Season 2025/26 — San Blas

Season 2025/26 · 9°33′N 78°57′W · Guna Yala, Panama

Season 2025/26 — San Blas

Join Ikigai for the 2025/26 season in the San Blas islands, Panama: a tropical paradise of sailing, freediving, yoga and kitesurf aboard a Catana 47.

The season in full

Life in San Blas, day by day.

A CONCENTRATE OF AUTHENTIC, ESSENTIAL, AND REJUVENATING LIFE

The Benefits of Living in Harmony with Nature

**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… and for this, they are serene, joyful, and grateful for what they have.

Now imagine that this place is an unspoiled 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 truly experience what it means to live in tune with nature. A life that is essential , authentic.

And now, imagine being part of it.

Living this wonder aboard a high-performance catamaran with surprising comfort, sailing from one island to another, cradled by the wind and the sea.

Embracing a lifestyle designed for your well-being — body, mind, and spirit.

Each day, you can integrate powerful practices such as Yoga , Meditation , Pranayama , Freediving , and aquatic therapies like Janzu.

You can nourish your body with fresh, local, wholesome food.

We imagined it.

And because of that, we were able to make it real.

An invitation to slow down, breathe, feel, and return to what truly matters.

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Why San Blas

The Guna Yala Archipelago , also known as San Blas , is made up of more than 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 coexist in harmony.

We have chosen to settle here from December 2025 to June 2026 , pausing our continuous sailing for a while, because:

  • Here, time slows down : days follow the rhythm of the sun, the tides, and the wind.
  • Beauty is essential : no resorts, no tourist marinas. Just palm trees, sand, stars, and silence.
  • Respect is fundamental : the Guna live by community rules, deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the spirits. A vision that fully reflects our own commitment to a simple and conscious life.
  • There’s space for community : in this remote paradise, we can take the time to build authentic relationships, welcome new members, and share the spiritual and experiential wisdom of life aboard.

Food for the soul and body : Thanks to the abundance of fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local vegetables, here we can nourish ourselves in a healthy and natural way, following the rhythms of the environment. It’s a return to simplicity and a deep respect for what nature provides.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

We will live immersed in the pristine nature of the Guna Yala archipelago, where the sea, wind, and sun become precious allies in a deep process of rebalancing. We’ll sleep rocked by the waves, wake up with the sunlight, and follow a natural rhythm with measurable effects on the nervous system, mood, sleep, and vitality.

Each day will be a journey inside and out , a return to what truly matters.

We will practice meditation, yoga, and conscious breathing at sunrise , training body and mind in harmony, with sessions of freediving, coral reef swimming , and deck or beach workouts.

We’ll explore deserted islands by kayak and stand-up paddle , sail through remote anchorages, and visit Guna communities to hear their stories, exchange experiences, and discover a culture still in symbiosis with nature. We’ll encounter dolphins, nurse sharks , and other wonders inhabiting these crystal-clear waters, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the raw, vibrant beauty of this ecosystem.

We will experience the regenerative power of water through freediving and practices inspired by aquatic therapy. You will learn to breathe better, quiet the mind, and listen to what happens inside each time your body surrenders to the water.

We’ll nourish ourselves with fresh, unprocessed food , prepared with care and love. We’ll give space to authentic needs , letting go of those that are induced. You’ll have time to slow down, listen to yourself , and reconnect with your primary sense of being.

Onboard, we’ll cultivate relationships based on kindness, respect, and deep listening. Together, we’ll spark virtuous circles of presence, authenticity, and sharing.

And when it’s time to go home, you’ll take something more with you: the memory of a simple, intense life , and perhaps a clearer compass to navigate even on land.

Together, we’ll try to return to the essential , nourishing ourselves with what is true, alive, and shared. It’s not just an escape. It’s a return to yourself.

Contact us and book your boarding now

A Tailored Experience Just for You

Whether you want to join a sailing course, practice freediving, dedicate yourself to kitesurfing, or simply relax between sea and sky, Ikigai Sailing offers you the opportunity to build your ideal journey.

Our experiences range from weeks of active learning to moments of pure relaxation, always respecting the sea and its energy.

