BVI Catamaran Sailing Charters Vs San Blas Catamaran Sailing Charters There is no clear winner in this battle, it ultimately depends on what you are looking for and what you call "Paradise". The exponential increase in large cruise ships carrying vast amounts of tourists to the major sailing charter destinations in the Caribbean including the BVIs has bought the corresponding deterioration of the once peaceful and picturesque anchorages and other locations. What was once the most requested sailing locations are not only losing their charm, but also giving way to a totally different type of tourism, and one that will completely change the scene. Not that the BVIs, the USVIs are totally lost, but hey! it is just not the same as years before. Back in 2019 before the pandemic, the number of cruise ships were already noticeable. Fast forward to 2022 and in the post pandemic scenario, the numbers are well above the 500k cruise passengers/year. Unexpected boost | More than 64K in cruise passengers coming this season Let's face it: for tax collection purposes, governments of the major sailing charter destinations will always prefer to profit from major operators like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines and others, rather than trying to collect their taxes from a myriad of small charter operators or even worst, yacht owners licensed to charter their own catamaran or sailboat. This fact plays a major role in the transformation of the off the beaten path sailing destinations into a more "tourist-friendly" locations with all kinds of services, including popular tourist attractions... Not all in the BVIs is bad, for one, for once you have the best catamarans available in the market and a lot of them can be rented as bareboat, such thing does not occur in San Blas. Our catamarans have attached an all inclusive service including captain, cook and provisioning and the cost at a first glance is higher than renting a catamaran elsewhere. Main reason why bareboat charters are not possible: San Blas is a labyrinth of reefs and hidden navigation dangers Why is it like this and why is the price of catamaran sailing charters are more in the San Blas islands in comparison to the BVIs? San Blas and the more than the 365 islands that comprise this archipelago, not only are the most secluded part of the Caribbean, but they are also extremely hard to navigate and that should only be attempted by local captains. Food, water, decent diesel etc, is not only overpriced but 40 miles out of the away No marinas or any repair facility within easy reach. Added to this scenario there is also the peculiarities of the Guna people and their "shailas" or chiefs who do not permit any major player not connected in any way and to the local population of indigenous. Moorings, Sunsail and Dream Yacht Charter in San Blas? Conclusion: Choose a catamaran charter in the BVIs for the regular sailing experience, social exposure and similar culture and ways. Choose sailing San Blas on a catamaran for a mix of secluded anchorages, untouched nature with vibrant underwater life and an the cultural enrichment derived from interaction with the Guna Indigenous. Catamaran Adventures San Blas

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Flights from Panama City to San Blas have become increasingly popular mainly due to the cuts in costs. In this guide we cover the ins and outs of flying to San Blas. Needless to say that flying to San Blas is the right option in most cases and that a yacht charter in the San Blas islands is definitely improved when choosing a flight transfer over of a road transfer. Top 5 reasons why flying to San Blas is highly advisable: 1 Flying time is 40 minutes instead of the 4 hour road/water taxi transfers 2.Depart location can be Albrook local or Tocumen international as an option 3. Fly in and you skip the road and water taxi which is not comfortable for some 4. Landing at Corazon de Jesus is a stone throw away from the Cays. Coming in by road and water taxi puts you 2 hours sail away from the tip of Dutch Cays 5. Costs of flying is down compared to previous years Where do you catch the plane for San Blas? Albrook local airport which is in Panama City or Tocumen international airport as an option which is nice because you can get to San Blas without having to change airports Where do flights land? Corazon de Jesus and el Porvenir Which of the 2 landing locations is the best? We prefer Corazon de Jesus because it is an easy reach to the Cays but we could fly to el Porvenir at times if needed How long are the flights to San Blas Corazon de Jesus or el Porvenir? 40 minutes What times do private flights to San Blas depart? Since they are private, they can take off at any time you decide. ALthough 6-8 AM flights are the standard and we prefer our guests to leave to San Blas early morning,we can always adapt to whatever time in the day. Note that the airports in San Blas do not have lights and flying in and out must be done during daylight. Is it safe to fly to San Blas? Some of our guests are generally afraid of flying in small private planes. It goes without saying that the air industry in Panama is 100% regulated and inspections are implemented as they would be back in the US or any other western country. With no flying issues on record, we can determine that flights to San Blas are totally safe. Are the flights to San Blas private or shared? Flights are private. Regular airlines such as Air Panama do not fly to San Blas, only small private planes do. How do I go from the airport in San Blas to the catamaran? The captain of the catamaran will be waiting for you next to the runway and will take you onboard using the dinghy on a short 2 minute ride. Is weight a problem when catching a private flight to San Blas? It can. you have to pack light and observe the weight limits on the plane booked How much does it cost to fly to San Blas? 2 passengers for $650/way, maximum carrying weight of 450 lbs up to 5 passengers for $690/way, maximum carrying of 750 lbs up to 8 passengers flying in two separate private planes for $1600/way, maximum carrying 1500 lbs up to 8 passengers flying in one single private plane for $1900/way, maximum carrying 1600 lbs Prices shown are one way for the whole cost of the plane carrying the indicated guests 8,5% tax not included. Mandatory $20/guest airport tax paid to the indigenous. How do you book the flight to San Blas? Simply send us your total personal and luggage weigh along with your names and passports. We will take care of the rest. San Blas Islands Yacht charters

