FAQ

FAQ (Frequently ask questions)

How do i get to the yacht?

Transportation to/from the Yacht is not included.

 

ONLY possible by Ground Transportation:

There are the cheapest option; They will pick you up in Panama City early morning (05:00AM) at your Hotel and bring you directly to the Yacht.( about 3 hours of shared 4x4 vehicle and 40 minutes of shared Water taxi.) ($)

We can use a private car/water taxi to come at a more convenient time. ($$)

For Ground transportation, contact this agency: LATAM tour

 

By Air:

You can also hire a private plane, that brings you straight into the islands in 50 mins ($$$)

For Air transportation: contact this agency: Cielo Pacifico

Due to the recent closure of the airstrip, no more flights are possible to San Blas Island, except by Helicopter.

( we will update once we have established a solid contact)

 

What is check-in time?

From 10:00AM, depending on which transport method you use.

Usually arrival is in morning by Ground Transportation/Water taxi, the cheapest option.

 

What is check-out time?

It depends on which transport method you use.

Usually check out is the morning around 07:00AM unless agreed upon.

 

Can I check-out later than 07:00AM?

Upon request and acceptance, you could take an afternoon ground transportation that leaves San Blas at 15:00 (3PM)

We need to be notified as soon as possible if you choose this option, as taxi seats are limited.

We will charge you a 1/2 day extra fee ( lunch included)

 

How many luggage can I bring ?

We recommend not taking hard suitcases; hand luggage is fine, or a small soft bag with a maximum of 13 kilos (28lbs)

Ground transportation and water taxi can refuse large hard suitcases.

 

What else do I need to bring?

Travel light as you don' t need much!

But don't forget the most important: Sun protection (Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, Water long-sleeve t-shirt)

 

Are the Boats listed Licenced for charter in San Blas?

Yes, they are licenced and authorized to charter in San Blas.

 

What will be the cruising plan?

See Plan

 

What food will be served?

See  Meals

 

Is the Yacht Private?

Yes! There will be only you and your host.

 

Are we going to actually sail?

Yes! As much as we can, as long as there is a favorable wind.

We will sail between 1 and 2 hours every day on average.

If there is light or no wind we will use the engine or both sails and engine.

 

Why is a larger boat is better?

A larger boat is better for a lot of reasons; more space, more privacy, cooler, much more comfortable at anchor and while cruising, it is also cruising faster.

If you are sensitive to roll and pitch motions (seasick); if you are claustrophobic,  or if you don't want to have this "camping" feeling, this will suit you better than a smaller boat. See boat size comparison chart

 

What does Solar Self Sufficient mean?

The yacht has a very large bank of solar panels and battery storage, we rely on solar energy to provide electricity day and night. The yacht is extremely quiet as there is no need to run an engine/generator several hours everyday to recharge the boat batteries.

 

Do we have lifejackets?

We do have lifejackets for all,  including kids.

 

Is it suitable for a baby?

It is up to you to decide, but we do not have special baby equipement, you would need to bring your own Infant Lifejacket in order for the water taxi.

 

Can I bring pets on board?

Tourists are not allowed to bring pets into Guna Yala territory.

 

It is possible to smoke on board?

Absolutely no smoking onboard for safety reasons and hygiene. Some boats are flexible. You can still smoke while visiting islands.

 

Is this boat suitable for disable persons?

It is hard to say;  In general a boat is not suitable for disabled person, but If this person can climb a few steps of a ladder  and go down/up steep steps,  it should be fine; being a large boat maybe helps.

 

Do I have to leave a tip for the crew? 

You don't have to leave a tip, but it is strongly recommended if you feel the crew went the extra mile for you,  it would be greatly and gratefully appreciated. Tips are usualy between 5 - 20% of total trip amount.

 

What payment method can I use? 

A deposit of 20% must be paid to secure booking either by Wire transfer,  Credit Card ( 4,5% processing fee), Bitcoin, Wise, or PayPal (%6 fees).

The open balance must then be paid in full before arrival or in USD Cash the day of arrival onboard.

!! Experience will not start until payment is 100% received!!

We can discuss other options of payment

 

Is there an ATM in San Blas? 

There is no ATM in San Blas. Act accordinglhy, you will need to withdraw CASH in the City.

 

Do I need to bring cash? 

YES ! 

- to pay the Transfer to the Yacht

- to pay the entrance fee of the indigenous territory of Guna Yala

- to close your open balance

- to buy craftwork souvenirs from the local indigenous

- to leave a tip

- to extend your trip

- to purchase anything outside the yacht ( like coconuts, drinks,...)

 

Bring small denomination bills 20, 10, 5,  1 ( Indigenous have no change)

 

What is the local Currency? 

Although the Local currency is the " Balboa" ( which is pegged 1 to 1 with the USD). There are only USD bills in circulation in Panama. You will only find Balboa coins.

 

Is my deposit refundable if I want to cancel the trip? 

The minimum deposit of 20% is not refundable, we can reschedule your trip within 12 months.

Less than 30 days before checking, no refund 

More than 30 days, the balance, 20% deposit excluded, will be refunded. (transfer fees will be deducted if applicable)

 

Can I modify my booking dates? 

Yes, but it will depend on availability, and will incur a 20% administrative fee.

 

What's NOT included in the PRICE ?

- Tranpostartion to the yacht from/to Panama City $75 pp each way

- Entrance of Guna Yala indegenous territory $23 pp

- Tips for the crew

 

Any other questions?

Please contact us using the link below, or chat with our virtual agent Felicia, She speaks English, Spanish, Portugese and French.