This is our high level agenda for early 2025 as we set sail from Grenada to the Panama Canal.
Grenada (Jan 5-9)
Explore Grand Anse Beach: Relax on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, known for its pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. Enjoy local cuisine at nearby beach bars or take a leisurely stroll along the 2-mile stretch.
Tour a Chocolate Factory and Rum Distillery: Visit a chocolate factory where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and taste fresh, locally-made treats. Follow this with a short tour of a rum distillery, where you can see the rum-making process and sample different varieties.
Visit Waterfalls: Take a family-friendly hike to Annandale Waterfall or another nearby waterfall, where the children can enjoy the natural beauty and cool off in the refreshing water.
Visit Spice Market: Explore the local spice market in St. George’s, where you can buy fresh spices, local produce, and handmade crafts.
Provisioning at Supermarkets and Markets: Stock up on groceries and supplies for the journey ahead. Visit local supermarkets like IGA Supermarket for a wide range of groceries, and explore the local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local delicacies.
Los Roques, Venezuela (Jan 13 - Feb 2)
Island Hopping to Pristine Beaches: Spend your days exploring the breathtaking archipelago of Los Roques. Sail between the small islands, each offering its own unique charm with crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches perfect for the children to play safely.
Fly Fishing for Bonefish: Los Roques is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, especially for bonefish. Spend a day or two with a local guide learning the best spots and techniques, while the rest of the family enjoys beach activities.
Enjoy Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: Take advantage of the calm, warm waters around the islands for a family-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking experience. The gentle conditions make it ideal for beginners and children, allowing everyone to explore the coastline at their own pace.
Rafting and Floating: Spend relaxing afternoons on inflatable rafts and floats, letting the currents gently carry you along the shoreline. This is a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy the water together, whether you’re floating in shallow bays or drifting along a peaceful lagoon.
Snorkeling at Francisqui: Discover the vibrant underwater world at Francisqui, a popular snorkeling spot where you can see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. This is also a safe and shallow area for the kids to explore.
Bonaire (Feb 6 - Feb 13)
World-Class Snorkeling and Diving: Bonaire is a diver’s paradise, with some of the best shore diving in the world. Explore the coral reefs, marine reserves, and shipwrecks teeming with marine life. Family members not diving can enjoy snorkeling in calm, clear waters.
Visit Flamingo Sanctuary: Take a trip to the salt flats of Pekelmeer to see the large colonies of pink flamingos. The kids will love watching these elegant birds in their natural habitat.
Island Tour and Washington Slagbaai National Park: Spend a day hiking, birdwatching, or exploring the park by car. Choose a family-friendly route with stops at scenic spots, hidden coves, and picturesque landscapes.
Enjoy Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: Take advantage of the calm, warm waters around the islands for a family-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking experience. The gentle conditions make it ideal for beginners and children, allowing everyone to explore the coastline at their own pace.
Rafting and Floating: Spend relaxing afternoons on inflatable rafts and floats, letting the currents gently carry you along the shoreline. This is a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy the water together, whether you’re floating in shallow bays or drifting along a peaceful lagoon.
Cartagena, Colombia (Feb 16-20)
Wander the Colorful Old Town: Explore Cartagena’s well-preserved colonial old town with its cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and flower-filled balconies. Make frequent stops for local treats like ice cream, and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Explore this imposing fortress, focusing on the more accessible areas where children can roam and enjoy the views.
Take a Day Trip to Isla Barú: Spend a relaxing day at Isla Barú, where the kids can enjoy playing on the beach while the family enjoys sunbathing and swimming in the calm
Take a Day Trip to Rosario Islands: Escape to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, for a day of snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing in the clear Caribbean waters.
Experience the Vibrant Nightlife: Cartagena comes alive at night with its lively bars, salsa clubs, and rooftop lounges. Enjoy the local music, dance, and a taste of Colombia’s famous rum cocktails.
San Blas Islands, Panama (Feb 23 - Mar 15)
Visit Traditional Kuna Villages: Immerse yourself in the culture of the Kuna people. Learn about their customs and crafts in short, engaging activities that are suitable for children.
