Sample Itinerary
Here is a sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a relaxing land vacation with TradeWinds at AQUA Panama. Weather or other outside factors may mean that the tours and events happen on different days from those listed. Please note that is a sample of what you might expect; it is not an exact fixed itinerary.
Arrival Day - Saturday
Embarkation is at 5 pm. You are welcome to check in and drop off your luggage when you arrive at the marina. Your catamaran will be moored at Bocas Marina, Bocas Del Toro. Upon arrival at the marina, you will be greeted by your crew, who will go through the check-in procedure with you and help you feel at home. At 5 pm, you will be welcomed onboard and introduced to your fellow sailors, whilst enjoying a refreshing welcome cocktail. Afterward you will be shown to your cabin and your new home for the week. Take a little time to settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner aboard, while your yacht remains in the small quiet harbour for the evening.
Cruising Day 1 - Sunday
Breakfast is served, followed by a safety briefing and a first look at the proposed itinerary for the week. Then we'll haul up the anchor for a short early morning cruise towards an amazing lagoon. At Coral Gardens we will have the first snorkeling opportunity of the week.
After snorkeling, we will set sail to Crawl Cay where lunch will be served. You will have the opportunity to explore the wonder of an open water "aquarium", with enormous angel fish and many more species of large, well-fed fish. This spot is also ideal for snorkeling, followed by a two hour cruise to the pristine peninsula which awaits you at Bluefields Lagoon.
We will spend the night at anchor at this idyllic bay, and have dinner onboard. You can take a romantic starlit stroll along the beach after dinner, before falling asleep in your private cabin under those same stars!
Cruising Day 2 - Monday
After breakfast, we will make a short hike through an Indian village to the beautiful beach on the Caribbean Sea. For the more adventurous among you a surfing opportunity may arise.
After lunch, we will set sail to cruise to the gorgeous Zapatillas, where two cays will be waiting for you. The afternoon will be spent on those idyllic islets in the area, where you can relax, swim, snorkel and sunbathe. The crew will ensure that you are never too far away from a cocktail to ensure an afternoon's paradise!
Another wonderful dinner is served, after which your Captain may invite all guests up on deck for a night-cap, and a late evening of some amazing stargazing.
Cruising Day 3 - Tuesday
We'll raise the anchor and set out for a two hour cruise to Sloth Island. The name says it all! In the afternoon we'll cruise to Bocas town, which will bring you to the known "party area" of Bocas del Toro - at the right hour - when the streets are filling with the young crowd returning from their daily activities, and the buzz fills the streets with carnival vibrations. Besides getting to sample fine international cuisine, the street artists and local craft-stands invite you in for a bit of shopping - "Caribbean style". We will dine ashore tonight in one of Bocas' lively restaurants.
Cruising Day 4 - Wednesday
After a great night's sleep and a tasty breakfast, we'll have a short sail to Mangrove Point, off the beautiful Isla Colon. It is time for easy snorkeling off the back of the yacht. We spend the afternoon cruising to the Hanging Gardens, where the mangroves create an amazing snorkelling site by hanging over the soft coral reef. When the sun is coming from just the right angle you will find yourselves in a pristine snorkeling area, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
Cruising Day 5 - Thursday
After another fantastic breakfast, we will make the short sail to Green Acres Farm where the owner, Rob, will share with us his vast knowledge of the local flora and fauna, while showing you his chocolate farm and factory. It's not obligatory to taste the chocolate, but we certainly recommend it! After lunch we will sail through the Black Lands passage and head for Starfish Beach, where we will spend the afternoon and evening. A small lagoon is waiting for you to take the kayaks there for some fantastic explorations.
Cruising Day 6 - Friday
Breakfast is served, followed by a cruise to Hospital Point, where a surprising cove awaits with a magnificent dive site and the snorkelling is sublime. Please remember, the lobsters over here are too small for eating!! We will dine ashore tonight.
Departure Day - Saturday
After a last delightful breakfast onboard, it's time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds!