Panama
Explore Panama by yacht through the 365 islands of San Blas, where palm-fringed cays, coral reefs and secluded anchorages create one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive cruising grounds.
Explore Panama by Sea
Panama’s Caribbean coast offers an exceptional yacht charter setting in the San Blas archipelago. Governed by the Guna people, these islands combine clear water, coral reefs, traditional villages and remote anchorages best discovered by sea.
Charter Highlights in Panama
From remote reef-protected cays to Guna villages and exceptional snorkelling, discover three highlights that define a luxury yacht charter in Panama.
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01 The Guna Yala Archipelago
Around 365 islands are scattered across Guna Yala, many uninhabited. Cayos Chichime, Coco Bandero and Cayos Holandeses combine turquoise water, protected anchorages and long coral barriers ideal for a private yacht charter.
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02 Reefs, Wrecks and Clear Water
Clear Caribbean water makes San Blas ideal for snorkelling. Explore the shallow wreck off Isla Perro, coral gardens in the Lemon Cays or anchor in The Pool, a natural basin sheltered by reef in the Cayos Holandeses.
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03 Guna Culture
Guna Yala is governed autonomously by the Guna people, who preserve their language and traditions. Village visits offer a chance to discover handwoven molas, coconut bread and fresh lobster bought directly from local fishermen.
Suggested Yacht Charter Itinerary in Panama
This suggested eight-day Panama yacht charter explores the San Blas archipelago from Linton Bay. Contact BGYB to create a personalised itinerary around your yacht and travel dates.
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Day 1 Linton Bay
Board your yacht at Linton Bay on Panama’s Caribbean coast and begin sailing east towards the San Blas archipelago. As the mainland slowly recedes, settle into life on board and enjoy your first evening at anchor. This opening passage introduces the rhythm of the week ahead, shaped by warm Caribbean waters, tropical scenery and remote island cruising.
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Day 2 Cayos Chichime
Reach Cayos Chichime, the northern gateway to San Blas, where two small palm-covered islands sit inside a protective reef. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling in clear, shallow water, explore the beaches by tender or paddleboard, and observe the quiet rhythm of the Guna families living ashore. It is an ideal first introduction to the archipelago.
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Day 3 Cayos Limones
Cruise through the Cayos Limones, a cluster of small cays known for sheltered anchorages and coral gardens close to the yacht. Spend the day moving between swimming spots, nearby sandbars and palm-fringed beaches. Paddleboards and the tender provide an easy way to explore the shallow waters and discover the constantly changing shapes of the islands and reef.
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Day 4 Isla Perro
Anchor off Isla Perro and snorkel the shallow wreck lying just beyond the beach, one of the most accessible underwater sites in the San Blas archipelago. The wreck can be explored directly from the water without specialist equipment. Afterwards, relax on the narrow strip of sand lined with coconut palms, swim in the clear surrounding water and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at anchor.
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Day 5 Cayos Holandeses
Sail deeper into San Blas to the Cayos Holandeses, a remote group of twenty-one uninhabited islands protected by a seven-mile barrier reef. Anchor in The Pool, a natural saltwater basin enclosed by coral, and spend the day swimming, snorkelling or enjoying the isolation. With very little development, this is one of the archipelago’s most peaceful anchorages.
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Day 6 Cayos Coco Bandero
Continue to the Cayos Coco Bandero, a group of small islands northwest of Isla Verde offering some of the best protected anchorages in San Blas. Sheltered by a four-mile outer barrier reef, the area is ideal for swimming, fishing and beach time. Explore the surrounding shallows by tender before returning to the yacht for another quiet evening at anchor.
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Day 7 Guna Village Visit
Anchor off an inhabited Guna island and go ashore to meet the local community. Discover the handwoven molas for which the Guna are known, taste coconut bread and learn more about a way of life closely connected to the islands and the sea. Fresh lobster can also be bought directly from local fishermen, adding another authentic element to the visit.
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Day 8 Return to Linton Bay
Enjoy one final morning swim in the San Blas before setting sail west towards Linton Bay. The return passage offers time to look back on a week of coral reefs, remote islands, Guna culture and clear Caribbean anchorages. Cruise along Panama’s coast, relax on deck and enjoy the final hours on board before disembarking at Linton Bay.
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