10 DAYS - IKIGAI EXPERIENCE

Location icon
Archipiélago de San Blas, Panamá
Users icon
Up to 6 in group
Date
May 25 - June 4, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • You’ll find yourselves immersed in one of the last untouched paradises of the Caribbean.
  • Sunrise & sunset breathwork, yoga and meditation on deck
  • Freediving theory & practice sessions directly from the boat
  • Swimming with nurse sharks and (sometimes) dolphins
  • Groups of maximum 6 people
  • Janzu aquatic sessions for deep relaxation and emotional release
  • Daily island hopping aboard a fast, comfortable Catana 47 catamaran
  • Learn the basics of sailing or simply relax while island cruising
  • Sleep anchored under starry skies, in remote and silent bays
  • Visit sacred and wild Guna islands, mostly uninhabited
  • Discover traditional Guna culture through respectful encounters
  • Daily nourishing meals prepared with fresh local fish, vegetables, and tropical fruits
  • Raw food experiences: ceviche, carpaccio, sashimi
  • Cooking rituals and group meals that foster community
  • Shared dinners and bonfires with local fishermen and families
  • Beach picnics, volleyball, and storytelling under the stars
  • Comfortable and high-performing catamaran.
  • Certified instructor: AIDA International (Freediving), Yoga Alliance (Yoga), IKO (Kitesurf). Skipper certified as Yacht Master.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

We will live immersed in the raw and untouched beauty of the Guna Yala archipelago, where the sea, the wind, and the sun become precious allies in a deep process of inner rebalancing.

Each night, we’ll fall asleep cradled by the waves; each morning, we’ll awaken with the sun.
Our days will follow a rhythm set by nature itself, a rhythm that gently recalibrates the nervous system, uplifts the mood, restores deep sleep, and reawakens vitality.

Every day will be a journey both outward and inward, a return to what truly matters.

At dawn, as light slowly kisses the water, we’ll begin our days with meditation, yoga, and conscious breathing. We’ll train body and mind in harmony through sessions of freediving, swimming over reefs, and mindful movement, whether on the deck or on the sands of a remote island.

We'll glide silently through turquoise waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, explore uninhabited islets, sail between hidden anchorages, and visit Guna communities, opening space for genuine exchanges, listening to ancient stories, and witnessing a culture that still lives in deep symbiosis with nature.

We may cross paths with dolphins, nurse sharks, and other wild marvels that inhabit these crystalline waters, allowing their presence to soften our defenses and awaken our sense of wonder.

We’ll explore the regenerative power of water, not only through freediving but also through aquatic-inspired practices rooted in therapeutic touch and presence.

You’ll learn to breathe more deeply, still your mind, and listen inwardly each time your body slips beneath the surface.

Our meals will be simple and nourishing, made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients, prepared with care and love.

We’ll nourish what is real, while gently releasing what has been artificially imposed.
There will be time to slow down, to truly listen to yourself, and to reconnect with your primal senses.

On board, we’ll foster relationships grounded in kindness, mutual respect, and deep listening.
Together, we’ll cultivate a shared space of presence, authenticity, and meaningful connection.

And when the time comes to return to land, you’ll leave with more than memories
You’ll carry within you the imprint of a simpler, more vivid life, and perhaps, a clearer inner compass to guide your next steps.

Because this isn’t just an escape

It’s a return
To the essential
To what is real, alive, and shared
To yourself

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San Blas - Panama

Imagine a place where time has stood still.
Where globalization and consumerism never took root.
Where there are no phones, no news broadcasts.
Where people still live in harmony with nature and with themselves.
That’s why they are serene, joyful, and grateful for what they have.

Now imagine that this place is a pristine natural paradise,
made up of over 360 white-sand islands, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and endless coconut palms.

A place where you can experience what it truly means to live, in harmony with nature.
A life that is essential, authentic.
The life every human being deserves.

And now, imagine being part of it.

