Sailing Koala, San Blas Islands, Panama, Colombia| HostelTrail.com

Sailing Koala, San Blas Islands, Panama, Colombia

The Journey from Colombia to Panama (or the reverse) via the San Blas islands is one of the most spectacular and rewarding in all of Latin America. Besides being a practical way to cross between Central and South America, the trip offers backpackers a taste of the Caribbean and some of its divine islands.

For those looking to do some work or update their Facebook status, feel free to bring your latest o2 Business Phones and laptops but be warned that it might be very difficult to get any work done whilst sailing your way past some of the most spectacular beaches in Latin America!

Your captain, Fabian Arcila treats you to 4 full days and 3 nights at the San Blas over the course of his 6 day excursion and the remaining 2 days are spent at sea. Fabian speaks perfect English and has been taking backpackers on this journey since 1998 putting you in experienced hands. One of the benefits of this trip is that the boat leaves or arrives in Portobelo, Panama, making it easy to connect with Panama City by bus.

The boat comfortably accommodates 6 and at 31 feet there is sufficient space for crew inside and out.

The itinerary below is reversed for those travelling from Panama to Colombia.

San Blas Sailing Trip (6 days) - $375 USD all incl.

Day 1

After meeting your captain and stowing away your luggage, a short introduction to your new home is provided setting out all the basic conditions for living on board. Expect to set sail as soon as all the crews passports and necessary documents are ready. Your first full day and night at sea follow.

Day 2

One final day and night at open sea as you continue your crossing and edge closer to the islands lying just off the coast of Panama.

Day 3

The 40 hours of straight sailing finally come to a welcome end as the boat anchors in the blue lagoon of the Caya Holandes Islands, which you are free to explore for the rest of the day. The boat's dinghy and snorkeling gear are at your disposal and the beautiful secluded islands await you.

Day 4

An early start sees the vessel heading toward the tranquil island of Calubir for the morning and afternoon. By late afternoon the short trip to Porvenir is completed where your captain takes care of immigration and the night is spent.

Day 5

An early start is required again as you head for the island of Chichime. The whole day is spent at this small inhabited island. Great snorkeling can be enjoyed amongst the coral of the lagoon, a short distance swim from where the boat is anchored. The coming evening offers a rare glimpse of indigenous life on the San Blas as a Kuna family entertain you for dinner on the island. Fresh fish and coconut rice caps a beautiful introduction to the San Blas as you prepare for your last day in paradise.

Day 6

The last day is spent soaking up Chichime and the San Blas before you head for the final destination of Portobelo on an overnight sail. Expect to arrive in the small port town at by dawn where you can catch regular buses to Panama City via Colon.

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