trip of a lifetime I am not exaggerating! I’m 57 years old, worked in travel for years, been to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and vacationed all throughout the USA; THIS BY FAR EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS!! Let’s start with the plane trip (I’m a scardy cat and was terrified) But the flight was actually awesome, safe and would do it again! You also need to know that in order to do the flight it took me taking an anxiety pill and washing it down with booze, I was that scared. But after flying twice safely I would NOT hesitate to fly again. Again, Chris’s recommended way to get to the Zenith and he was 100% right!
We met the Zenith’s owner Fred at the airport, what a great, friendly guy!! When planning the food (which was plentiful and the drinks (also plentiful with a large variety) he customized everything we requested as best he could! He obviously strives to assure its a great experience overall, which it was!! The Zenjth was beautiful, the staterooms and beds so comfortable, air conditioning at night which we loved, many wonderful equipment to use (snorkeling, paddleboards, boogie boards, kayaks, dingy and my favorite to float with the noodle, lol! Amazing!
The captain Alexia met us at the plane drop off (This amazing young lady was experienced, confident, friendly, amazingly strong (wow!) and shared my love of all animals (the Guna people’s pets) we completely loved her! The whole crew Jhai (we renamed her “our Emily” (my fault as I misheard her name, lol! I blame it on the anxiety pill I took to face the plane ride)! Anyway another amazing young lady, she assisted with everything, very, very helpful and friendly! We also loved her! And the chef Luis, AMAZING CHEF!!! What you’d expect from a 5 star restaurant in NY City, just wow! Presentation, taste along with spectacular views, I just can’t say enough! Again no exaggeration! He would buy fresh caught seafood from the Guna people and turn it into amazing dishes, he even made us sushi! All our crew were so friendly we were just so sad to leave and wanted to bring them all home with us. We stayed 5 nights and recieved 3 beautiful meals per day, snacks, and amazing desserts (some made from our lovely captai) even a wonderful send off breakfast on departure day very early in the morning. Obviously we loved Luis as well!
The Guna people were friendly and welcomed us on the islands let us walk about their homes. Such wonderful people! My sister and brother in law thought to bring the Guna children blow up bouncy balls, ring pops, and coloring books and crayons. Their little faces lit up it was so much fun!
Now I know how I left a book review, sorry for my long winded ways. But this trip was so wonderful that I feel like I can’t truly capture how special it was. The water, Islands, sun sets and sunrise, amazing!!! I will try to post pictures from the trip but even those which are beautiful don’t truly capture the complete beauty! Paradise!!!
