Sailing and Diving Charter in Bocas del Toro

Come travel with us on board the trimaran sailboat “NAYLAMP” and discover the magic of the Caribbean Sea at Bocas del Toro Archipelago in Panama. You will enjoy the sea, the sun, paradisaical white sanded islands and crystal clear waters.

You will have the pleasure of sailing to several unique areas; the possibility of practicing or learning a great variety of watersports and you will be delighted with excellent, natural and fresh food.

All this in a comfortable atmosphere, customized to your needs, and with the tranquility of cruising in a fully equipped boat navigated by the experienced captain.

BOAT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Boat type: Sailing trimaran
Length: 41 feet
Width: 22.4 feet
Depth: 5 feet
Fuel capacity: 90 gallons
Fresh water capacity: 130 gallons
Sail area: 841 sq feet
Displacement: 13,200 pounds
Engine: 1x 56 HP Yanmar Diesel
Design: Ed Horstman, Naval Architect
Builder: Daniel Ayora, year 1997

NAYLAMP consists of three double cabins, one bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, which allows a maximum of 6 people to comfortably live for several days on board.

The boat is equipped with radar system, sonar, GPS, automatic pilot, EPIRB, complete communication system (SSB, VHF), e-mail, TV, DVD, VHS, HIFI sound system, as well as a full safety system for navigation.

Our dinghy is a zodiac with 15 hp outboard engine.

DESTINATIONS IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

Bocas del Toro islands belongs to the province of the same name and is located in the eastern side of the country in the Caribbean sea. The archipelago is formed by 9 islands, 52 cays and more than 200 small atolls. There you will appreciate the beauty of its bays, lagoons, coral reefs, mangroves, wild beaches fringed with jungle and the diverse marine life.

Colon is the major island, where the town of Bocas del Toro is located. There you will find the majority of the area’s hotels, bars and restaurants, plus the only airport. Between the archipelago and mainland coast there are two big bays: Almirante, between the coast and Colon, Bastimentos and Popa islands; and Chiriqui Lagoon surrounded by Popa and Cayo de Agua islands and Valiente Peninsula.

Christopher Columbus “discovered” this region in 1502, in his forth and last travel to the New World. Columbus was amazed with the beauty of Bocas del Toro. During XIX century black population from the Antilles and the Colombian islands (San Andres and Providencia) arrived as slaves for the plantation owners. They mixed with the indigenous population and created small communities of subsistence fishermen and farmers. During this period the United Fruit Company established itself in Bocas and created the boom in the banana industry.

At the present time the population of Bocas del Toro province is mainly indigenous, with the most important group being the Ngobe-Bugle (also known as Guaymies). They have their own language, Ngobere. There is as well the Creole, which language is called Guariguari, a mix of Anfro-Antillean English, Ngobere, Spanish and even some French words.

ROUTES

1 DAY ROUTE

Naylamp departs from Colon Island, en-route to Dophin Bay, where you will observe dolphins in their natural environment. From there we head for Crawl Cay, with its superb marine bottom full of coral reefs and fishes, excellent for snorkeling. Next we head for Solarte Island, good for snorkeling and bird watching. At sunset we sail back to Colon Island.

For one day trips we can accommodate groups of up to 20 people.

2-3 DAYS ROUTE

As well as the locations visited in our 1 day route, we will visit Cayos Zapatilla, inside the Bastimento Marine National Park with the most beautiful beaches of the area. In this route you can practice snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, beach walks, and if you are interested, diving. It covers a larger area which allows you to know more about the archipelago.

4-5 DAYS ROUTE

This longer journey includes the areas of our shorter routes and other further out interesting places as Bluefield. There you can enjoy the beaches, jungle and at your own pace discover the area and practice activities as kayaking, surf, trekking… Punta Uvita, snorkeling, fishing.

As well you can observe the flora and fauna, toucans, monkeys, sloth, etc. The entire area is inhabited by the Ngobe-Bugle living on their own self governed reservation. On the way to Bluefield our route passes by Punta Cayo Tigre, Punta Laurel, located between Popa Island and Cayo de Agua Island. On the way back we will visit the two islands that make up the Zapatilla Cays.

6-7 DAYS ROUTE – OPTION 1

This route of 6-7 days, besides the places pointed in the previous routes: departure from Colon Island, Bocatorito Bay, Crawl Cay, Punta Cayo Tigre, Toro Island, Bluefield (Punta Uvita, Kusapin), Zapatillas Cays, Bastimento Island beaches (near by Old Point), Solarte Island, plus a trip all around Colon Island: Punta Manglar (snorkeling, kayaking), diving in the “wreck deck”, walk in Punta Caracol, Drago Beach (beautiful beaches, snorkeling, kayaking), Swan Cay (Isla Pájaros), spot for diverse migratory bird watching and the beaches in Bastimento Island (Long beach, Red Frog beach and Polo beach).