DISCOVER ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Discover Our Boarding Options and Available Weeks

We have created a detailed plan for the 2025/26 season with different boarding options. To learn more about the available weeks, required contributions, and included services, select one of the boarding packages, with proposals ranging from one week to one month. Ready to set sail? Contact us to book your Ikigai Sailing experience!

Sailing Options

Ikigai Experience

300,00 €

10 days on board Ikigai

3.000,00 €

Experience reserved for members!

Pacific Crossing

2.000,00 €

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Exchange / Paid Boarding

Experience reserved for members

One month aboard

2.000,00 €

COMFORT AND ADVENTURE: CATANA 47

Our catamaran is designed to offer maximum comfort without compromising performance. It will become your floating home — a sanctuary of tranquility after each day spent exploring the wonders of the San Blas.

Want to know more? Visit our dedicated boat section to discover all the details!

THE CREW

LUCA

Skipper and Multidisciplinary Instructor

Luca is a professional skipper certified as anRYA Yachtmaster Offshore , a freediving instructor (AIDA and Apnea Total) , a kitesurfing instructor (IKO) , and a yoga teacher (Yoga Alliance).

After years spent inside “the system,” chasing goals and expectations that weren’t truly his own, he chose to cast off — both literally and metaphorically — to rediscover himself. Today, he lives full-time at sea and leads experiences that integrate sport, awareness, and conviviality.

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PAOLA

My name is Paola, I am 35 years old and I am French. I am here today because my life revolves around two great passions: cooking and the sea.

Cooking has always been my way of expressing creativity, care, and sharing. I love preparing dishes that tell stories, blending flavors and traditions, and creating moments of genuine pleasure around the table.

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WHO HAS ALREADY EXPERIENCED IT

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Jump aboard your freedom!

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Growing Benefits Over Time

Physical and Mental Well-being in Harmony with Nature

Living immersed in the sea and nature is much more than a vacation: it’s a transformation. Direct contact with the natural elements not only rejuvenates the body but also renews the mind and spirit. The more time you spend living in harmony with nature and the sea, the deeper and more lasting the benefits for your body, mind, and spirit will be.

01

1 Week – A Breath of Fresh Air

AVAILABLE ONLY FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S WEEK

  • Mental reset: disconnecting from daily worries and experiencing an initial sense of inner peace.
  • Energy recovery: improved sleep quality thanks to natural rhythms and fresh air.
  • Stress reduction: mindful breathing and exposure to the blue sea calm the mind and nervous system.
  • Physical vitality: natural movement enhances circulation and reduces muscle tension.
  • Get a glimpse of life for those who have chosen to live at sea.
  • Receive an introduction or practice one of our disciplines.

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02

Ten Days – The Right Time to Find Yourself

An immersive experience among the pristine islands of Guna Yala, where life slows down and becomes essential. You’ll sail through crystal-clear waters and deserted islands, sleeping lulled by the sea, practicing yoga, freediving, and meditation, and nourishing yourself with fresh, authentic food. Ten days to rediscover your natural rhythm, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself.

Book

03

Find Your Ikigai

More than a retreat: it’s a return to your own rhythm

This 10-day sailing experience across the turquoise waters of Panama is your invitation to slow down, reconnect with your breath, body, and truth. You’ll explore daily breathwork, freediving, movement practices, journaling, and meaningful group circles — all anchored in the philosophy of Ikigai, the Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” Every island is a chapter. Every wave, a reminder. This is your sacred pause — a reset for your nervous system, a reawakening of purpose and joy.

🌀 Just come as you are. 🌺 Let this be your breath again. Let this be your beginning.

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One Month – Experience the Sea as Home, Time as Your Teacher

A month on board to truly pause, let go of imposed rhythms, and reconnect with your essence. This experience is designed for those who have already encountered the world of Ikigai and wish to immerse themselves in a slow, profound, and regenerating time. You are not a guest: you are part of the crew, of life, of the exchange. You will navigate between practices, nature, and sharing, experiencing the sea not as a backdrop, but as a home and a mirror.

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Pacific Crossing – The Great Crossing

Over 30 days of sailing from Panama to the Marquesas Islands. A rare and transformative experience, where time expands and the ocean becomes home. It’s not a vacation, it’s a rite of passage: sharing, shifts on board, starry skies, profound silence, and the living force of the Pacific. If you feel the call, prepare to leap.

