The Andiamo San Blas FAQ Section!
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions we get about sailing on the Andiamo. This section is constantly being updated. Please review this FAQ before emailing us with questions, as you may find your answers here. If not, please DO email us!
Are these sailing trips like yacht charters?
What itinerary does Andiamo typically follow on these trips?
What time does the trip usually start? When does it end?
How many people can get on a group sail trip?
Can we reserve a trip so we can have only our party onboard and no one else?
So all meals and beverages are really included?
What kind of food/meals can we expect on the trip?
What kind of drinking water will be available? Is it safe? Should we bring bottled water with us?
What should we take with us on the sailing trip? What should we NOT take?
Are there stores and/or supermarkets in San Blas? How about ATM’s?
Can you “hold” spots for us if we don’t submit a deposit right away?
How are cancellations handled?
Do you have snorkeling gear aboard?
Will we be able to go ashore on other islands?
What about seasickness? Should I be concerned about it?
How far in advance do you schedule sailing trips?
I see you have a cat onboard, I’m allergic to cats! What to do?
Can we give referrals? Do you pay commission?
Start of Answers:
Are these sailing trips like yacht charters?
No, these sailing trips are NOT charters. Yacht charters tend to be more “exclusive” and service-oriented. they are also more expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 or more per person/per day for a sailing charter anywhere in the Caribbean.
These trips are group sails. Our group sails allow us to mix and mingle different guests and groups to meet our minimum guest counts to run a trip (currently 6 people, with a maximum of 8 or 9). We schedule these trips in advance, and try to get the boat filled up for the trip. Guests reserve space for the trip that best meets their schedules. We’re usually quite lucky and get a great, diverse mix of people aboard, and a good time is had by all.
Unlike most crewed charters, our sailing trips are rather informal, casual and involve more guest participation. Guests are typically involved in the daily operation of the boat, including sailing, line-handling, anchoring, cooking, dishwashing, among other duties, as part of the crew. These trips are definitely more “hands-on” than a typical charter trip. The benefits are obvious. The costs per person are far lower because there are less staff and service costs, without sacrificing the quality and comfort of the boat. There is also more informality and casualness. This creates a more relaxed, personal atmosphere (we truly strive for the goal that you come aboard as guests, and leave as friends!). If you are looking for or are accustomed to the ameniities of full-service yacht charters, please do yourself a favor and book yourself on a charter yacht. 
What itinerary does Andiamo typically follow on these trips?
Each trip is entirely unique and the itinerary is dependent on several factors. Including wind/weather conditions, anchorage capacities, fish availability (we typically get our fish and lobster freshly caught from Kuna fishermen at each anchorage we go to, and dependent STRICTLY on availability), among others. We will usually venture out to the outer islands and Cays such as Chichime’, The Lemon Cays, Holandes Cays, and Coco Banderos on our longer-length trips. We try to focus on anchorage areas where there tends to be more good fish and snorkeling! But then again, we’re always going to new anchorages and discovering new places!
Our goal in making up an itinerary is to: give our guests a good broad view of the San Blas archipelago from the water; check out different ways that the Kunas live; and most of all, get some good sailing and snorkeling in! There is nothing better than having a beautiful day’s sail among beautiful islands, reefs and scenery, and end it all by dropping anchor in a beautiful, protected, serene anchorage for the night. Make no mistake about it. These trips are all about sailing, but you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the islands as well!Return to Top
Fortunately, it’s easier than most people think to travel to San Blas. To fly, currently there is one flight on Air Panama every morning from Albrook Airport in Panama City (the national airport) to El Porvenir. Flights leave very early in the morning, approximately 5:30-6 AM, so be prepared to be in Panama City at least the night before heading to San Blas. Costs for flights are quite cheap right now, around $50-70 per person, each way. Be aware that if you fly, that you will need to wait a few hours on Porvenir before the trip starts. We’ll come by after starting from Carti to pick you up around noon.
