Panamá Caribbean: Ultimate Sailing Guides
Panamá's Caribbean is a whole different story: an explosive mix of culture, the most flavorful Afro-Caribbean gastronomy you'll ever taste, and of course, archipelagos and islands that are absolutely insane! Plus, it's located outside the hurricane belt, making it the perfect year-round destination.
Set sail through the Panamanian Caribbean. Here are two unforgettable itineraries, each bursting with wildlife, flavor, culture, and epic experiences:the vibrant islands of Bocas del Toro or the rich history of the Colon coast. Both easy to reach and offer countless islands to explore, with culture waiting around every corner.
Bocas del Toro - Island Hopping & Ancestral Communities
If you're looking for Island Hopping, never-ending summer vibes – surf, diving and busting nightlife – and reconnecting with vibrant ancestral communities, Bocas del Toro is your spot. Just grab a short domestic flight from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, in Albrook (not far from Tocumen, where you will probably be landing) and you're there!
Here, you won't just island-hop between stunning cays; you'll dive into Ngäbe-Buglé culture by tasting organic local cacao by their people.
Get ready to sail in turquoise waters filled with nature, culture, and a totally energetic environment.
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You’ll be landing in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, where Isla Colon is its fiercely beating heart—complete with all the essentials: restaurants and bars, convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and more.
Head straight to Bocas Town, the island’s main hub, to embark on your boat adventure. The local culture bursts with flavor and diversity, offering everything from international cuisine to authentic Caribbean dishes. Bocas Town is a vibrant cultural center, home to a large expat community that gives its culinary scene a distinctive twist.
Explore stunning spots like Playa Estrella (remember: don’t touch the starfish!) or catch world-class waves at Playa Bluff. After a day of exploring, unwind at the town’s laid-back seaside bars with reggae beats in the background—or dive into one of Bocas’ legendary nightlife.
Get ready to set sail for some epic island hopping, starting with the Coral Cay and Hospital Point.
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Bastimentos Island is one of Panamá's largest islands and home to the Bastimentos Marine National Park—a mandatory stop for any eco-tourism lover. This protected area is loaded with pristine beaches, incredible biodiversity, and the chance to fully immerse yourself in Panamá's Afro-Caribbean culture. It's only a ten-minute ride from Isla Colon, making it super easy to reach.
Here in Bastimentos Island, you will have plenty of experiences to do, packed into 2 unforgettable days.
The first day is all about becoming one with the ocean. Sail to Hospital Point, a must-visit spot for marine life lovers. Dare to explore the colorful seabed of this diving location, known for having little to no current, making it great for beginners. For diving adventure seekers, descend into the depths to explore a fascinating coral wall that reveals vibrant hues and formations, with the chance of encountering reef sharks.
Afterward, head straight to Coral Cay for a snorkeling session. Considered one of the best areas in Bocas del Toro, bright coral reefs and marine life are waiting. Finish your day with a mouthwatering Caribbean lunch at a local restaurant. Order any seafood dish and, if you're feeling adventurous, try the local hot sauce found almost on every table.
The second day, trade the fins for hiking boots! Start by exploring Red Frog Beach, then hike into the forest on an easy trail toward the cultural hub of Old Bank. Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, sloths, and the famous red-colored frogs (remember: do not touch them; they are poisonous!).
When you arrive in Old Bank, prepare for a full cultural and foodie experience. Share with the community, enjoy calypso and reggae rhythms, and immerse yourself in the flavors of authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine. You’ll hear locals speaking "Guari-Guari" and taste the secret of Old Bank: Pan Bon, a sweet fruit bread. Enjoy traditional dishes like rondon (fish soup with coconut milk) and escabeche while soaking in the beauty of the sea, before finishing your day.
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After two days exploring the history and culture of Bastimentos, it’s time for pure nature. Take the 40-minute boat ride from Old Bank to the iconic Zapatillas Cays—ranked #24 among the Best Beaches in the World for 2025! Nestled within the Bastimentos Marine National Park. Escape the crowds by diving into the warm Caribbean Sea and swimming near coral reefs full of tropical fish. Here, you'll have the chance to snorkel alongside sea turtles and starfish—a truly unforgettable moment.
If you need more adrenaline, explore the jungle trails to spot native wildlife like sloths, exotic birds, and colorful frogs. Finish your day watching the spectacular sunset on the beach, sampling regional fruits and soaking up this paradise, before preparing for your journey home.
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Your final day in the archipelago offers one last blast of Caribbean energy before your flight back to the city. Choose your perfect send-off adventure: either a day full of surfing at Isla Carenero, where advanced riders can conquer epic, three-meter waves at Point Break or learn with Ngäbe-Buglé people their artisanal ways of processing organic cacao.