🌴 WHY GUNA YALA (SAN BLAS)

The Guna Yala archipelago, also known as San Blas, is made up of over 350 islands and islets scattered across a turquoise sea.
These lands, inhabited and protected by the Guna people, are one of the last places on Earth where nature and ancestral culture still coexist in harmony.

We’ve chosen to settle here from December 2025 to June 2026, pausing our continuous navigation for a while, because:

Here, time slows down:
Days flow with the rhythm of the sun, the tides, and the wind.

Beauty is essential:
No resorts, no marinas. Just palm trees, sand, stars, and silence.

Respect is the foundation:
The Guna live by communal rules, deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the spirits.

There’s space for community:
In this remote place, we can take the time to build genuine relationships.

Food and rhythm follow nature:
Thanks to the abundance of fish, tropical fruit, and fresh vegetables, we can nourish ourselves in a healthy and natural way.

It’s a return to simplicity and deep respect for what nature provides.

Schedule

🌊 10 Days Experience on board Ikigai
🧬 Introduction
All activities are strongly recommended, but never mandatory. You are invited to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and strengthen your self-discipline—but always while listening to your body and its needs.
This experience is designed to help you rediscover balance between commitment and letting go, between discipline and freedom. There are no expectations, no performance required—just the chance to reconnect with the natural rhythm of life, the people around you, and yourself.

🌅 Daily Routine
🕐 Morning (about 1.5 hours):
Each day begins with a guided session that may include conscious breathing techniques, dynamic or restorative yoga sequences, seated or moving meditation, and—on rotation—Tabata-style bodyweight training or basic boxing elements. The content of each session will vary depending on the group and weather conditions.
🌇 Evening:
To close the day, we offer a session dedicated to introspection, relaxation, and regeneration. Sunset yoga, meditation, silent or shared reflection circles—guided according to the group’s energy and the anchorage setting.
🕊️ Free Time:
Between activities, time is intentionally left unstructured so you can rest, read, swim, nap in a hammock, or simply enjoy doing nothing at all. There’s nothing you have to do—only the chance to be fully present.

🍽️ Life on Board & Food
Cooking and shared meals are a central part of life on board. The food we prepare is a celebration of what the sea and local people offer us daily: fresh lobster, tropical fruits, and locally grown vegetables. Whenever possible, we fish ourselves, transforming the catch into sashimi, tartare, carpaccio, or simply cooked with creativity and simplicity.
Meal preparation is often communal. If you’d like, you can join in cleaning fish, preparing dishes, or experimenting with flavors. It’s all done in a spirit of joy and participation—never obligation.

☁️ Important Note
The itinerary may change depending on weather, sea conditions, or logistical needs. Every decision will be made to ensure safety and preserve the quality of the experience.

🧭 Day-by-Day Itinerary
✈️ Arrival in Panama City
Upon arrival, a private transfer will bring you to your hotel located in the heart of Casco Viejo, the historical district and UNESCO heritage site. An evening walk through the colonial streets, cozy cafés, live music, and the scent of Caribbean cuisine will mark your first contact with Panama’s vibrant soul.
🏝️ Day 1 – Welcome to Banedup
Snorkeling, beach volleyball, relaxation, first connections
Early in the morning, a shuttle will take you through the Panamanian jungle to a Caribbean port, where a local boat will bring you aboard Ikigai. Your arrival is expected between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Una volta a bordo, il tempo rallenta. Iniziamo con un briefing di benvenuto e sicurezza, seguito dalla presentazione della barca, del ritmo quotidiano, dell’equipaggio e dell’esperienza che stai per vivere.
After a light and refreshing lunch, you’ll enjoy your first swims and moments of relaxation among the beautiful nearby islets. The Guna people will arrive in their canoes with fresh lobster, fish, fruit, and vegetables.
🥥 Lunch and dinner on board
🏐 Beach volleyball on the sand
🐠 Snorkeling among the coral
🌅 Optional evening routine