The other way to get there, and the way I recommend, is via 4×4 car or truck service from Panama City. There are several 4×4’s traveling throughout each day from Panama City for an adventurous 2-3 hour drive from the Interamericana highway and through crazy dirt and mud roads (which are steadily being improved), and, when conditions permit, even a cool river crossing. The cost is $25 per person each way, and you will also have to pay $6 road tax. We can arrange a car to pick you up where you are staying with no problem. All you need to do is tell us where you’ll be staying in Panama City to arrange pickup (our current usual pickup time is between 7 and 8 AM). Even if you are staying at a hostel or hotel that can arrange transportation to San Blas, let us do it for you! First of all, you’ll leave later in the morning (most of the regular cars leave around 5 AM), and it will allow us to keep all the guests together, making logistics easier.
Once you arrive, you’ll be picked up by a Kuna lancha (a small outboard-driven boat) that will take you and your bags directly to Andiamo. The cost for that ride is $3 per person each way. You may also be charged a $2 port tax at the river port, which at times can be VERY arbitrary. Be aware that these charges and taxes are levied DIRECTLY by the Kuna. I have no control over them, they can change at any time. Return to Top
What time does the trip usually start? When does it end?
When you get to San Blas, you will very soon find out why there are no hard-set schedules . That said, we like to try to set sail around 11am to noon. We are usually preparing the boat in the morning to receive guests, and will have early-arriving guests wait on the island of Carti Yantupu. During that time, you will be able to walk around the village, have some breakfast or coffee, shop for local art and molas, until it’s time to get aboard. We try to arrive back in Carti Yantupu around the same time, noon, on the day the trip ends. This is a good time because it gives guests heading back to the city sufficient time to catch a pre-arranged 4×4 heading back to the city. It’s also good for guests who are continuing to stay in San Blas to get to where they are staying and enjoy some day at their island lodging. Though we remain flexible, these are the times we shoot for.Return to Top
How many people can get on a group sail trip?
These group sails are designed for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 or 9 people (we’ll go up to 9 people if the trip comprises of four couples, otherwise, the max remains at 8). For shorter sails, such as day and half-day sails, we will take more people, since bunk availability is not an issue. Typically, our half and full day sails are scheduled impromptu based on demand from the Kuna lodges and hotels in the San Blas area. However, we will gladly book advance day sails, depending on availability. Just submit a pre-reservation and ask!Return to Top
Can we reserve a trip so we can only have our party onboard and no one else?
Group sails can be blocked out for just your party. If your group is 8 or 9 people, you’ll be guaranteed the sail upon a confirmed reservation with your paid deposit, as long as no one else has reserved and confirmed for that same trip date. If your group is less than 8 people, then an additional “lockout” fee will apply in addition to the standard rate we charge. This fee depends on the number of people in your party. Just email us and ask for a quote.Return to Top
We are a family with young children and would love to do a group sail. Do kids onboard pose a problem?
The answer to that question largely depends on the age of the kids. In experience, kids ages 7 or 8 years old and up seldom have problems with the sailing, and almost always enjoy themselves. They also tend to not be a damper on the trip for the other adult guests. Younger kids, however, age 6 and below, tend to NOT enjoy the trips as much as they should. They also tend to be a damper on the trip for the other “grownup” guests. In my opinion infants and toddlers should not do the trip.
I always suggest that if you would like to do a sailing trip with your family, and it consists of small children under 6, you should consider locking out a trip for just your family. This way, you have the whole boat to yourselves, there is more space and no other guests to get on the nerves of. Yes, you’ll pay more per person because of the lockout fee. But in all likelihood, your kids will have a better time, and that means YOU will have a better time. Just email us and ask for a quote.Return to Top
So all meals and beverages are really included?
