San Blas
The SAN BLAS islands are an archipelago of coral islands situated in the Caribbean Sea, along the coast of Panama, between the Panama Canal and Columbia. A paradise for sailing and especially diving, this archipelago, composed of 370 islands, is still off the beaten tourist track... A magical place, to be discovered as a matter of urgency!
Photos (8)
Practical info
Logbook
Typical itinerary
THE LOCAL WEATHER:
Panama is sheltered from the hurricanes and storms, and 2 seasons predominate: from December to April, the trade wind season (north/east winds), constant winds and no rain, but worse visibility underwater and several currents - this is the best season for sailing! The rest of the year, the winds are lighter and the rain scattered (but nothing dramatic!), visibility underwater is much better and it is even possible to explore the ‘exterior’ of the reefs (the windward side), the light is more ‘dense’ and the sunsets are often spectacular. This is the best season for underwater fishing, exploration of the coral reefs and discovery of the marine fauna. And the anchorages are often empty...
The temperatures vary little with the seasons: from 26 to 30 degrees on average for the air, and from 25 to 28 for the water.
FORMALITIES: Valid passport.
GETTING THERE:
From Europe: Iberia is offering Madrid/Panama with just one change on the outward journey.
From Paris: Air France via Caracas, Bogota or Miami.
From the main European capitals: via Caracas, Bogota or Miami.
Delta Airlines: via Atlanta, American Airlines via Miami
From Canada: Direct charter flight in the high season, flight via Miami, Atlanta, Newark…
The Panama / San Blas Islands flight is easy and not very expensive (every day – 35 minute flight).
VACCINATIONS
For the coastal areas of the San Blas Islands and Panama City, no particular precautions are necessary. On the other hand, if you plan to visit the Darien, the yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Panama is not a dangerous country. There are no pirates or hurricanes and sailing is pleasant all the year round...
The San Blas islands are clearly threatened by global warming. Scientists predict that in 40 to 60 years, the archipelago will be submerged! The Kuna Indians will then have to live – once again – in the mountains bordering their territory...
Panama is sheltered from the hurricanes and storms, and 2 seasons predominate: from December to April, the trade wind season (north/east winds), constant winds and no rain, but worse visibility underwater and several currents - this is the best season for sailing! The rest of the year, the winds are lighter and the rain scattered (but nothing dramatic!), visibility underwater is much better and it is even possible to explore the ‘exterior’ of the reefs (the windward side), the light is more ‘dense’ and the sunsets are often spectacular. This is the best season for underwater fishing, exploration of the coral reefs and discovery of the marine fauna. And the anchorages are often empty...
The temperatures vary little with the seasons: from 26 to 30 degrees on average for the air, and from 25 to 28 for the water.
FORMALITIES: Valid passport.
GETTING THERE:
From Europe: Iberia is offering Madrid/Panama with just one change on the outward journey.
From Paris: Air France via Caracas, Bogota or Miami.
From the main European capitals: via Caracas, Bogota or Miami.
Delta Airlines: via Atlanta, American Airlines via Miami
From Canada: Direct charter flight in the high season, flight via Miami, Atlanta, Newark…
The Panama / San Blas Islands flight is easy and not very expensive (every day – 35 minute flight).
VACCINATIONS
For the coastal areas of the San Blas Islands and Panama City, no particular precautions are necessary. On the other hand, if you plan to visit the Darien, the yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Panama is not a dangerous country. There are no pirates or hurricanes and sailing is pleasant all the year round...
The San Blas islands are clearly threatened by global warming. Scientists predict that in 40 to 60 years, the archipelago will be submerged! The Kuna Indians will then have to live – once again – in the mountains bordering their territory...
