What is the Best Time of the Year to Charter a Catamaran in San Blas?
Sailing charter reservations are plentiful from middle of November to late April and this is because of the dry weather and guaranteed sunny conditions. This does not mean that the rest of the months are not recommended, and San Blas can become an even more interesting destination from May to November once the flock of boats leaves the area.
San Blas is a dream destination for friends and family looking for a scape from reality. With its turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and idyllic islands, the islands are second to none. An inviting indigenous community and culture gives the Caribbean archipelago an edge over other famous sailing destinations such as the BVI, USVI, Bahamas, Saint Martin, St. Lucia etc.
One of the most common questions we get from prospective visitors is, "When is the best time to charter a catamaran in the San Blas islands?" The good news is, the San Blas Islands offer fantastic opportunities year-round, each season bringing its own unique advantages.
San Blas weather conditions are quite simple: the dry, sunny winter season contrasts with the occasional rain of summer. While sporadic rain may occur, hurricanes are unheard of in Panama. Consequently, the San Blas islands remain accessible year-round, offering unique experiences. Thanks to prevailing trade winds, humidity dissipates, revealing an explosion of colors and textures unseen during the dry or high season.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide the perfect time for this Caribbean sailing adventure.
High season: Winter (Middle November to late April)
Highlights:
Weather: Warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C). You may or may not need a catamaran with A/C depending on your heat toleration.
Sailing Conditions: Steady trade winds and calm seas make for smooth sailing. San Blas does have it’s own share of strong Christmas winds but this circumstance will not affect your sailing charter since the sailing areas are behind the protection of the coral ring and cays. No waves and no major alterations.
Activities: Ideal for snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and exploring islands like Cambombia, Green Island, Bapurgana and the Cays. Meeting the indigenous at least for a bit is a must!
Why Winter? Winter is peak season in the whole Caribbean, attracting many travelers and sailing charter enthusiast looking to escape colder climates. The weather is near perfect, with minimal rainfall and pleasant temperatures. This is an excellent time for those who prefer to have other boats and visitors around. However, it is wise to book your catamaran charter well in advance, as demand is very high and catamarans in San Blas are just a few, specially the good ones fully equipped and big enough.
Low season: Summer (May to beginning of November)
Highlights:
Weather: Warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 81°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C). Please book a catamaran with A/C if possible and use it at least to sleep. You need a good night’s sleep in order to be prepared for next day. If you are an adventurer and can sleep with hot weather, go ahead and reserve any other catamaran that best suits your needs.
Sailing Conditions: Light winds and very calm seas, though occasional showers are possible, humidity quickly dissipates.
Activities: Family-friendly adventures, vibrant snorkeling, amazing reefs. Thanks to the flat seas and no wind conditions, you can easily spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, sharks, etc.
Why Summer? Summer is an excellent time for families and those looking to enjoy an even more relaxed pace and a closer, totally undisturbed encounter with the San Blas natural wonders. The islands have no other visitors and the ocean is absolutely clear, warm and perfect for swimming and other water sports. Yes, it may occasionally rain, but chances of persistent rain is highly unlikely. Be prepared for a low season intimate experience, it will be life changing.
Regardless of the season, the San Blas islands are blessed with unique conditions that make it favorable and completely safe to venture into with no prior knowledge of sailing.
Catamaran Adventures San Blas only offers unique private all inclusive catamaran experiences in San Blas and no other part of the world. By specializing to such and extent, we ensure we offer a dream vacation and nothing else.
The archipelago of the San Blas islands is a year-round paradise for catamaran charters. Each season brings its own charm and advantages, making any time of the year a good time to enjoy a vacation. When planning your sailing trip, consider what activities and experiences you value most, and let us guide you through this Paradise.
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