Sail Between Uninhabited Islands: Spend your days sailing from one idyllic, uninhabited island to another. The calm, shallow waters and pristine beaches are perfect for children to explore safely.
Snorkel in Crystal Clear Waters: The San Blas Islands offer some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Find shallow spots where the children can safely enjoy the underwater world.
Learn About Kuna Culture and Crafts: Visit local artisans to see the intricate molas, colorful textile panels that are a traditional Kuna art form. Short demonstrations will keep the children interested and engaged.
Arrive at Panama Canal (Mar 18)
You can fly to Grenada and then fly home via Panama City. There’s also an optional overland tour that Steve and Carolina are doing in Panama and Costa Rica after the sailing trip.
Transit Through the Panama Canal: Experience one of the world’s most incredible engineering marvels as you sail through the Panama Canal. Witness the locks in action and enjoy the lush tropical scenery along the way. For the kids, this will be a fascinating and educational experience.
Overland Itinerary:
Days 1-3: North Panama Coffee Region
Visit Boquete for Family-Friendly Activities: Instead of coffee tours, visit a children’s farm where the kids can interact with animals, play in safe outdoor spaces, and enjoy nature.
Family-Friendly Nature Walks: Choose shorter, family-friendly trails in Volcán Barú National Park where the children can explore the cloud forests at their own pace.
Explore the Cloud Forests by Car: Take scenic drives through the cloud forests, stopping at viewpoints and picnic spots where the family can enjoy the stunning views.
Days 4-10: Costa Rica Highlights
Arenal Volcano: Family Hot Springs: Visit family-friendly hot springs where the children can safely enjoy warm, shallow pools. Some resorts offer children’s play areas and slides.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Children’s Nature Programs: Monteverde offers special nature programs designed for children, including guided walks with a focus on wildlife and plant life that are accessible to young ones.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Gentle Hikes and Beach Play: Spend time on the easily accessible trails and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, where the kids can see wildlife like monkeys and iguanas up close, and play on the soft sandy beaches.
San José: Child-Friendly Museums: In San José, visit the Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and play areas that will keep the kids entertained while learning about Costa Rica’s culture and history.
Shorter Version
Here’s the revised itinerary with shorter stays in Los Roques and the San Blas Islands:
Grenada (Jan 5-9)
Explore Grand Anse Beach: Relax on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, known for its pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. Enjoy local cuisine at nearby beach bars or take a leisurely stroll along the 2-mile stretch.
Tour a Chocolate Factory and Rum Distillery: Visit a chocolate factory where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and taste fresh, locally-made treats. Follow this with a short tour of a rum distillery, where you can see the rum-making process and sample different varieties.
Visit Waterfalls: Take a family-friendly hike to Annandale Waterfall or another nearby waterfall, where the children can enjoy the natural beauty and cool off in the refreshing water.
Visit Spice Market: Explore the local spice market in St. George’s, where you can buy fresh spices, local produce, and handmade crafts.
Provisioning at Supermarkets and Markets: Stock up on groceries and supplies for the journey ahead. Visit local supermarkets like IGA Supermarket for a wide range of groceries, and explore the local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local delicacies.
Los Roques, Venezuela (Jan 13 - Jan 27)
Island Hopping to Pristine Beaches: Spend your days exploring the breathtaking archipelago of Los Roques. Sail between the small islands, each offering its own unique charm with crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches perfect for the children to play safely.
Fly Fishing for Bonefish: Los Roques is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, especially for bonefish. Spend a day or two with a local guide learning the best spots and techniques, while the rest of the family enjoys beach activities.
Enjoy Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: Take advantage of the calm, warm waters around the islands for a family-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking experience. The gentle conditions make it ideal for beginners and children, allowing everyone to explore the coastline at their own pace.
Rafting and Floating: Spend relaxing afternoons on inflatable rafts and floats, letting the currents gently carry you along the shoreline. This is a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy the water together, whether you’re floating in shallow bays or drifting along a peaceful lagoon.
Snorkeling at Francisqui: Discover the vibrant underwater world at Francisqui, a popular snorkeling spot where you can see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. This is also a safe and shallow area for the kids to explore.
