Starting cruise charter in Panama

Deserted island in San Blas

Panamá has a lot to offer!  Im still trying to adjust to the heat here (102 degrees a couple days ago = hot, muggy and truly uncomfortable).  You would think that after a year, (can you believe that?!) we or I should say I, have acclimated to the weather.  Moving from LA to Seattle back in 1995, I say its easier to acclimate from hot to cold.  But, Im sure I could be wrong or just my body is different here.  I'm suppose to train for a 1/2 marathon in October and should be at 8 miles...hmmm... Well, all I can say is I cannot wait to finish.

San Blas: Beautiful calm waters

Isla Contadora (Pearl Islands)

Well, this particular blog is suppose to be about the sailing charter business Chris and I are running.  Things always seem easier on paper than they are in real life - or so the saying goes.  Probably true here as well, but also many joys and rare moments of being in the zone have led me to believe that our efforts and investments are starting to pay off.  Too many owners, partners have come and gone -- and thousands of dollars later, and by staying the course, we have come to enjoy promoting these fantastic cruises around Panamas's 3 incredible Archipelagos - The San Blas, Pearl Islands, and Bocas Del Toro.  

After falling in love with sailing in the San Blas Islands back in early 2011.  Chris was gung-ho about chartering here, that I had to see for myself.  I was NOT disappointed.  Back in September 2011, we met George and Melinda and Josh on their catamaran Southern Belle (check our blog on San Blas).  It is through this relationship that captain George and his 42' catamaran yacht have since come to be one of several cornerstone vessel options within the Yacht Latina framework.

 Well, a year now and we are still so fascinated with the Guna Yala (formerly known as the Kuna Yala, but their language has no "k" sound). I'm still collecting the big seashells and the molas from San Blas.  Can never have enough I say.

Kami buying a bracelet from a Guna Yala mom

Guna Yala typical home

Anyway, my enjoyment also comes from planning peoples trips and to those from out of town or locals - I like making their first time visiting the islands the best trip possible.  I field the inquiries, and manage the bookings, emails, contacts, and arranging of provisions.  Sometimes this means waking up at 3:30 AM and being in the city by 5 AM so I can avoid city traffic.  That trip, although dark, is cool.  The diablo rojos (buses) are all lit up like Christmas trees.  So cool.. I should blog about that next....

Chris proud of this baby!

Salad, soup or entrée?

Anyway, my countless trips to the city for shopping and meeting and greeting some guests have racked up thousands of kilometers on my car....Which has been a very good car to handle this much driving.

We have a website, http://www.yachtlatina.com which is designed to be a focal point in our marketing engine.  That is Chris' side job is to manage the site updates, pictures, postings, and schedules.  We also happen to live in a lovely expat community, playa coronado, where many of our friends and their families have also had the pleasure of cruising on one of our yachts, thus expanding the 'yacht latina fan club'.  

We recently expanded our yacht fleet to 7 vessels in order to provide our clients with a richer menu of sailing and cruising options all around Panama.  These vessels and their captains have come from all around the world to bathe in the tranquility of the tropic seas surrounding Panama.

San Blas Sunset 

Pearl Islands: Whale watching!

Sunset Paddle boarding 

These are some photo examples our guests have taken while on their trips.

Eric's lancha in San Blas

S is for Starfish

Which way? in Bocas

If you have yet to set sail with Yacht Latina cruises, then now is the time.  Sept - Dec is lovely and the dry season is just around the corner.  I do encourage those that live in Panama to at least try a couple nights sail.  The waters are typically calm both during sail and at anchor.  And the early morning pick up to start a cruise is well worth sitting on a hammock on your very own island (if you are lucky).

The schedule and times are posted on our www.yachtlatina.com website.  If you want to reach me directly: manager@yachtlatina.com.

Cheers!  Lita Huber

Staying fit and healthy in Panama

Swimming in the Pacific

Healthy while living in a hot, tropical climate has been a real challenge for me.  Since we've moved I've gone up and down in weight.  It's a lot of work to maintain and still enjoy the benefits of the good food and especially drinking here in Panama.

We started off with the feeling of being on vacation - going out for meals and drinking beer - tons of beer! It's so cheap at .38 as opposed to buying soda at .75!  I however got addicted to bottled coca-cola.  I can't stop!! Or I should say, I could not resist popping one open on a hot, muggy day... I had to do something quick!

I also have felt lack of energy from the heat whenever I went for a run or even a walk! We adopted Alpha in February 2012 hoping I can get some walking done, however, with the tide being at different times, the beach walks had to be on times that I was not comfortable with.  What to do, what to do?  Moving to Coronado from Gorgona helped in July. We now have paved roads and flat streets and more people around. I feel safer too.