🏖️ Day 2 – Chichime
Vibrant island life, beach bars, social vibe, Caribbean atmosphere
09:00 – 09:30: Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00: Sailing to Chichime
11:00 – 16:00: Free time for swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball
We’ll have lunch ashore at one of two typical restaurants with hammocks right in the water. This will be the last inhabited island we visit—ideal for socializing and enjoying a bit of 'civilization' before heading into the wilder, untouched part of the trip.
17:30 – 19:00: Evening routine
20:00 – 21:00: Dinner on board
21:00 – 23:00: Optional evening ashore with music and karaoke

🐬 Day 3 – West Hollandes Cays
Untouched nature, lively coral reef, freediving introduction
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00: Sailing to West Hollandes
12:00 – 14:00: Snorkeling and swimming over the coral reef
14:00 – 15:00: Lunch on board
17:30 – 18:30: Short evening routine
19:00 – 20:00: Freediving theory class: breathing, safety, equalization. Slides and documentaries projected on deck.
20:30 – 21:30: Dinner •

🧘‍♂️ Day 4 – West Hollandes Cays
In-water freediving session, deep connection with the ocean and yourself
06:30 – 07:30: Specific breathing and stretching exercises
07:30 – 08:00: Light breakfast
08:30 – 09:30: Theory review + equalization and technique session
10:00 – 12:30: Practical freediving session
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch on board
15:00 – 17:00: Free time: swimming, snorkeling, fishing, relaxing, kayaking, SUP or meeting the local Guna families
17:30 – 19:00: Evening routine
20:00 – 21:00: Dinner
After dinner: we’ll watch and analyze the morning’s freediving session videos on the projector discussing technique, posture, and progress, with personalized tips for those interested

🏝️ Day 5 – Lagoon Hollandes Cays
Multi-colored lagoon, SUP/kayak exploration, yoga on land and beach bonfire
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine on deck
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Sailing to Lagoon
11:00 – 13:00: Excursion by SUP, kayak, or dinghy among the surrounding uninhabited islets
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch on board
15:00 – 17:00: Free time for relaxing, swimming, or visiting nearby Guna villages
17:30 – 19:00: Activities on land: sunset yoga and meditation. Optional cardio workout, basic boxing, or Tai Chi introduction
19:30 – 22:00: Bonfire on the beach and seafood BBQ with the Guna families

🌴 Day 6 – Swimming pool Hollandes Cays
The most stunning anchorage of the archipelago, overwater restaurant, Guna artisan islands, and dinner under the stars
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine on deck
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Sailing to Swimming pool
11:00 – 12:30: Visit to a Guna artisan island, where local families craft traditional items that you can explore or purchase
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch at the most renowned restaurant in the archipelago, built on stilts directly above the water
15:30 – 16:30: Rest and digestion
17:00 – 21:00: Transfer to Turtle Island, a pristine islet with white sand, coconut palms, green grass and numerous hammocks strung between the trees. We’ll engage in yoga, Tabata, meditation or martial arts under the palms or simply relax in the hammocks. After the session: beach barbecue dinner under the stars
🐚 Day 7 – Green Island
Coconut groves, Guna craftsmanship, snorkeling over the reef, and cinema under the stars
This day blends nature, culture, and relaxation. Between reef snorkeling, coconut plantations, and artisan encounters, we’ll end the evening with a film under the stars.
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine on deck
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 11:30: Snorkeling on the coral reef + excursion to the coconut plantations
11:30 – 12:30: Visit to the Guna community and their traditional handcrafted works
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch at the overwater restaurant built on stilts
14:30 – 15:30: Sailing to Green Island
16:00 – 18:30: Free time to relax under the palms or enjoy a beach swim
18:30 – 19:30: Evening routine on board
20:00 – 21:00: Dinner
21:30 – 22:30: Open-air cinema under the stars: we watch videos, documentaries, and clips from our journey and share reflections together