Yes. All food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (which includes water, juices, coffee, tea, soda, and fruit drinks) are included. We also provide simple mixers for your cocktails. We always do our best to have a good stock of food, snacks, fruits and vegetables before every trip. We will almost always be able to get fresh fish and/or lobster for dinners. All you need to do is provide the liquor, wine, and/or beer you wish to consume during the trip. Your best bet is to buy these items while you’re in Panama City or on the way if you’re going to come by 4×4. The 4×4 usually stops at a large supermarket on the way out of Panama City or in La Margarita/Chepo, which is about an hour or so away from San Blas. There are two well-stocked supermarkets at that stop.Return to Top
Breakfast and lunch are typically “serve yourself” style, though some will be organized and prepared for everyone. Dinners are a coordinated effort by everyone, crew and guests. Everyone will share duties in preparing, cooking, and of course doing the dishes and cleaning the galley afterward. Understand with 7-10 people onboard (including captain and crew), it’s very easy to split up duties where no one person will be asked to do too much. And yes, cooking and eating great meals onboard is a huge part of the fun of these trips. Especially when you’re dealing with fresh seafood. 
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What kind of food/meals can we expect on the trip?
You eat what we eat, and we like to eat well.
We always strive to have a good stock of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, deli meats, and a good selection of snacks. We always arrange with local Kuna fishermen to get us fresh seafood each day on the trip (what we get is STRICTLY dependent on what is available!), lobster (when in season) bonito, wahoo, snapper, sea bass, and tuna are quite usual. Don’t worry, you will eat well on the trip. Return to Top
What kind of drinking water will be available? Is it safe? Should we bring bottled water with us?
In San Blas, the water is for the most part supplied by river sources high in the mountains in Kuna Yala’s mainland. In my experience, the water is clean and safe, and we drink it everyday. For good measure all the drinking water is filtered through a 5 micron filter system we run onboard before being bottled. We also produce fresh water via our onboard reverse-osmosis watermaker. This water is used for general use, such as bathing, cooking, and freshwater needs. This water is also safe to drink, though most people prefer the drinking water we get from the Kuna, which we tank separately. It is of course your option to bring along anything you want, including bottled water. However, it’s important to reiterate that the water we use for drinking is safe, very clean and re-filtered onboard. And thanks to our latest filtration system addition, has a very good taste.
It’s also important to point out that bringing plastic bottles to the islands where it is also ultimately disposed, is really NOT a good idea. The Kuna are already have major issues with proper waste management as it is. Tourists bringing bottles and other plastics to the environment only adds to the problem. I believe that it is simply not worth the negative impact, especially when there is perfectly safe and clean water available locally.
What should we take with us on the sailing trip? What should we NOT take?
You don’t need to bring much with you, but here’s a quick list:
- At least one bathing suit
- A towel for each person
- Sunscreen
- personal toiletries
- seasickness medication (only if you’re really worried about seasickness)
- a light rain jacket or windbreaker
- any special medications, foods or supplements you may require
- insect repellent (recommend deet) in the event of sand flies getting on the boat when at anchorage. Happens, but not very often.
If you are planning on returning to Panama City after your trip to San Blas (as most people do), we respectfully ask that you NOT take all your luggage with you on the trip. Please take only what you need. Space on the 4×4 rides over can get highly limited during busy times, and excessive bags can and will cause logistical problems. Pack a small day pack or consolidate your stuff into one bag to take with you. Store any other baggage with your hotel or hostel. Most hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts, will GLADLY hold your luggage while you’re on the trip, even if you have checked out. Doing this will save you, your drivers, and us here on the boat lots of unnecessary planning and logistics. Please help us out and pack wisely!
Are there stores and/or supermarkets in San Blas? How about ATM’s?