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Exchange – Life on Board in Exchange for Talents

A month on board, in exchange for your time, your hands, your art. This program is designed for those who want to actively contribute to the Ikigai project by offering their skills: photography, cooking, communication, craftsmanship, maintenance, education, or other. This isn’t volunteering, but a genuine human exchange, where value begets value.

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Logbook

Voices from aboard.

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What a lovely and crazy experience I had on board with this crew! You have all you need on this boat, it’s very confortable. And the most amazing part is the kindness of the crew. They want you to live the best experience ever. The Food is excellent! Sunset with whales 🐳 is unforgettable. Merci

Alice Modolo

Paris

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I spent 6 nights in January on Ikigai – and I cannot think of a better start of my vacation/ sabbatical then this. First of all, San Blas Islands feel like paradise. Living on a boat and seeing different islands, waking up and going to bed to the sound of the waves and the wind is amazing.

And on top of this, there is the Ikigai experience with Luca as the captain and Paola as the chef. They form such a perfect team! Food and Italian Espresso is just – wow!! 😍 We did meditation, yoga and workouts together on the boat or on a remote island. Went snorkeling and got to know the specifics of San Blas.

I really didn’t want to leave after my initially planned time – and even for this wish Luca found a great solution. Grazie per tutto!

Anja Rolfes

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We truly felt lucky when, not long ago, a dear friend of ours met Luca on a beach in Los Roques. From that moment, we discovered the Ikigai Sailing project. Even before taking part in this incredible experience, we were watching this crew of dreamer sailors from afar. Shortly after, we found ourselves on board the catamaran with them. Lucky indeed!

My partner and I enjoyed every single moment of this unforgettable journey. We discovered the beauty of being able to trust someone. Luca guided us with professionalism, safety, and calmness toward new activities: meditation, yoga, freediving, and spearfishing. We pushed beyond our physical and mental limits, learned to slow down, and to look within. We felt renewed and stronger.

Surrounded by the unique atmosphere of the Caribbean Sea, the Ikigai crew is a perfect blend. We cannot fail to mention Paula’s sweetness and Luca’s passion for cooking. Together, they pampered us every day with delicacies from the sea. We felt at home.

We discovered places that moved us to tears, shared emotional moments at sunset, and met the Guna people, resilient and deeply connected spiritually with nature. We fully immersed ourselves in this adventure, felt part of the Ikigai Sailing “family,” and at the same time so small in front of the vastness of the San Blas Islands’ nature.

I don’t think we will ever truly be able to put it into words. This is only a goodbye for now, we will meet again in the new world. Ikigai has captured our hearts!

Arianna

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A floating home with strangers that became friends. That was my experience on Ikigai boat. A dream coming true, where I was all the time next to the sea, with all the comfort I love to have in my daily life; I´m talking about waking up in the middle of paradise, jumping in the water, visit the reef, having a double espresso, do my work out, jump in the water again, have a delicious breakfast, water again, delicious lunch, freediving, watching the sunset, delicious dinner, watching the stars and repeat! Plus a lot of sea adventures here and there…

Carla Garcia

Mexico

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I spent 21 days aboard the Ikigai. Fantastic, you say: on a boat, in the San Blas Islands, Kuna territory. It’s easy to imagine it being fantastic. First of all: to find the San Blas Islands, you have to get there and “adapt”. And you also have to respect the Kuna and their territory: movie-like beaches and atolls. This, thanks to Luca, seems like a natural occurrence aboard the Ikigai. From the moment you cross your legs at the bow for meditation as soon as you wake up, to the last star you turn off (even at the stern, if you like) before going to sleep, you live in a simply more adapted way. Without giving up anything…not even a good espresso and bread. Adapting, however, means a lobster barbecue, which the Captain never fails to provide.

21 days without shoes or flip-flops, completely barefoot…and you’ve probably never been there since you’ve been wearing them…and you don’t even realize it.

