To sail San Blas is to step into another world. It is not just a vacation; it is an immersion into the untouched beauty of the Caribbean. At Nomad Sailors, we believe the perfect voyage blends three essential elements: respect for the local Guna culture, the thrill of aquatic activities, and the joy of fresh, local dining.
The Ultimate San Blas Experience: Culture, Adventure & Flavors
WATER ACTIVITIES
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, kite-surfing, and swimming in calm waters.
Island Hopping
Sail between untouched islands, relax on quiet beaches, and slow down to the rhythm of the Caribbean.
Cultural Heritage
Connect with Guna Yala culture by visiting local villages, discovering traditional mola crafts, and sharing in everyday island life.
Sailing Experience
Take part in hands-on sailing, help raise the sails, and learn basic navigation while enjoying the San Blas Islands.
Wellness Retreat
Begin your day with deck yoga at sunrise, disconnect from the outside world and unplug with a true digital detox.
Food & Moments
Enjoy gourmet seafood freshly prepared onboard, dine barefoot on deserted beaches with beach picnics
Photo & Drone
Document your sailing journey with aerial drone views, golden-hour photography, and underwater images of reefs and sea life.
The Guna Yala Culture
The Guna Yala archipelago is more than a destination; it is the autonomous ancestral home of the Guna people. Unlike other Caribbean hotspots, San Blas remains pristine thanks to the Guna Revolution of 1925, which granted the community independence and protection against mass tourism development.
When you sail with Nomad Sailors, you are guests in their territory. We foster deep relationships with the local families who inhabit these 365+ islands.
- The Mola Art: Witness the intricate geometric textiles handmade by Guna women. These "Molas" are world-renowned and make for the only authentic souvenir you’ll need.
- Community Visits: We offer the chance to step ashore on community islands, where bamboo huts line the sand and life moves at the pace of the tides.
- Responsible Tourism: A portion of your charter fee contributes directly to the Guna Congress and the families who host us.
The Mola Art
One of the most colorful experiences in San Blas is the opportunity to buy “Molas” directly from the master artisans. Buying a Mola is the most direct way to support Guna families.
Cultural Exchange
Watch—or participate—as your captain negotiates for the morning’s catch. Whether it’s San Blas Lobster, giant crab, or red snapper, the transaction is a lively mix of Spanish, Guna, and smiles.
Village Visits
Walk through sandy paths lined with bamboo huts and thatched roofs. See the children playing, the elders weaving, and the community gathering in the “Congreso” house.
Activities in San Blas
Your private catamaran is more than just a hotel; it is your floating basecamp for adventure. In San Blas, the itinerary is fluid. We follow the sun, the tides, and your personal pace. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker or looking for total relaxation, the Guna Yala archipelago offers a playground like no other.
- Snorkeling the Reefs: San Blas protects some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Panama. Swim with rays, starfish, and thousands of tropical fish at spots like "The Swimming Pool" or the Dog Island shipwreck.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: All Nomad Sailors vessels come equipped with water toys. Glide silently through mangroves or paddle between uninhabited islands at sunrise.
- Island Hopping: With 365 islands, no two days are the same. Explore deserted beaches, relax in hammocks, or join a beach volleyball game on islands like Isla Perro or Chichime.
SNORKELING
The Shipwreck at Dog Island (Isla Perro): One of the most iconic spots in San Blas. Snorkel directly from the beach to explore a shallow sunken gunboat teeming with colorful schools of fish.
KAYAKING
Most Nomad Sailors vessels come equipped with Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks or dinghies. This allows you to explore where the big boat can’t go.
ISLAND LIFE
Visit popular islands like Chichime or Isla Pelicano (filming location of Money Heist), where you can join a game of beach volleyball with other travelers.
Food on Sailing Tours
On a Nomad Sailors charter, the culinary experience is just as memorable as the sailing. Forget frozen buffets or repetitive meals. Our onboard chefs prepare fresh, healthy, and delicious meals using local ingredients sourced directly from the archipelago.
Your seafood doesn’t come from a supermarket; it comes from the wooden dugout canoes of local Guna fishermen who paddle up to our boats each morning.
We understand that every guest is unique. We specialize in accommodating specific dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
Whether you are Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Kosher-style, or have specific food allergies (like shellfish or nuts), simply let us know on your booking form.
Custom Menus: For private charters, our chefs can design a menu entirely around your group’s preferences.
- Fresh Lobster & Crab: Depending on the season (and the catch), you can expect to dine on the famous San Blas Lobster (Langosta), Giant Centollo Crab, and King Crab.
- Local Fish: Freshly caught Red Snapper, Tuna, or Wahoo, often caught just hours before it hits your plate.
- Tropical Fruits: We stock up on sweet pineapples, papayas, passion fruit, and coconuts from local island farms.
Breakfast
A spread of fresh tropical fruits, yogurt, granola, pancakes or French toast, eggs (any style), and freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Lunch
The main event. Grilled lobster with garlic butter, coconut rice (a Panamanian staple), fresh garden salads, and plantains (patacones).
Dinner
Light and refreshing meals perfect for the tropical heat. Think fresh fish ceviche with coconut milk, pasta salads with vegetables, or grilled fish tacos with homemade salsa.