Solution for our healthy problem? We hired Natasha from Sunwave Fitness to help us stay fit at least twice a week.  She comes to our home and kicks our but with Tash Camp (boot camp) and sometimes yoga, sometimes zumba just to switch it out a bit.

Yogacise with Tash

That has been a great fit! Literally...

I still have not been able to run more than 5 miles training wise, but we have had a race in Penenomé back in June.  That was a blast!  What started out as a group of 6 women, grew into a larger group of men and women.  A total of 12 of us were signed up, got up early and ran a 10k.  It was suppose to be a 7k, but who cares?  We did it!

7k point, but no sign so we continue.

Marci, Karyn and Linda

Finished!

More pictures as we wait for Tom who passed both markers and finished a 15k

Off we go!

Muddy trails = muddy shoes

I feel like I should have trained more for this race, but the most important thing was that I finished. I do appreciate Natasha coming over Tuesdays and Thursdays to our house to help Chris and I.  I say that for an hour, she can make me sweat profusely and even though I whine about the heat, I am happy to say afterwards "I'm glad I did it".

Currently we are searching for new Panama races.  You would think they did not exist! But let me tell you, at least one every weekend.  There really is a race for everyone.  5ks, 10ks, 21k and 42ks. And a few triathlons and not to mention we had our first panamanian Ironman back in February.

Our next big one on the horizon is Gamboa 21k race on October 2nd.  Can I say I do races for the medals? The medal looks awesome and the race is in the rainforest.  What more can I say.  I have 'til October to whip my butt in shape again.  I feel better when I sign up for something and look forward to it. It forces me to train, eat right and stay conscious of my body.  Once my race is over, I look for the next big thing. and the next.

Chris almost done

My passion for running is in my heart.  Just need my head to wrap around the idea again. Is this what we call a slump?  hmmmmm.  I have a race I love to do coming up in February 2013 - Huntington Beach 1/2 marathon.  This will be my 6th year doing it. I'm hoping this Superbowl Sunday will continue to be my tradition of running in the morning and slumping in front of the TV afterwards.

I love how I get a chance to motivate others, including my loving husband here.  He went from couch potato to basically running every morning.  I'm proud of him for continuing to set an example for me and our kids.

Panama is such a lovely country: food, fruits, rain forests, canal, mountains, beaches on both Pacific side and the Caribbean.  As well as complex when it comes to being healthy. But if other athletes can do it, so can I.

Girl-cation in San Blas, Panama 2012

Well, I finally had an all girl vacation AKA girlcation.  We decided to go to San Blas Island with Yacht Latina of course. :)

Two nights, three days of Sun, Beach and Girl time.

Me, Lee, Jo, Lynda and Corrin on Nalunega

We started out super early - like 5 AM for me and 4 AM for the girls coming from the beach.  Chris and I spent the night in the city (Gypsy Kings concert the night before).  Late night and early morning and coffee not available til 6 AM!?! yeah... I was not in my element.
But needles to say, we were on the road by 6:30 (tons of traffic coming from the beach delayed our trip by 30 minutes.
I called shotgun - whew! and decided to sleep my car sickness away.  Everyone else loved the chatting and being away from husbands, or boyfriends and kids.  This was our time and we were set to enjoy.

Guna Yala school function - DJ system?

Our first thing was to explore our lancha guides, Eric, home island: Nalunega.  Its a big island with a school and big restaurant bar.  There was  recycle museum as well. That was fun to explore.
Exploring a Guna Yala island was interesting. We came at the time where a big community meeting was happening in the main hall.  Women came in one door and sat on one side of the "hall" hut. The men came in the other door and sat in their respective sides. No kids.  After the meeting they would have a festival where big meals (fish soup) would be served to the island community.  Of course, we were not allowed to snap pictures but it was interesting none the less.

Artist and owner of the recycle museum

Store on Nalunega

Laundry area

Supporting the community

Mola bags anyone?

After, Eric dropped us off at the Lady Lu and we were off to Holandes islands.  We bypassed Isla Perro and kept going.  I however decided to sleep my sickness away - again. Corrin and I enjoyed our peace out moment.

Once we anchored, we were off kayaking and snorkeling.  Saw sharks, fish and explored the island.  We had our little cooler and basically relaxed the entire time.  The next day, some of us debated about staying an extra day (1/2 seriously).  But two nights was great taste of San Blas.

The next day we moved on to Isla Verde and basically ended up with a sunburn on my back - too much sitting in the water drinking beer and talking about recipes.

