Panama: Connecting Two Oceans

World ARC 2025-26: Panama

From the San Blas islands in the Caribbean Sea, through the Panama Canal and the cities of Colon and Panama City to the Las Perlas islands in the Pacific Ocean, Panama connects two oceans.

The first islands the fleet saw as it entered Panamanian waters were the beautiful San Blas Islands. These islands are located to the northwest of Panama, facing the Caribbean Sea. There are about 378 islands – the majority uninhabited and often not bigger than 100 meters. San Blas is an autonomous territory of Panama, officially called Kuna Yala, "the land of the Kuna".

After spending relaxed days in idyllic anchorages, snorkelling, eating lobster and drinking coconuts, it was time to gather in Shelter Bay Marina to get ready for the transit of the Panama Canal.

Due to the massive logistics behind the scheduling and the amount of boats from huge ships to private yachts transiting, the was a bit of a delay for some of the fleet. However, time was well used for maintenance and preparation for the upcoming visit to the Galapagos Islands, a visit to the Embera Indian village, Fort San Lorenzo and a jungle tour.

In the evenings, the fleet came together for salsa lessons with yellow shirt Alex or for impromptu volleyball matches.

Each canal transit is a unique adventure. The excitement grew as the next transit group was announced and fenders and lines were distributed to the boats.

While the faster boats were able to make the transit in one day, starting at 4am and finishing at dawn, the slower boats took two days, including a night in Gatun Lake. Once the last doors opened, the boat and crew had officially entered the Pacific Ocean!

There was just time for one last Panamanian adventure and the chance to explore the charming islands of Las Perlas, located 30 miles out of the city. A great place for the skippers and crew to catch their breath before setting sail for the Galapagos. 

The beautiful island of Contadora was the venue for the World ARC rendezvous, with a fun prizegiving and party ahead of the first big Pacific Ocean crossing to the Galapagos.