On board: what you should know

This voyage is not a guided tour, but the crew is prepared to help you make the most of your time on the sailboat. Safety is the priority, followed closely by your comfort.

Please note that the crew's availability for socializing may vary, as they have important responsibilities on board. Each captain has his or her own style of operation, but their primary focus will always be safe and efficient sailing.

Some sailboats have captains hired on a rotating basis; we recommend that you consult the specific details of your vessel, as crew roles may change. Captains may be local or expatriate, but there will always be at least one English-speaking crew member.

You can learn more about each captain through the bios available.

Open communication with the crew is essential to resolve doubts or concerns and maintain a respectful and harmonious environment. Teamwork enhances the experience for everyone on board.

• •  

  Quote

  Each captain sets his own trip prices, which are consistent on all booking platforms. The price may vary according to the type of yacht and cabin selected, as well as by season. Rates are adjusted accurately and transparently.

  Confirmed booking

  If you wish to book, contact us by email or WhatsApp, indicating:

  Number of people

  Check-in and check-out dates

  We will request a deposit of 15% to 20% of the total amount to confirm the reservation.
  The remaining balance is to be paid in cash upon arrival at the boat.

  Transportation

  We will provide you with the contacts of authorized companies to arrange transportation to and from San Blas.
  You can choose to arrive by land or by air, according to your preference.

  What to bring

  Original passport (required)

  Light beach clothes

  Sunscreen (preferably with aloe vera)

  Sandals or comfortable shoes

  Lightweight luggage (backpacks or bags, not suitcases with wheels)

  Waterproof bags or cases for electronic devices

  Cash, as there are no ATMs or banks in the area.

  Schedules

  Check-in: 9:00 a.m.

  Check-out: 7:00 a.m.

  Late check-out: until 3:00 p.m. with an additional charge of 50% of one night's stay.

On Board Experience

• Private sailing aboard a spacious catamaran, ideal for relaxing and exploring in comfort.
• Full board: delicious fresh meals prepared by our crew every day.
• Drinks included: water, natural juices, coffee and rum cocktails served in moderation.
• Exploration of the Guna Yala archipelago, sailing among paradisiacal islands.
• Cultural visits with local Guna guides (according to availability), for an authentic experience.
• Access to snorkeling equipment, paddle surf boards and floats to enjoy the sea.
• Accommodation in comfortable cabins on board, with private or shared bathrooms depending on the boat.
• Professional crew: captain and local host/cook, attentive to your well-being.
• Authentic cultural immersion in the way of life of the Guna community.
• Unforgettable views and unique moments in an incomparable natural environment.

• • • Access to the Islands and Local Rates

      Island ownership: Each island in the Guna Yala archipelago is owned by different native families. Some of them keep the islands clean and conditioned to receive visitors, for which they may charge an entrance fee of $2 to $3 USD per person per day.

      Entrance to the Guna Yala region:
      When entering the Guna Yala territory a mandatory fee applies:

      $23 USD for foreigners with international passport.

      8 USD for Panamanian citizens and residents
      At the checkpoint, authorities may inspect luggage. It is prohibited to enter with drones, firearms, fishing spears, drugs and other restricted items.

  Land and Sea Transportation

  To the boat:
  Transportation must be done exclusively with authorized services. The trip starts in a 4x4 vehicle that will pick you up at the agreed point between 5:00 and 5:30 am.
  You will arrive at the port of Guna Yala around 8:30 - 9:00 a.m., depending on traffic. From there, a water cab will take you to the sailboat.

  Total cost of transportation (land + sea): $75 USD per person.

  Return to Panama City:
  The same authorized service will pick you up between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. in a water cab to take you back to Panama City in a 4x4 vehicle.

  Estimated time of arrival: between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.

  Cost: $75 USD per person

  Late Check-Out:
  If you contract this service, the boat will pick you up between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and you will arrive in Panama City between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

  Non-refundable deposit

  The deposit requested to confirm the reservation (10% to 20%) is non-refundable. By making the payment, you agree to this policy as part of the terms of service.

