Just fifty miles from the capital of Panama, Isla Colon may be a popular stopping point for cruise ships waiting to launch back into the Panama Canal but this only adds to its interesting vibe. An afro-Caribbean blend of white sand beaches and decaying grandeur come together. From here charter guests can ride the Panama Railway Canal dating back to the 19th century with historic carriages adorned with glass ceilings. You can also visit the 17th-century UNESCO-awarded rock formations of Portobelo. With plenty of duty-free delights to pick up including local trinkets and heady rum, you may want to follow up all that shopping with a blissful beach trip. Playa La Angousta is for those who want beach sports and cabanas whereas the gentle Caribbean Playa Chiquita is accessible by boat only and provides scenic dreams of verdent rainforests and warm clear waters.
The first marine park in Panama, Isla Bastimentos is packed to the rafters with sloths, caiman, monkeys, crocodiles, and endless birds and amphibians all making their home in the deep mangroves. Whether you love the land or the sea, Isla Bastimentos has it all.
Next stop is Cayo Zapatilla, two stunning uninhabited islands located to the East of the Archipelago. Anchor in deeper waters offshore and use a tender for closer access to beaches. This stop provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some snorkeling, paddleboarding, or a quiet dinner on board, taking in your pristine surroundings.
From Cayo Zapatilla, sail on to Isla Cristobal, famed for its rich marine life and for being a diving and snorkelling paradise, especially at Cristobal Light which is considered one of the best coral reefs in the area. The waters here teem with wildlife and over on Dolphin Bay charter guests can catch sight of pods of bottlenose dolphins. Another must-visit spot for charter guests venturing around Isla Cristobal is Laguna Bocatorito - this mangrove forest and lagoon is a lush place to explore the cacao farms and visit local communities.
Stretched across 53 square kilometres and in striking distance of the mainland, Isla Popa is the second largest in the collection of islands that make up the Bocas del Toro. All wild unbridled beaches, low-lying lands of velvet green, and the murmur of mountains in the background, Isla Popa may be one of the more developed spots in the archipelago but it doesn’t skip out on its off-the-beaten-track feeling. Charter guests will find a smorgasbord of the jungle, intricate coral reefs, soaring tucans singing overhead, and dense sun-dappled mangroves to explore. Return to Dolphin Bay for safe anchorage in the evening, since Isla Popa is more exposed.
Just North of Isla Colon, you will find Bird Island, best known for being home to the rare red-billed tropic bird. Due to the protected bird population, it is forbidden to anchor right on the island. A deeper anchorage in Bahia Honda and a kayak or paddleboard in makes for an excellent daytrip. From here, go on to explore starfish Beach, a white-sand paradise with crystal clear waters.
End your charter where you began in Isla Colon. From here charter guests can ride the Panama Railway Canal dating back to the 19th century with historic carriages adorned with glass ceilings. You can also visit the 17th-century UNESCO-awarded rock formations of Portobelo. With plenty of duty-free delights to pick up including local trinkets and heady rum, you may want to follow up all that shopping with a blissful beach trip. Playa La Angousta is for those who want beach sports and cabanas whereas the gentle Caribbean Playa Chiquita is accessible by boat only and provides scenic dreams of verdent rainforests and warm clear waters.