ABC Islands - Bonaire (Feb 1 - Feb 8)
World-Class Snorkeling and Diving: Bonaire is a diver’s paradise, with some of the best shore diving in the world. Explore the coral reefs, marine reserves, and shipwrecks teeming with marine life. Family members not diving can enjoy snorkeling in calm, clear waters.
Visit Flamingo Sanctuary: Take a trip to the salt flats of Pekelmeer to see the large colonies of pink flamingos. The kids will love watching these elegant birds in their natural habitat.
Island Tour and Washington Slagbaai National Park: Spend a day hiking, birdwatching, or exploring the park by car. Choose a family-friendly route with stops at scenic spots, hidden coves, and picturesque landscapes.
Enjoy Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: Take advantage of the calm, warm waters around the islands for a family-friendly paddleboarding and kayaking experience. The gentle conditions make it ideal for beginners and children, allowing everyone to explore the coastline at their own pace.
Rafting and Floating: Spend relaxing afternoons on inflatable rafts and floats, letting the currents gently carry you along the shoreline. This is a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy the water together, whether you’re floating in shallow bays or drifting along a peaceful lagoon.
Cartagena, Colombia (Feb 10-14)
Wander the Colorful Old Town: Explore Cartagena’s well-preserved colonial old town with its cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and flower-filled balconies. Make frequent stops for local treats like ice cream, and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Explore this imposing fortress, focusing on the more accessible areas where children can roam and enjoy the views.
Take a Day Trip to Isla Barú: Spend a relaxing day at Isla Barú, where the kids can enjoy playing on the beach while the family enjoys sunbathing and swimming in the calm Caribbean waters.
Take a Day Trip to Rosario Islands: Escape to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, for a day of snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing in the clear Caribbean waters.
Experience the Vibrant Nightlife: Cartagena comes alive at night with its lively bars, salsa clubs, and rooftop lounges. Enjoy the local music, dance, and a taste of Colombia’s famous rum cocktails.
San Blas Islands, Panama (Feb 17 - Mar 2)
Stay in Traditional Kuna Villages: Immerse yourself in the culture of the Kuna people. Learn about their customs and crafts in short, engaging activities that are suitable for children.
Sail Between Uninhabited Islands: Spend your days sailing from one idyllic, uninhabited island to another. The calm, shallow waters and pristine beaches are perfect for children to explore safely.
Snorkel in Crystal Clear Waters: The San Blas Islands offer some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Find shallow spots where the children can safely enjoy the underwater world.
Learn About Kuna Culture and Crafts: Visit local artisans to see the intricate molas, colorful textile panels that are a traditional Kuna art form. Short demonstrations will keep the children interested and engaged.
Arrive at Panama Canal (Mar 3)
You can fly to Grenada and then fly home via Panama City. There’s also an optional overland tour that Steve and Carolina are doing in Panama and Costa Rica after the sailing trip.
Transit Through the Panama Canal: Experience one of the world’s most incredible engineering marvels as you sail through the Panama Canal. Witness the locks in action and enjoy the lush tropical scenery along the way. For the kids, this will be a fascinating and educational experience.
Overland Itinerary:
Days 1-3: North Panama Coffee Region
Visit Boquete for Family-Friendly Activities: Instead of coffee tours, visit a children’s farm where the kids can interact with animals, play in safe outdoor spaces, and enjoy nature.
Family-Friendly Nature Walks: Choose shorter, family-friendly trails in Volcán Barú National Park where the children can explore the cloud forests at their own pace.
Explore the Cloud Forests by Car: Take scenic drives through the cloud forests, stopping at viewpoints and picnic spots where the family can enjoy the stunning views.
Days 4-10: Costa Rica Highlights
Arenal Volcano: Family Hot Springs: Visit family-friendly hot springs where the children can safely enjoy warm, shallow pools. Some resorts offer children’s play areas and slides.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Children’s Nature Programs: Monteverde offers special nature programs designed for children, including guided walks with a focus on wildlife and plant life that are accessible to young ones.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Gentle Hikes and Beach Play: Spend time on the easily accessible trails and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, where the kids can see wildlife like monkeys and iguanas up close, and play on the soft sandy beaches.
San José: Child-Friendly Museums: In San José, visit the Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and play areas that will keep the kids entertained while learning about Costa Rica’s culture and history.