General Terms and Considerations

We are a booking agency, and each sailboat is privately owned and operated independently. Upon boarding, the captain assumes full responsibility and authority over the vessel, including decisions related to the safety, navigation and comfort of the passengers. The captain may modify plans or deny boarding if deemed necessary to preserve the well-being of all on board.

Communication and Policies

It is essential to maintain clear and respectful communication with the captain of the booked vessel, especially regarding entry policies, cancellation and rules on board. The specific terms and conditions of the boat and its crew will be communicated to you days prior to your arrival.

Limitations and Liability

We are not responsible for:

Adverse weather conditions

Governmental decisions

Force majeure or legal events beyond our control.

Actions against public order

We promise to keep you informed in time if any situation occurs that affects your trip.

Meals and Food Preferences

The food and beverages included in your experience are offered solely and exclusively by the captain and his crew, who elaborate their own menu. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences or dietary restrictions, as long as they are communicated in advance.

An authentic experience

You are being welcomed in the houseboat of a family or couple. It is a cross-cultural experience, where adaptation, respect and openness are key to fully enjoy the contact with the indigenous Guna community.

Personal belongings

Each guest is responsible for their personal belongings.
Neither the crew nor the agency is responsible for lost or stolen objects during the trip.

Acceptance of risk

Adventure tourism carries inherent risks. By booking with us, you agree to voluntarily assume these risks, exempting Triponboats from liability:

Triponboats

Boat owners

Captains and crews

Agencies and intermediaries

This includes any injury, damage or loss that may occur during the sailing experience.

Thank you for choosing Triponboats

Thank you for booking with Triponboats.
We wish you an unforgettable vacation on board!
Enjoy your trip.

Deposit Policy

Please read the following policy carefully before confirming your reservation:

Deposit Amount
A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total value is required to secure your reservation.

Purpose of deposit
This deposit guarantees the exclusive booking of the requested sailing charter for the date and time selected. It allows us to allocate resources and plan your experience optimally.

Non-refundable nature
The deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances, including, but not limited to:

Cancellations

No-shows

Rescheduling

Changes in personal or logistical plans

Exceptions
In exceptional and duly justified cases (e.g. medical emergencies, family accidents, natural disasters, loss of a loved one), we may consider, at our sole discretion, offering a credit or rescheduling.

Final payment
The remaining balance must be paid in cash at the time of boarding, directly to the captain of the yacht.
Important: There are no ATMs in the Guna Yala region. Be sure to bring the full amount before boarding.

Failure to make the final payment at the stipulated time may result in immediate cancellation of your reservation, with no refund of the deposit.

By continuing with the reservation and submitting the required deposit, you acknowledge and agree to this non-refundable deposit policy in full.

For any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer of Liability and Acceptance of Risks

Thank you for sailing with Trip on Boats. We are pleased to offer you an unforgettable experience at sea. However, it is important to establish certain terms regarding liability and limitation of risks associated with these types of activities.

1. Acceptance of Risks

Sailing and staying aboard a sailboat involves inherent risks and uncertainties, both known and unforeseen.
By engaging our services, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume these risks, and agree that Trip on Boats, its owners, employees and agents shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss that may arise directly or indirectly from these risks.

2. Personal Belongings

Trip on Boats is not responsible for loss, damage or theft of personal belongings or equipment brought on board by you or any member of your party. It is recommended not to bring unnecessary valuables.

3. Professional crew

Our crew is composed of qualified professionals whose priority is to ensure your safety and comfort. However, they are not responsible for personal injury, damage or loss that may occur during the charter, unless direct negligence is proven.

4. Third Party Services

Occasionally, we arrange or recommend third party services (e.g. transportation, meals, additional activities). Trip on Boats assumes no responsibility for any incident, delay, change or inconvenience arising from such third party services.

5. Exclusion of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Trip on Boats disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages arising from the use of our services, boats or recommendations.

By confirming your reservation and participating in the sailing charter, you represent that you have read, understand and agree to this disclaimer, waiving any present or future claim against Trip on Boats for liability or compensation for damages.

For any additional questions or clarification on this policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.