🧭Frequently Asked Questions – San Blas Sailing Adventures with Quest

What’s included in a sailing trip from Cartagena to San Blas, or San Blas to Cartagena?

Our sailing tours between Cartagena and the San Blas Islands include:

Accommodation onboard Quest, our custom-built expedition yacht
All meals freshly prepared onboard
Coffee, tea, and drinking water
High-quality snorkeling gear (Cressi brand, including fins)
Daily island visits
Coco Locos on the beach or onboard
Possibilities for beach bonfires under the stars

Note: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and juices are not included — but you're welcome to bring your own.

What kind of boat is Quest?

Quest is a 64-foot custom expedition liveaboard dive and sailing yacht, purpose-built for off-grid adventures. She’s safe, spacious, and ideal for long-distance sailing trips between Panama and Colombia.

Features include:

Large shaded lounging areas
Private guest cabins
Two bathrooms with showers + an additional outdoor shower
Dive deck with an easy-access ladder for swimming and snorkeling

Quest was hand-built by Captain Goeran himself — a true one-of-a-kind vessel designed for exploring remote places in comfort.

Is there a fridge onboard?

Yes. Quest has a fridge for guest beverages, as well as separate fridge and freezer units to keep your meals fresh.

What kind of food is served onboard?

Our chef, Hilda, cooks fresh, flavorful meals with Caribbean inspiration. We serve a variety of dishes including seafood, freshly caught lobster from the reef during lobster season, which runs from 1 June - 28 of February, jerk-spiced potato chips, tropical fruits, and even birthday cakes when there’s something to celebrate. See our menu section for the full menu. We cater to most dietary preferences — just let us know in advance.

What’s the Captain like?

Captain Goeran is a legend. With decades of experience at sea, from celestial navigation to battling rouge waves, and having built Quest with his own hands, he brings a deep love for the ocean, sailing, and storytelling. Guests are welcome to join him at the helm to learn about navigation, sailing, or simply swap sea tales.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Absolutely! We provide high quality Cressi snorkeling gear (including fins) for all guests , and we stop at beautiful reefs throughout the San Blas archipelago. Expect colourful coral, tropical fish, and even the chance to spot rays, dolphins, and nurse sharks. Rarely we see turtles as well.

Will we see dolphins or sharks?

Dolphins are often seen on our trips — they often swim with the boat, and occasionally guests have the chance to swim with dolphins in the open sea. Nurse sharks are also common in San Blas and can be seen while snorkeling. They are curious but not dangerous. On rare occasions we have spotted sperm whales, pilot whales and fin whales when crossing the Darien Gap. However, the weather conditions has to be near perfect, and a bit of luck, to spot them.

Are there showers onboard?

Yes — Quest is equipped with:

Two indoor showers and toilets
One outdoor shower
A watermaker capable of producing 5,000 liters of fresh water per day
You can shower as often as you’d like.

How many guests are onboard?

We host a maximum of 10 guests per trip, ensuring a relaxed, personal, and spacious sailing experience.

Can I charge electronics onboard?

Yes. Quest has both:

European outlets (Type E/F Schuko)
American outlets (Type B)

You can charge phones, cameras, and small devices anytime.

Is it safe to sail in San Blas?

Yes. San Blas is a peaceful, protected region of Panama. We prioritize safety and have extensive experience navigating these waters between Cartagena and San Blas.

What should I pack?

Bring:

Swimsuit
Reef-safe sunscreen
Towel
Light clothes
Drinks and snacks
Seasickness medication
Waterproof bag for electronics (optional)
Resuable water bottle
US dollars in case you want to buy something on the islands
Sense of adventure

Snorkeling gear, drinking water, and bedding are provided.

What is life like onboard?

Life onboard Quest is relaxed, adventurous, and connected to nature. From sometimes yoga in the morning (we provide yoga mats which you also could use to lie on deck under the stars) to beach bonfires at night, every day is different — and unforgettable.

Will we meet the Guna people?

Yes. We respectfully visit Guna Yala settlements and families along the way to learn more about their rich culture and traditions. You will be able to buy souvenirs, their famous molas and bracelets, coconuts and beer on some of the islands.

How do I travel between Panama City and Puerto Lindo?

We recommend a shuttle transfer (25 USD/person) to/from your hostel in Panama City:

If you're sailing Cartagena to Puerto Lindo, we book it for you.
If you're starting in Puerto Lindo, contact the shuttle directly (info in our Ready 2 Sail document).

Local buses are also available but can be crowded and inconsistent.

What is it like to sail across the Darién Gap between San Blas and Cartagena?

Crossing the Darién Gap by sailboat is an unforgettable open-ocean adventure between Cartagena and San Blas. The passage takes around 30–36 hours, depending on the weather, and offers a rare sense of freedom — with the chance of whale spotting, sunsets, and open sea all around. While remote, the crossing is safe and carefully planned, and Quest is built for long-distance sailing. The weather can be everything from rough seas to flat calm. Either way, you will feel like you have done something extraordinary.

What if I get seasick?

Some guests are concerned about seasickness, especially during the open-sea crossing of the Darién Gap. We recommend bringing seasickness medication. Dramamine is a good brand and can be bought in most pharmacies. You will only need to take seasickness pills on the Darien crossing and the night when we sail between Puerto Lindo and San Blas. Once we reach the calm waters of San Blas, the sailing is smooth and easy.

Can I pick coconuts in San Blas?

No. Picking coconuts is not allowed, as all coconuts in the San Blas Islands belong to the Guna people, even those on uninhabited islands. Coconuts are an important part of their economy and culture, so please respect their traditions and only consume coconuts that are offered or sold to you by the locals.

What’s the weather like when sailing between San Blas and Cartagena?

Between December and April the winds are steady. Expect more wind and waves during this season. Between May and November, the seas are generally calmer, with light winds and occasional rain showers.

Is Quest a party boat?

We welcome a good time, fun games, and a good drink or cocktail. However, we do not host pirate parties on the beach and on Quest we drink with moderation.

Can I play my own music?

Yes! We have a Bluetooth connection to the big boat speakers.

Do I need a visa?

Most travelers don’t need a visa to enter Panama or Colombia for short stays, but it’s always best to check with your local embassy.

Is this trip suitable for all ages?

Our regular trips are designed as adult experiences of all ages, focused on adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature — so we do not accommodate children on shared departures. However, families are more than welcome to book a private charter of the whole boat, in which case we’ll tailor the experience.

Still have questions?

Download our Ready to Sail Documents

READY 2 SAIL - Puerto Lindo to Cartagena.docx

READY 2 SAIL - Cartagena to Puerto Lindo.docx