Question 1

How do I get to the boat?

Accepted Answer

We arrange pick-up and drop-off from Panama City. We will pick you up at your hostel or hotel between 5.00 and 7.00 am. Our driver will drive you over the mountains to the coast in roughly three hours, then our Guna friends will bring you to Shakira on a speedboat (or lancha). Each car and boat ride in your transfer costs $30, to be paid in cash. A round trip from and to Panama City costs $120 in total. Please pay directly to the driver and Guna Yala.

Question 2

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Please bring two bags:

1. A small backpack for your daily essentials, which stays with you during the trip
2. A large backpack or suitcase, which is stored on the boat

Keep your things dry

Speedboat rides can get wet, so we recommend:

- Lining both bags with a plastic bag
- Bringing an extra plastic bag to cover your small backpack

Small backpack checklist

Clothing

- Light clothes (t-shirts, shirts, shorts)
- Swimwear
- A light sweater or jacket
- Cap, sunglasses and flip-flops

Beach & care

- 1 beach towel and 1 shower towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Bug repellent
- Toiletries

Other

- Additional cash to spend on the islands
- Cash to tip the crew if you would like to (10% of the trip's price recommended)
- Refillable water bottle
- Reading material
- All your electronics (you can charge them on board during the day)

Question 3

Is there wifi and phone signal?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the weather, phone signal and wifi is available on several islands and on Shakira. Our crew always has phone signal in case of emergency. However, most of our guests take the opportunity to leave their phones behind for a few days while enjoying the islands. Please don't forget to tell people at home you will be off-grid for the duration of your trip.

Question 4

What is the food like?

Accepted Answer

Three fresh meals a day, cooked on board — fruit and eggs in the morning, light lunches, fish and vegetables in the evening. Vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly menus are no problem when we know in advance. Please note that given the small space on board, we cannot guarantee 100% allergy-free meals such as nut allergy.

Question 5

What should I know before boarding a sailboat?

Accepted Answer

Life on a sailboat is a little different than you might be used to at home. That means that some things may feel a bit less comfortable than you know them.

- We don't flush any toilet paper, and flush the toilet using a hand pump.
- We open the windows for air to pass through the boat, but don't forget to close them when it starts to rain!
- Our Shakira is a relatively spacious boat, but still you will share a small space with other travellers — please be mindful towards others.
- Since we are in a remote place, we use fresh water with care. That means we offer you one fresh water shower per day to rinse off the salt at the end of the day.
- We serve food out on the table for you to share — please make sure everyone gets a plate. Still hungry? Please inform our crew so we can adjust accordingly.

Any questions or curiosities? Feel free to ask our crew anything — they are there to show you around and answer all your questions!

Question 6

Do I need sailing experience?

Accepted Answer

None at all. You are welcome to help hoist a sail or take the helm, and equally welcome to sit in the shade and do nothing.

Question 7

Will I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

The islands sit behind a long reef, so the water inside the archipelago is usually quite calm. Passages between anchorages are short. If you are sensitive, bring tablets and take them before we leave.

Question 8

Can we book the whole boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private charters for groups up to 8 are part of our service and work well for families, friends and small retreats.

Question 9

How does the payment work?

Accepted Answer

When booking your trip with us, we ask you to pay a small down payment to secure your spot on board. The rest of your payment will be completed in cash on time of your arrival.

What you should know before going off-grid

Still wondering about something?