Because of the length of this route you will gather a thorough knowledge of the entire archipelago with lots of time to practice the various activities we offer.

6-7 DAYS ROUTE IN ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS ISLAND

(Only available September – October or when weather permits)

This trip is made for people whose primary interest is to know Escudo de Veraguas Island; included in this trip to Escudo, we will also tour around the archipelago to show you the highlights in Bocas del Toro.

Departure from Colon Island, bound for Bluefield, next we sail to Escudo de Veraguas (10 miles off the coast), an exotic getaway where you can forget about the world. Return via Tobobe Bay, a remote place inhabited only by Ngobe-Bugle indigenous people. Finally we stop in Zapatilla Cays on our way back to Colon Island.

Note: All the trips include all Foods and Drinks (water, sodas, beer, wine, rum) plus snorkeling gear, fishing gear, two kayaks (one double, one triple). For use of diving equipment there is an extra charge.

Custom trips available on request.

Prices are around $175-275 per person per day, depending on the season and the characteristics of the trip.

ACTIVITIES

SNORKEL: we have on board snorkeling gear for up to 10 people, besides flashlights for night snorkeling. We offer our experience to teach new people (children and adults) this wonderful activity.

SCUBA: equipment for 3 people is available. We offer the option of night dives. We also offer our experience to teach new people this activity.

KAYAKING: 2 double kayaks are available, one of which has the capacity to carry diving gear.

SAILING: for those interested in learning and practicing the skill of sailing, the experienced captain will be available as a your teacher, from basic to advanced levels, while cruising during a trip. As well we can offer private lessons for those interested in the finer details of seamanship.

FISHING: We have on board two fishing rods for use during navigation, plus a smaller one for fishing near the reefs when using the zodiac. Also we have a wide variety of lures to pursue all the local species of edible fish.

TREKKING: As an option to the watersports, we invite you to join us and visit one of the many small paths we know around the area. We know and enjoy sharing with our guest the knowledge we have of these natural places. Binoculars, walky-talkies, etc, are available for your use. Boots and long pants are recommended. 

SNUBA: different than scuba diving, all the heavy gear is carried in a kayak. A hose connects you to the tank above, allowing you to descent up to 35 feet. We have gear for 6 people.

SURFING: we can arrange special trips for surfers; carrying your own equipment on board and have accommodation, food, and transportation to the surf spots.

VISIT INDIGENOUS VILLAGES: we interact with the indigenous communities of the area. We understand and respect their traditions, customs and lifestyle.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Travel comfortably and carefree you only need some simple things; this is a magnificent peaceful and unforgettable adventure.

CLOTHES: Temperatures In the Caribbean are always warm, we recommend wear summer cotton clothes, although it is always good to bring a long sleeve shirt and long pants in your luggage (better a bag or backpack on a boat for storage reasons).

Only during the rainy season a rain coat may be necessary. As footwear flip-flops, sandals or reef runners are best choice for land and sea. On board only non-marking rubber shoes are allowed. Sunglasses, cap or hat are highly recommended.

FOOD: All the meals are prepared on board, to guarantee freshness and good quality. Mainly Mediterranean, Caribbean and Peruvian style cuisines, with lots of fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, pastas, rice, etc.

If you let us know in advance, we are glad to adapt our menus to your nutritional preferences or needs.

CHILDREN ON BOARD: Children as young as 2 years old have been on board. Of course their parents are responsible for their care, but we participate with them to ensure they have a great safe time.

CLIMATE: Is warm, with tropical sun. Be sure to take with you sun-block and suntan lotions, as well as mosquito repellent.

SEASICKNESS: Although it is not common on board the trimaran due to its stability, in case of seasickness we know how to help the person to recover. The most commonly used medicine is Dramamine.

MEDICINES: It is important to have all recommended vaccinations before leaving your country. Be sure to bring any special medications you may need. The trimaran is endowed with a well-equipped first aid kit.

SAFETY ON BOARD

- Electronic system: radar, sonar, GPS and automatic pilot.
- Emergency equipment EPIRB (satellite position identification and USA coastguard communication).
- Life jackets, life raft.
- Computerized marine navigation system

Reserve this boat: info@panamatravelgroup.com

+507-202-1111 (Panama)   |    1-786-539-4731 (USA)