31 Jan - 8 Feb
US$3,493
3 spaces available
Trade the bright waterfront of Aruba for the palm-fringed anchorages of Panama’s legendary San Blas Islands on this fast-moving Caribbean adventure aboard SV Sea Dragon. Covering approximately 700 nautical miles in just over a week, this voyage blends lively offshore sailing with time among one of the most idyllic archipelagos in the Western Caribbean. Departing from Aruba’s southern shores, we’ll head west across deep-blue Caribbean waters, settling quickly into watch systems and the rhythm of life at sea. As the low-lying islands of the San Blas rise from the horizon, the mood shifts from passage-making to exploration—turquoise shallows, white sand cays, and traditional Guna communities dotting the islands. After time at anchor, we continue toward the Panama Canal’s Caribbean gateway, arriving into Colón the evening before disembarkation. This is a voyage of contrasts: bluewater miles, remote tropical anchorages, and the satisfaction of making landfall after a rewarding offshore run. You’ll also get to Stand watch and take the helm on a rewarding offshore Caribbean passage Practice sail handling, navigation, and passage planning with a professional skipper Anchor among the palm-lined cays of the San Blas Islands (weather permitting) Experience both open-water sailing and reef-fringed island pilotage Build confidence as part of a small, hands-on offshore crew Sailing with Panexplore means you’re not just along for the ride. You’ll be part of the crew—standing watches, trimming sails, navigating, and learning as you go. Whether you’re building miles, confidence, or simply a deeper connection with offshore sailing, Panexplore voyages are designed to be immersive, educational, and rewarding. Our onboard cuisine is inspired by the places we sail through. Our galley follows a local & ocean-inspired philosophy — prioritizing local produce, coastal flavors, and fresh catch when the ocean provides. We can cater to specific diets, just let us know! > Key Details Distance: 700 nautical miles Cost: $4,990 Dates: 31 Jan–8 Feb 2027 (9 Days) Start: Renaissance Wind Creek Marina, Aruba End: Shelter Bay Marina, Colón, Panama Tentative Itinerary While the exact route and timing will depend on weather and skipper decisions, a typical voyage may look like this: Day 1: Join in Aruba Arrive at Renaissance Wind Creek Marina, meet your skipper and crew, settle in, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Day 2: Safety briefings & departure Following comprehensive safety and vessel briefings, we depart Aruba and set a westerly course, establishing our watch system as we head offshore. Days 3–4: Offshore to San Blas Bluewater sailing across the Caribbean. Expect steady trade winds, night watches under star-filled skies, and hands-on involvement in all aspects of sailing Sea Dragon. Days 5–6: Exploring the San Blas Islands Anchor among the idyllic cays of the San Blas archipelago. Opportunities to swim, explore ashore, and experience this unique island region, conditions permitting. Days 7–8: Final passage to Colón Weigh anchor and continue west toward Panama, refining coastal navigation as we approach the mainland and the entrance to the Panama Canal zone. We arrive into Shelter Bay Marina on the evening of Day 8. Day 9: Disembark in Colón After a final clean-down and debrief, guests depart the vessel in the morning. Please note: This sailing adventure is weather-dependent. Stopovers, timing, and the exact route will be determined by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible experience.
Leaving Aruba behind for the Guna Yala cays before tackling one of the greatest engineering marvels on earth to reach the gateway of the Panama Canal, completing seven hundred miles of bluewater sailing to arrive in Colón:
4.8/5•5 ReviewsWe are an adventure sailing company that offers immersive, hands-on sailing expeditions around the world aboard a 72ft steel-hull vessel. It’s not a simple cruise — participants become part of the crew and learn real offshore sailing skills while exploring remote seas, exotic islands, and major blue-water passages.
True adventure runs through Panexplore's veins! Their voyages take you far offshore and into remote waters, with a hands-on approach where everyone is part of the crew. The team behind it combine serious seamanship with a real enthusiasm for teaching, creating trips that are adventurous, educational and genuinely memorable.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Challenger - 72
LOA: 72ft (22m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
You are joining a working voyage as a full member of the crew. As such, you will be involved in virtually all aspects of the trip and operations. On board you will be part of a crew of up to 15 people in total, including yourself. Our expectations of you are fairly straightforward and your team will depend on you to fully participate in everything on the boat. You will be expected to work hard to the best of your ability, to be conscientious, alert, to look after the boat and to care for each other. You will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable doing. Tasks and activities involved in life on board SV Sea Dragon include: helming (steering), navigation, sail handling (hoisting, adjusting, stowing), keeping a look out, meal preparation and helping to keep the boat clean and tidy.
No optional extras
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From US$3,493 was US$4,990 per person
30% off
Secure your place today from US$873.25