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Flying to the San Blas Islands is done through the local terminal at Albrook in Panama City. Private flights to San Blas, Panama are done with 2-8 seater planes with 40 minutes flight time. ------------------------------------ Check out our latest post: Flights from Panama City to San Blas: Ultimate Guide on CatamaranAdventures.net ------------------------------------ Flying to San Blas has never been easier. There are no regular flights and Air Panama does not fly to the archipelago but private planes can be easily booked through us. Hassle free private flight transfers to the heart of San Blas. Corazon de Jesus. Air transfers to San Blas are mainly indicated for guests reluctant of the typical 4 hour total road and water taxi transfers that depart from your hotel in Panama City and take you to our catamarans in San Blas. Road transfers to San Blas start at around 5:00 AM and location for pickup is the lobby of your hotel or residence. Road transfers are a popular way to getting to San Blas. The vast majority of travelers to San Blas, Panama choose this transfer method mainly because of the lower cost which for most cases is $75/person/way. Other expenses of road transfers are local Kuna taxes of total $20/person and port fees of $3/person/way. If you choose to fly in, and unlike the option of road transfers, there is no need for boarding a water taxi since the catamaran will be located and anchored right next to the runway at Corazon de Jesus, the island where the airport is located. After very light customs formalities and a $12/guest tax, you will be taken to the catamaran; that is a 2 minute water transfer. Choosing a road transfer from Panama City requires you boarding a water taxi which will take around 50 minutes, so take that into consideration when deciding. Flights to San Blas; useful information (PAC) Panama, PA Panama City / Albrook Int. is the code for Albrook terminal and your starting point if you choose to fly to San Blas. We can take care of all your transfers also from your location to Albrook terminal. If you would like to be transferred from Tocumen International airport to Albrook, we can also provide the necessary private road transfers. Tocumen International airport to Albrook local airport is around 30 minutes ride. Make sure you detail your needs upon making your reservation. Alternatively as an option, we can also send our private planes to Tocumen international airport to pick you up and transfer you to San Blas. This option is also available on the way back from San Blas and we can fly our planes directly to Tocumen International so that you can catch your plane back to your country or next destination. Flight time from Corazon de Jesus, San Blas islands is 40 minute, but just to be sure, please book your flights back to your country for 12:00 midday or later so that you have enough time to comfortably catch it. Flying in and out also gives you the flexibility to choose your own flight departure hours, so you may depart from Panama City to San Blas at the time you are most comfortable with. Check out time of the catamaran will be adapted accordingly and fixed to the same time your landing was. How much does it cost to fly to San Blas? Private planes total prices carrying: - 2 passengers for $650/way, maximum carrying weight of 450 lbs - up to 5 passengers for $690/way, maximum carrying of 750 lbs - up to 8 passengers flying in two separate private planes for $1600/way, maximum carrying 1500 lbs -up to 8 passengers flying in one single private plane for $1900/way, maximum carrying 1600 lbs 8,5% tax not included in the flight prices Prices shown are one way for the whole cost of the plane carrying the indicated guests Mandatory $20/guest airport tax paid to the indigenous. Make sure you visit www.catamaranadventures.net for updates and latest news on traveling to San Blas and specially transfers available. Contact us for any questions related to types of air transfers to San Blas.

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