Swimming with Dolphins & Sharks - Stargazing in San Blas – Our Latest Voyage from Puerto Lindo to Cartagena
- Goeran Persson
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Our latest 5-night San Blas sailing charter from Puerto Lindo to Cartagena was one for the books — full of wildlife encounters, cultural discovery, and unforgettable moments both on deck and in the water.
Dolphins, Yoga & Ocean Magic
This San Blas sailing adventure truly had it all. One morning began on deck with the sun rising and a light breeze across the water — the perfect setting for yoga at sea. With mats provided onboard, guests practiced under open skies, finding peace and presence. Lucky we had one guest who knew how to guide a yoga session.
Later, while anchored near a remote, uninhabited island in the San Blas archipelago, we spotted a pod of wild dolphins approaching Quest. In the middle of our lunch, without hesitation, we grabbed our snorkel gear and jumped in. Swimming with dolphins in the open sea was nothing short of magical. Making eye contact with a wild dolphin as it circles playfully around you is an experience that leaves you speechless — a true highlight of any Caribbean sailing trip.
And the wildlife encounters didn’t end there. The very next day, two curious nurse sharks glided in to visit us. They swam peacefully around the boat — and some brave guests — for nearly an hour. Calm, inquisitive, and completely unbothered by our presence, these gentle sharks offered another unforgettable moment of connection with the natural world.
Flavors of the Caribbean – Chef Hilda’s New Dish
Mealtimes onboard reached new heights this trip, thanks to Chef Hilda’s latest creation: a Trinidad-style fried fish, served with her signature jerk-seasoned potato chips and fresh coleslaw. The secret is culantro which resulted in bold flavours, spicy potatoes, and deeply satisfying — made even better by the salty breeze and sea views.
Bonfires, Stars & Ancient Ways of Navigation
On one of our final nights in the San Blas Islands, we anchored off a deserted cay, lit a bonfire on the beach, and spent the evening under a dome of stars. Captain Goeran, a master of celestial navigation, shared stories of sailing before GPS and taught guests about the firmament, the star signs, and how to find your way north.
Guna Yala Settlement Visit
Our guests also visited a traditional Guna Yala settlement, where time moves slowly and modern life feels far away. It was a meaningful reminder of the diverse ways life can be lived.
Smooth Crossing to Cartagena
The final leg from San Blas to Cartagena brought not much wind and rolling Caribbean swells — and for some guests a bit of seasickness crept in. As the skyline of Cartagena appeared on the horizon, a wave of relief and accomplishment washed over us. We had done something extraordinary! We toasted our arrival with piña coladas, soaking in the vibrant, colorful noisy chaos of the city, grateful for the unforgettable journey we'd shared.
Ready to Sail?
If you’re looking to sail San Blas from Panama to Colombia, or from Colombia to Panama, there’s no better way than aboard Quest. With a small group of fellow adventurers, chef-prepared meals, wildlife encounters, and meaningful cultural connections, each voyage is uniquely unforgettable.
Join our next sailing adventure from Cartagena to San Blas, or San Blas to Cartagena!
Greetings from
Captain Goeran and Chef Hilda
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