Luxury Catamarans in San Blas: The 6 Premium Boats Compared

Short answer: six of our 21 crewed catamarans are rated Premium: the Sunreef 62, the Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58, the Lagoon 56, the Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 “Zenith”, the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 and the Lagoon 42G. All six are private, crewed and all-inclusive, with an en-suite bathroom for every cabin, air conditioning and Starlink. Choose by group size first: the Lagoon 42G is built for two couples, the Ipanema 58 takes up to twelve guests, and the other four sleep eight to ten.

What makes a catamaran “luxury” in San Blas

There are no marinas, shops or resorts among the islands of Guna Yala, so luxury here is not marble and gold taps. It is what the boat can do on its own, for a week, at a remote anchorage:

• A private bathroom for every cabin. On all six Premium boats each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom.

• Air conditioning, and for how long. All six have it; two of them limit the hours, which matters if you sleep warm (details below).

• Space per guest. A 56- to 62-foot catamaran gives eight guests far more deck, shade and privacy than a 40-footer.

• Crew. A captain and a private chef on every boat; the Salina 48 and the Lagoon 56 add a third crew member.

• Self-sufficiency. Water makers for fresh showers, ice makers, generators or solar power, and Starlink for internet at anchorages with no phone signal.

The six Premium catamarans at a glance

Rates are per night for the whole boat and depend on how many of you travel. These are the published rates on each boat’s page; your written quote confirms the total for your dates.

Each boat, and who it suits

Sunreef 62: the longest, with the most water toys

Four suites (two masters, a double and a twin) with full air conditioning, Starlink Wi-Fi and a separate cabin for the crew. Its private chef cooks three gourmet meals a day, from Guna Yala lobster to dishes for vegetarian or kosher diets, and the water toys go further than almost any boat in the archipelago: transparent kayaks, underwater scooters, paddleboards and a dinghy. The crew speaks German, English and Spanish. See the Sunreef 62.

Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58: for groups of up to twelve

One of the most spacious charter catamarans in San Blas: six queen-size suites, each with its own bathroom, air conditioning in cabins and living areas, and separate crew quarters so the group keeps its privacy. Captain Diego Braber and chef Sara speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. For a large family or two families travelling together, it is the only Premium boat that takes twelve. See the Ipanema 58.

Lagoon 56: the most booked

Four large king-bed cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a wide saloon and a three-person crew led by captain Lucio Spanghero, who has 35,000 nautical miles of world sailing behind him. Chef Diego buys fresh seafood daily and brings premium Argentine and US beef aboard. Air conditioning runs up to eight hours a night. See the Lagoon 56.

Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 “Zenith”: ten guests and a stewardess

Built in 2008 and fully refitted in 2023, the Salina 48 is 25 feet wide: four cabins with a full-size bed and an en-suite bathroom each, plus two single berths that suit children. A crew of three looks after you: captain Pabon, certified chef Ulises and stewardess Jhai. Air conditioning in the cabins is on request, up to four consecutive hours. See the Salina 48.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45: the newest of the larger boats

A 2019 catamaran with four cabins and four bathrooms, air conditioning in cabins and living areas, and a flybridge with daybeds and a 360-degree view of the islands. On board: a water maker, an ice maker, kayak, paddleboards and a floating pool for afternoons at anchor. Captain Mateo and chef Silvana speak English and Spanish. See the Elba 45.

Lagoon 42G: two couples, or a honeymoon

A 2019 owner’s-version layout with two en-suite cabins, one of them taking a full hull with a private office nook. Captain Luis and chef Sol, partners in life and on the water, run the boat; the open bar and sunset cocktails are their specialty, and Starlink is included. It is the most affordable Premium boat for two: USD 1,900 a night. See the Lagoon 42G.

How to choose

• Two guests: the Lagoon 42G is built for it. Every other Premium boat is also yours alone, priced for two.

• Four to eight guests: the Sunreef 62 for the most space and toys, the Lagoon 56 for the crew and the food, the Elba 45 for a newer boat at a lower rate.

• Nine to twelve guests: the Salina 48 takes ten, the Ipanema 58 twelve.

• If cool air all night matters: ask about each boat’s air conditioning. The Lagoon 56 runs it up to eight hours a night and the Salina 48 up to four consecutive hours in the cabins.

What a Premium charter includes

A private captain and chef, three meals a day, drinks from the bar, Starlink, fuel, water and the water toys on board. Bar policies vary by boat: the Lagoon 42G includes up to three bottles of wine a day, and on the Lagoon 56 cocktails are ordered in advance. Paid separately: the Guna Yala entrance fee and port fees, in cash on the way in, and transfers from Panama City. Several boats add 20% on Panamanian public holidays. More in our guide to catamaran charters in San Blas and in how to get to San Blas from Panama City.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a luxury catamaran charter cost in San Blas?

For four guests, the six Premium catamarans run from USD 2,300 to USD 3,700 a night for the whole boat. With every berth taken, from USD 2,300 (Lagoon 42G, four guests) to USD 6,100 (Ipanema 58, twelve guests). Meals, drinks and the crew are included; Guna Yala fees, transfers and holiday surcharges are not.

Can we charter a luxury catamaran just for the two of us?

Yes. Every charter is private and the rate follows the number of guests: for two, the Lagoon 42G costs USD 1,900 a night and the Elba 45 USD 2,200. See also our San Blas honeymoon guide.

Do luxury catamarans in San Blas have Wi-Fi?

All six Premium boats carry Starlink, which works at remote anchorages where there is no phone signal.

Is there air conditioning on board?

Yes, on all six. The Lagoon 56 runs it up to eight hours a night, and the Salina 48 offers it in the cabins on request, up to four consecutive hours.

Who is on the crew?

Every Premium boat sails with a captain and a private chef. The Salina 48 adds a stewardess and the Lagoon 56 a third crew member.

Choose your boat

Each boat’s page has the photos, the crew and the nightly rate for every group size. Compare all our crewed catamarans, or tell us your dates and we will check which of the six is free.