Claudio Montibelli

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Siamo stati a San Blas con Ikigai per una decina di giorni. L’arcipelago è bellissimo, ancora protetto dai locali da un turismo di massa. Una vacanza fuori dal tempo in uno scenario naturale bellissimo: isolette selvagge, locali ospitali, barriera corallina, squali, delfini, sole e vento… Ikigai è un catamarano molto confortevole, su cui non manca nulla. Luca e Paola ci hanno viziati ed accuditi con ottima cucina, attività fisica, meditazioni, chiacchiere e ottima compagnia. Luca è l’amico che ha il coraggio di fare quello che tutti sognano di fare, con grande energia e entusiasmo. Grazie e… buon vento!

Cristiano Talpo

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We stayed with Luca for six days in January of 2026 sailing through the SAN Blas Islands in Panama and had an amazing experience. The snorkelling was the best we’ve ever seen. We saw sharks, puffer fish, dolphins and so much more! Luca kept us busy everyday with exploring different Islands and snorkelling areas. Food on board was absolutely amazing and included lots of seafood. The boat was clean and really nicely setup. I will be booking again!

Donna Schuelle

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Salire a bordo del catamarano Ikigai e navigare tra le isole incontaminate delle San Blas è stato molto più di una semplice vacanza: è stata un’esperienza profonda, fuori dal tempo, capace di arricchire profondamente e di rimanere impressa ben oltre il rientro a casa.

L’arcipelago è di una bellezza disarmante: isolette selvagge, mare cristallino, barriera corallina viva, squali, mante, vento e sole. Un luogo ancora protetto e autentico, dove la popolazione locale dei Guna Yala accoglie con gentilezza e semplicità, rendendo tutto ancora più speciale.

Il catamarano Ikigai è estremamente confortevole e curato in ogni dettaglio: a bordo non manca davvero nulla. Dalla macchina per l’espresso al forno per il pane, fino al barbecue, ogni comfort supera le aspettative. Il mio posto del cuore? Senza dubbio le reti a prua: perfette per rilassarsi, leggere o semplicemente lasciarsi cullare dal mare.

Le giornate scorrevano in un equilibrio perfetto tra avventura e relax. Yoga e meditazione al mattino, allenamenti strutturati e sessioni di boxe su spiagge bianchissime, partite di pallavolo, snorkeling e immersioni. L’introduzione all’apnea è stata per me un’esperienza viscerale e potente. Imparare a respirare,ascoltarsi,un’immersione non solo nel mare ma anche dentro me stessa, accompagnata da emozioni così intense e profonde.

L’atmosfera a bordo è stata straordinaria: sorrisi, risate, condivisione, confronto tra lingue e culture diverse. Un clima umano e autentico che ti fa sentire parte di una piccola famiglia. Gran parte di tutto questo è merito di Luca e Paola: due persone speciali che ci hanno accolti, accuditi e viziati con naturalezza, energia ed entusiasmo. Conoscerli come persone, oltre che come professionisti, è stato un vero privilegio e ne sono davvero grata.

E poi il cibo… semplicemente eccellente. Colazioni sempre curate, pranzi e cene a base di pesce fresco appena pescato, piatti creativi e sapori autentici. Dalla carbonara preparata a regola d’arte da Luca,alle aragoste,al sashimi di pesce appena pescato,fino alla torta di compleanno preparata a sorpresa da Paola. Ogni pasto é stato un momento di piacere condiviso e di vera connessione.

La sicurezza a bordo è stata impeccabile. La navigazione è sempre stata gestita con grande attenzione, professionalità e attrezzature adeguate. Mi sono sentita costantemente in mani esperte, libera di godermi ogni momento in totale serenità.

Nuotare con gli squali, osservare le aquile di mare a pochi metri, meditare al tramonto, ballare sotto un cielo stellato attorno al fuoco,vivere la semplicità della vita in mare con persone speciali che condividono le tue stesse passioni,hanno reso questo viaggio indimenticabile.

Consiglierei questa esperienza senza alcuna esitazione. Ikigai non è solo un catamarano, ma un luogo dell’anima: uno spazio in cui ritrovare equilibrio, energia e il senso delle cose importanti.

Grazie di cuore a Luca e Paola 💙 Un viaggio che porterò per sempre con me…e che spero di rifare al più presto.

Elisa

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