Ready for the first option? Feel the adrenaline while riding the waves of Isla Carenero. If you're an advanced surfer, head straight for Point Break, famous for its constant swell and five peaks, where you can conquer epic waves up to three meters high (just watch out for the coral bottom). If you're looking for a more easy, tropical session, Old Man is your spot. Don't worry about gear; the island has plenty of rentals. Finish your day conquering the Caribbean sea before heading to the airport for your flight home.
The next option is a deep cultural connection. Take a 20-minute boat ride to San Cristobal Island to visit the Ngäbe community. Here, you’ll actively participate in interactive workshops with the local women. Learn ancestral techniques for making organic chocolate or traditional methods for dyeing pineapple fibers for their Chacara bags.. This authentic experience offers a unique souvenir before you transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
After your chosen adventure wraps up, simply hop on a boat back to Isla Colon. From there, you'll get to the local airport for your flight back to the city, carrying incredible memories from the archipelago!
Colon Coast - Congo Rhythm & UNESCO Treasures
For a powerful dose of history, savory flavors, and deep culture, the Colon route is your choice. This journey connects to the heart of the Caribbean with a short 1.5-hour car ride from Panama City. Sailing along this coast means blending history with Afro-Antillean culture. Aside from exploring lush nature and beautiful islands, travelers get up close with the Congo culture—a unique tradition to Panamá, renowned for its rhythm, traditions, and free spirit—and even visit UNESCO World Heritage sites. As a special treat, use the San Blas Archipelago to connect with the Gunayala People, the guardians of a destination known for its culture, iconic sights and scenery.
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Your adventure kicks off the moment you land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Your Caribbean escape is just a quick 1.5-hour car-trip that gets you straight from Panama City to the Colon coast and the marina.
As soon as you arrive, dare to explore the local area and stock up – you will be hypnotised with the local flavors. Here, travelers can find authentic treasures in the small shops. From freshly baked Pan Bon bread, to a refreshing Icing Glass drink. The minute you step on the Caribbean, you will be greeted with the bold, local flavors of incredible Afro-Antillean cuisine.
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Today is all about those postcard-perfect Caribbean blues. Start your morning sailing toward Venas Azules, a true paradise of crystal-clear waters and channels running through lush mangroves. Cruise through these winding waterways, discovering the diverse species that take refuge in the area, and continue to Playa Huerta, a small cove perfect for snorkeling among coral reefs.
In the afternoon, set a course for Isla Grande, a stunning destination in the Portobelo district. This small island offers plenty of action: explore nature trails, visit the iconic Isla Grande Lighthouse for panoramic views, or even grab a board for a surf session. Travelers can also check out the mystical Black Christ statue that appears to float on the water. Spend time swimming, snorkeling, or exploring the lively town. Finish the day with a quiet dinner there, enjoying the delicious local cuisine right on the Caribbean coast
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Today, you leave Isla Grande and embark on a full two-day sail to San Blas Archipelago – gateway to the Gunayala Comarca. This autonomous Indigenous region is one of Panamá's most fascinating destinations and a global benchmark for ancestral sovereignty. Over these two days, fully immerse oneself in the ancient Guna culture, visiting their communities and learning about their hundred-year-old traditions.
A highlight is the direct connection to the ocean: travelers can take part in fishing with the Guna people and tasting the famous San Blas lobster, freshly caught and prepared right there. Don't forget to shop for their celebrated molas, detailed handcrafted textile art.
As a spectacular side adventure, explore the pristine, remote Cayos Holandeses, a collection of uninhabited islands perfect for snorkeling and nature-connection.
As Day 4 ends, an exciting nighttime navigation begins, leaving the remote cays behind, to set sail for the historic Fuerte San Lorenzo, back to Colon.
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After navigating overnight, you will arrive at Portobelo, one of the UN World Tourism Organization's Best Tourism Villages for 2024. Disembark for a visit to the Fuerte San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this impressive fort, one of the best-preserved colonial fortresses in the region, before diving into Portobelo's rich culture.
The heart of Portobelo town is the Congo culture, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Here you can visit the Afro-Panamanian Memory Museum in the old Customs building, and learn more about Congo culture. See the famous Black Christ Church, listen to the drums resonating through the plaza, and enjoy the local gastronomy. Finish your day with a last, tasty meal — rice with coconut milk, plantain tarts (pronounced Plantintá!), fritters, and more. — Transfer back to Panama City, where your adventure may continue.
Exploring the Caribbean Itineraries: Reefs, Rhythms, and UNESCO History
Sail into the vast and vibrant Panamanian Caribbean with two itineraries created to meet your style.