🧜‍♀️ Day 8 – Green Island
Free exploration, individual Janzu sessions, community encounters
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
Today is dedicated to freedom and personal exploration. Those who wish can participate in a 1-on-1 Janzu session, a deep aquatic therapy of surrender and regeneration. Meanwhile, others may:
Explore the island, home to both Guna families and a young community of coworking volunteers helping the island flourish
Go snorkeling or swimming on the reef
Paddle around in a kayak or SUP
Lounge in a hammock beneath the palms
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch on board
15:00 – 18:00: Free time
18:30 – 19:30: Evening routine
20:00 – 21:00: Dinner on board

🦈 Day 9 – Coco Bandero
Private postcard-perfect island, friendly nurse sharks, yoga on wooden decks, and our final celebration
06:30 – 08:00: Morning routine
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30: Sailing to Coco Bandero
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch on the beach beneath the palms
13:00 – 17:00: Time to enjoy this slice of paradise all to ourselves. Snorkeling, hammock naps, exploring marine life or swimming with the curious and peaceful nurse sharks
17:00 – 19:00: Evening routine on the island’s wooden decks
19:00 – 23:00: Celebration night: farewell dinner with grilled lobster, fish, and vegetables cooked over the fire. Bonfire, music, dancing, and honoring the experience we've shared

🌅 Day 10 – Return to Banedup
Final moments in paradise, beach volleyball, snorkeling, and closing ceremony
Slow morning: self-service breakfast on board, final swims, time for journaling or simply soaking it all in
12:00 – 15:00: Sailing back to Banedup
16:00 – 18:30: Optional activities: beach volleyball, snorkeling, or a gentle closing routine on board
19:00 – 20:00: Dinner
20:30 – 22:00: Closing evening: final video/photo screening, delivery of participation certificates, group sharing and reflections

🛶 Day 11 – Departure
A local Guna boat will pick you up directly from Ikigai to take you either to the airport or back to Panama City. The journey continues within you.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon IKIGAI SAILING, Archipiélago de San Blas, Panamá

Directions

You will most likely arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, where one of our trusted contacts will be waiting to take you to the hotel of your choice. We recommend spending the night in the historic district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy a pleasant Latin evening filled with history and music.
The next morning, a taxi will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Carti, on the Caribbean coast, arriving around 8:30 AM.
Once in Carti, a lancha (a typical local boat), which has been reserved for us to reach Banedup Island, where Ikigai will be ready to begin the cruise.

Accommodation

The boat has 2 double cabins (configurable with 2 single beds or 1 large double bed each) and 1 cabin with a double bed. Enjoy a large bathroom with a panoramic shower and 2 electric toilets, one on each hull. We prioritize your comfort and will ensure that cabin allocations are made in a way that everyone feels happy with.

Program Price
Program Price

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Your home will be a beautiful 47 foot catamaran called Ikigai, meaning "deep satisfaction for living", which will provide you with the daily luxuries for adventuring in comfort.

Ikigai is a high performance catamaran, able to maintain high speeds during long crossings and to move easily even with little wind while the spacious interior ensures comfort in all weather conditions.

Meals

Menu

Menu Types

On board you will find healthy and organic products also coming from local gardens. During the retreat we offer vegetarian cuisine and for those who want local fish, probably caught by us.

What's Included

  • → 10 nights and 10 days accomodation on board Ikigai
  • → Skipper, certified instructors & retreat facilitators
  • → 3 delicious daily meals (vegetarian & fish options), snacks and beverages
  • → Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork
  • → Janzu Sessions (water therapy)
  • → Discovering Freediving practice
  • → Intro to water dancing practice
  • → Access to all onboard equipment; Yoga mat, Kayak, SUP
  • → Freediving and Snorkeling equipment
  • → All boat related costs (marinepark permits, fuel, marinas, immigration fee final cleaning,etc.)
  • → Excursions on land,
  • → High performance satellite internet connection
  • → Three meals will be enjoyed ashore in local restaurants
  • → Transfer between Panama City and boat

What's Not Included

  • → Flights to and from Panama City - (we recommend opting for flexible/refundable tickets if you can)
  • → Hotel in Panama City (optional)
  • → Travel Insurance

Customer Reviews

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