One of the truly beautiful things about San Blas, is its utter remoteness from the “real world”. Thus, there are very few and very scarcely stocked stores in San Blas. Supermarkets are non-existent. Beer and rum can usually be purchased in tourist-oriented islands and village islands. But be prepared to pay high prices (as much as $1.50 per can of beer for example). It’s always best to buy while in the city. As for ATM’s the answer is no. There are no ATM’s in San Blas, despite the GROSS MISINFORMATION in the major guidebooks! And although there has been talk about installing a couple on the populated islands like Nargana and Carti’ it just hasn’t happened yet. Apparently the logistics and communications are just too prohibitive. You need to bring your cash/travelers’ checks (don’t depend too much on travelers’ checks other than to pay for your sailing trip) to pay for your trip and your time in San Blas with you from the city.Return to Top
We accept cash, travelers’ checks (as long as they’re yours and not a third party) in US Dollars. We also accept credit/debit card and E-checks via Paypal. and Amazon Payments! Paying your deposit via Paypal and Amazon Payments is EASY. To get full details, just go to this page, which is the same screen you will be brought to after you submit a reservation for your sailing trip. Note, if you are new to Paypal or Amazon, you may have to go through a verification process before you can submit your payment, so allow some time for that (it can sometimes be 1-2 days or more). Typically, deposits can be paid in advance using paypal, and final balances can be paid in cash or travelers’ check when you come aboard. NOTE! if you wish to pay in full using Paypal or Amazon, please do so BEFORE you leave Panama City for your trip! On the remaining balance, please add 3% to the balance due after the deposit to cover our processing fees, thanks!Return to Top
Can you “hold” spots for us if we don’t submit a deposit right away?
Reservations can only be confirmed with a paid deposit. With Paypal and now, Amazon Payments, it’s quick and easy to make a deposit from almost anywhere in the world using your bank account, credit card, or debit card. We’ll gladly “hold” a reservation pending a deposit being received. But please understand that if we get a reservation with a deposit for those spots before we receive yours, and there is no other space on the trip, the one with the paid deposit will get the spots. In any case, we’ll do our best to work with you and get you booked and reserved on the trip you want. Thanks for understanding!Return to Top
How are the bunks laid out on the Andiamo? Can we expect a private cabin if we’re a couple?
Andiamo has three cabins available for guests. The two aft cabins have queen size beds that will sleep 4. There is one cabin available up forward that also has a queen bed, bringing the total sleeping capacity to eight. couples almost always get their own private cabin with no problems. NOTE: In the event that the group comprises of four couples, The captain’s cabin (also with a queen bed) will be made available making it four cabins. There are also four bunks located outside of the cabins. There are two in the salon (one full-length, one for kids) and two full-length bunks in the cockpit. The cockpit is weather protected at night in the event of rain. In the event that the other cabins are filled by couples, single guests will have their option of sleeping in any of these bunks.
We are working on getting an accurate floor plan of the boat up on the site. Also be aware that there is plenty of space above decks for sleeping. And yes, many guests elect to sleep above decks on clear, starry nights. We have rollup mattresses and cushions for sleeping on deck available for your convenience. We provide fresh linens for all beds and for sleeping in the salon. You are, however, responsible for having your own towel.Return to Top
We have a group and would like to do a custom trip in San Blas that’s more than two or three nights. Is it possible?
Of course! We do private sails all the time. Just let me know what you have in mind, and how many people in your group. Give as much detail as possible. We’ll email you back with a custom quote as soon as possible.Return to Top
How are cancellations handled?
If we have to cancel a trip for any reason on our part, we will notify you as soon as possible and immediately refund your deposit, no worries. If you have to cancel on a trip, please let us know asap! We usually have people who are willing to jump in on a trip last-minute if space opens up. If we get someone else to fill your spot(s) on the trip, then we will gladly reimburse your deposit. However, if you cancel within five days before the trip date, and we are unable to get someone else to take your spot(s), your deposit is subject to forfeiture. Return to Top
Do you have snorkeling gear aboard?
Yes, Andiamo has a good inventory of snorkeling masks, fins and gear aboard for guests’ use. We’re always adding more gear and water toys to the inventory.Return to Top
Will we be able to go ashore on other islands?
Of course! In most anchorages we go to in San Blas, guests will be able to easily swim ashore. We also have a dinghy to make getting on and off island easy. Feel free to walk around and check out the islands! There are a few simple rules you will need to follow when ashore, but other than that, guests are welcome in almost all cases by the local Kuna.Return to Top
Unlike yacht charters, tips are never expected, but they’re always appreciated.
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Smoking is allowed on deck with certain guidelines, which you will be told about when you’re aboard. Smoking below decks is prohibited. Return to Top
What about seasickness? Should I be concerned about it?
