Would you like to start your Central American sailing trip from Panama? Although Panama is famous for its canal, the real sailing experience is not there, but in the untouched bays and archipelagos far from the canal. And for good reason. The country’s coast is home to stunning, palm-fringed islands and ancient rainforest-covered bays. If you’re thinking about exploring Central America, Panama is the perfect starting point. This article presents the most beautiful sailing destinations, the best seasons and two specific 7-day itineraries.
Here’s what the article will cover:
- 5 reasons why sailing in Panama is a good choice
- Which month is best for a Panama sailing trip?
- How do I get to Panama?
- Where to sail in Panama? – Ports and Islands
- Sailing in Panama: Sailing Itineraries
5 reasons why sailing in Panama is a good choice
- Two completely different coastal ecosystems within one country In Panama, the Caribbean and Pacific worlds are just a few hours’ drive apart, yet they offer completely different atmospheres, wildlife, and experiences. The Caribbean side is a calm, turquoise-water, coral reef paradise, while the Pacific coast is shaped by high tides and powerful waves. This duality gives travelers a unique opportunity: it’s as if they’re discovering two separate worlds in one trip.
- Unique archipelago Bocas del Toro has water streets where boats run instead of taxis, and houses built over the water in a colorful Caribbean style. Here you don’t have to choose between adventure and comfort – you get both in one package. And while you’re here, don’t miss the bioluminescent bay, where the water glows like stars at night!
- Infrastructure The local Yacht Club is modern, almost luxurious – the perfect starting and ending point. But the real treasure is in the “middle of nowhere”: sheltered bays where anchoring is only disturbed by the jumping of fire dolphins. The San Blas Islands are guarded by the Guna Yala tribe, and the lagoons of Bocas del Toro are only accessible by boat. Rent a boat in Panama and choose your own pace – whether for comfort or adventure.
- Authentic local culture It’s not just the beach that’s “happening” here. Panama City’s modern skyscrapers are an hour away from ancient fishing villages where fish are still caught by hand. Reggae bars, vibrant nightlife, and street artists. This isn’t just a vacation – it’s a cultural immersion.
- World-famous sunset on board When the sun sets behind the Pearl Islands and the entire ocean seems to catch fire, you have to feel it. This is one of the moments that makes sailing in Panama worth it. And best of all: every night with different colors, and always just as impressive.
Can I sail through the Panama Canal on a chartered boat?
No – you cannot sail through the Panama Canal on a chartered boat. You can sail through the Panama Canal on your own boat, but only with the following:
Special Transit Reservation: Your boat will be inspected by the authorities.
Payment of Fees: Varies depending on the size of the boat ($800 for boats under 50 feet).
Rope Rules: The canal requires four lengths (at least 125 feet) and plenty of strong fenders.
Personnel Requirements: There must be at least four ropers (over 16 years of age) on board. Rope crews can be hired.
These rules only apply to private vessels, chartered yachts are NOT allowed to transit the Panama Canal. No charter company will allow their vessels to transit the canal, as no insurance allows it and the canal authority does not allow “bareboat” transits.
Which month is best for a Panama sailing trip?
If you really want to enjoy the waters of Panama, plan your trip from December to April. Not only is the sunshine guaranteed, but the winds are exactly what a sailor dreams of – pleasant trade winds that blow steadily. The seas are calmer, the skies are clear blue, and the Caribbean islands are especially festive.
The dry season (December – April):
This is when Panama is at its peak. The air is fresh, the sun is shining brightly, and the attractions are not yet crowded. The water is warm and crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling and diving. If you are not the cold-hearted type, it is already an experience!
The transitional season (May – June):
The trade winds blow the sails beautifully, and the sunsets are indescribable in colors – you have to see them. Expect a few thunderstorms, but they are usually short and dramatic, and don’t spoil the experience.
The Rainy Season (July – November):
October is a good time for cheaper deals and fewer crowds. While October can be a time for more severe storms, if you have a little flexibility, you can still make the most of the good weather. The water is still warm, the rains usually come in the afternoon, and the nature is lush and green. After a thunderstorm, the air is as fresh as ever.
How do I get to Panama?
Where to sail in Panama? – Ports and Islands
Sailing in Panama: Sailing Itineraries
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1. nap – Panama – Taboga Island 19,80 km (12,30 nm)
Taboga Island, a “Virágok Szigete” mindössze egy rövid hajóútra van a főváros forgalmától, de egy teljesen más világ. Fedezd fel a színes, történelmi házakkal tarkított falut, és élvezd a helyi halászos ebéddel kísért nyugalmat – tökéletes bemelegítés a nagy kaland előtt.
2. nap – Taboga Island – San Jose Island 80,25 km (49,86 nm)
Ez a hosszabb nap a Csendes-óceán nyílt vizein vezet, ahol gyakran kísérik a hajót delfinek. San Jose Island egy exkluzív természetrezervátum, amelyet híres majompopulációja és kristálytiszta vize miatt gyakran “a gazdagok és hírességek szigetének” is neveznek.
3. nap – San Jose Island – Isla del Rey, Playa Grande 22,40 km (13,92 nm)
Isla del Rey a Pearl-szigetek legnagyobb tagja, és Playa Grande hosszú, aranyhomokos partja egy álom. A part menti kunyhókból frissen fogott halat kínálnak, és a helyiek szeretettel mesélnek a sziget spanyol kori múltjáról.
4. nap – Isla del Rey, Playa Grande – Isla del Rey, Playa Bongo 30,66 km (19,05 nm)
Bár ugyanazon a szigeten maradsz, Playa Bongo teljesen más élményt kínál – itt a dzsungel a víz széléig ér. Ez egy igazi kincset rejtő öböl, ahol a madárcsicsergés az egyetlen hang, ami megszakitja a csendet.
5. nap – Isla del Rey, Playa Bongo – Viveros Island 21,18 km (13,16 nm)
Viveros Island egy apró, pálmákkal tarkított korallsziget, ami az álmodnak megfelelő rejtett paradicsom. Az itt található zátonyok Panama egyik legjobb snorkel helye, ahol színes halrajok és tengeri teknősök között úszhatsz.
6. nap – Viveros Island – Saboga 17,05 km (10,59 nm)
Saboga a Pearl-szigetek egyik legbarátságosabb állomása, ahol a nyugodt lagúna mellett találsz egy hangulatos kis falut is. A helyi specialitás, a tradicionális sancocho leves minden bizonnyal felmelegít, ha az idő ellened fordul.
7. nap – Saboga – East Island – Panama 64,72 km (40,22 nm)
Az utolsó nap egy kettős élményt kínál – először East Island mentén horgonyzol, ahol a sziklás partok és tengeri madarak búcsúztatnak, majd visszatérsz Panamába. A város egyre közeledő sziluettje egy életre szóló emlékké varázsolja az utolsó hajózás pillanatait.
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Day 1. Panama – Saboga 64,42 km (40,03 nm), Day 2. Saboga – Casaya Island 10,60 km (6,59 nm), Day 3. Casaya Island – Viveros Island 8,14 km (5,06 nm), Day 4. Viveros Island – Isla del Rey, San Miguel 5,64 km (3,50 nm), Day 5. Isla del Rey, San Miguel – San Jose Island 26,28 km (16,33 nm), Day 6. San Jose Island – Isla Pedro González 16,57 km (10,29 nm), Day 7. Isla Pedro González – Taboga Island – Panama 82,41 km (51,21 nm)