You don’t have to worry to worry about seasickness too much. Most of where we sail is protected by an outer reef. This is what makes San Blas such a primo cruising ground. Because of this outer barrier reef protecting the low-lying islands, in most places you don’t get the waves and swells like you do on the open sea. Be aware however, that at times we will be crossing channels to open sea, and there may be a bit more rolling motion during those brief periods on our sails. If you feel you are extra sensitive and/or feel the need to protect yourself, use seasickness medication. I personally recommend Meclizine as a preventative or remedy (after you feel symptoms), or ginger tablets in the event of mild nausea or sour stomach.
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Of course! Just understand that cell phone coverage in San Blas is spotty at times and we may be unreachable. You can reach me at: +507 66793609 (my spanish is passable, just speak slowly). I can now receive my emails from my phone while in most parts of San Blas, which greatly improves my ability to communicate during trips. In the meantime, please bear with me if you don’t hear back right away. It’s only because we’re out on the water or out of range! Return to Top
What if we want to spend more time in San Blas before or after the sailing trip? Can you help us arrange lodging and transportation?
Absolutely! We work very closely with the Kuna, and thus are incredibly well-connected with several Kuna hotels and lodges all over San Blas, and we can get you the best island lodging for your budget. Your options will range from “casita” Kuna homestays running as low as $15-35 per night per person, to more “deluxe” private island accommodations that will run anywhere from $5-$95 per person, including all meals. If you would like contacts and/or help in getting your trip planned, just let us know. We’ll put you in contact with the right people. I will also soon be posting a contacts page with contact information of all the Kuna lodges and services that are available for your convenience, so stay tuned.Return to Top
How far in advance do you schedule sailing trips?
We usually make our schedule according to the most demand for trips. We’re currently working on 2-3 months in advance, and can reasonably expect that lead time to increase. Our goal is to schedule sailings that can accommodate as many people’s schedules as possible. We also have to take into account downtimes for maintenance, upkeep, boat service and other issues. If there’s a specific time period you’re interested in sailing, even if it’s months from now, LET ME KNOW! We’ll do everything we can to forecast our schedule and make it happen!Return to Top
I see you have a cat onboard, I’m allergic to cats! What to do?
First of all, please be sure to let us know when you reserve! We’ll make sure that one of the cabins is well-cleaned and “quarantined” from Lucy (Andiamo’s resident cat). In most cases, this is sufficient to ensure you’re comfortable during the trip. We also recommend that you take along a good allergy medicine such as , Benadryl, Claritin or whatever works for you to stave off any allergy symptoms you may experience. In most cases, the preparations we make will ensure that you will not be miserable from your cat allergy. Be aware that Andiamo gets MANY guests who are allergic to cats, even severely, and there have been VERY few problems. Return to Top
Should I be concerned about weather conditions?
Weather conditions in San Blas vary almost all of the time. However, weather conditions are almost NEVER so bad that we can’t get any sailing in or be safe in an anchorage during nasty weather. While you may see some rain and crazy weather during the trip, chances are good that you will see plenty of sunny, clear weather as well. Return to Top
Can we give referrals? Do you pay commission?
We LOVE REFERRALS! If you refer a party to us that books, we’ll gladly pay a commission. Just email us when you make a referral contact and give us their information. If we get a booking from them, you will get paid. If you’re a travel agent or a tour agency that deals with Panama, contact us. We love dealing with agents on custom trips and private sails.
And besides the commission incentives, we do hope that our past guests are happy enough with their trips that they will recommend us to their friends and colleagues with passion and enthusiasm. A big part of why Andiamo is so busy and active on the water is because of the tremendous goodwill created by our past guests and passengers. We will do everything we can to keep that trend going. Again, we strive to make friends of all our guests, and hope you’ll come aboard again! Maybe when we’re even somewhere else in the world! Return to Top
If your question was not answered by this section, please don’t hesitate to email us! And check back regularly, as we’ll update this section regularly with new FAQ’s.