We had a nice gal from France - and her husband sporting a very euro swimsuit thong - selling jewelry that she made from coconut and Kuna vegetable "ivory".  We also had a family come on board selling us Molas.   I must say I was happy with my purchases, as well as the other ladies.  So sun, beach, snorkeling, swim, kayaking, drinking and shopping...not bad for us girls.

Me, Jo, Corrin, Catherine, Lee and Lynda - Isla Verde

you'll find her - Catherine "Tagua" Catamaran, Isla Verde

Like all good trips, they must come to an end.  And we bonded, like a wolf pack, and will always have San Blas, March 2012.

Before my water camera stopped working

Yacht Latina - Business opportunity

So, the past couple of months have been a whirlwind of a new thing for me.  I started working.  Yes, my nose is back into actually having to remove myself from household duties (thank God!) and driving a lot that does not include kids in my car.
In March 2012, we started a business adventure: Yacht Latina.  We offer a sailing or motor yacht experience around the North West side to the mid north side of the San Blas Archipelago Islands.
After experiencing this first hand back in September 2011, I'm amazed how many local people, expats, and other folks have not done the San Blas islands.  Its not more than traveling to the Pearl Islands and might in fact take less time.

Map of San Blas - we anchor off Nalunega (far west by El Porvenir)

San Blas you have the option to be driven, drive or fly.  If you drive, you will need a 4x4 to get up the rollercoaster hills and in some cases, cross rivers.  If you are driven, you reserve the space on a Kuna 4x4 who will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in the city around 5:30 in the morning.  The good news is you at least arrive by 8:30, and are cruising by 9 AM to an island.  If you decide to fly, you fly from the city (Albrook airport) and arrive in El Porvenir or Corazon in less than 30 minutes.  These are small planes and weight is something they take seriously - so don't over pack!

We had a great start in March. April slowed down (typically end of tourist season) and we picked up in May - much needed advertising and contacts worked with emails and promotions.  I think the price of $150 a night per person is fairly reasonable since we include all meals, non alcoholic drinks and the water toys (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing rods, etc).  Not to mention we take the off beaten track for our guests to feel like they are on the islands by themselves.

The Lady Lu

We have two vessels: Lady Lu and Low Keys.
Lady Lu is 63' Goudy and Stevens classic motor yacht. This is possibly the ONLY motor yacht out there and that makes it really fun.  She has 4 cabins - one with a queen bed and full A/C. Although we don't really promote the A/C because of fuel burning and high costs! $5 gallon for diesel here....

The Low Keys is a 41' sailboat with 7 bunk beds.  I have yet to go on this, but it sounds likes sailing this around the islands would be a good adventure.

The Liliana - coming soon near us.  I can't wait.  Now that is a dream vessel.  Hopefully we shall see her after August.

Our Lady Lu "crew" includes Captain Phil Morris.  He is a savvy captain who loves boats, people and also is a great cook. He also hires a local Kuna to help with the cleaning and maintenance of the boat.  As for Low Keys, we have Captain Ed.  Both are great to chat with about sailing and adventures from the US to Panama can fill your mind better than pirate stories. LOL

Kayaking with a sail - like the Kuna Yala

My job is basically to fill the boat.  I take in the email inquiries, coordinate dates, take the deposits coordinate with the 4x4 Kuna drivers, shop for food, and make sure they have the provisions on board before they cruise out.

Its fun, busy work.  Especially when we have back to back trips.  We are still going through the motions like taking a minimum on board. Communication between the captain (crappy reception and phone service when its raining out there). And of course when the boat is not moving - what to do.  We have had many guests sharing their stories: from retirees to back packers.  Its all so interesting chatting with these people.

I spy starfish

Personally: I've had the greatest time visiting San Blas more than a few times now and it really feels like something new each and every time.  You never know what to expect and which islands have what.  Too many to choose and too little time.

If you feel the inclination to explore islands and experience the indigenous Guna Yala (formerly known as Kuna Yala), drop us a line at www.yachtlatina.com or find us on facebook or twitter @yachtlatina.  Let the adventures continue.....

Panama Road Trip

Over the December holidays, the kids were out of school for a month.  Chris and I decided rather than fly somewhere, we do a road trip and get to know Panama better - not just stay around the Pacific side or the city.  We decided on a five day road trip.
Christmas Shopping in the City:
Sunday night we spent the night in the city at our favorite hotel - The Finistere.  We totally love the layout of the all suite hotels: King bed for mom and dad, sofa bed for Kami, and oversized chair bed for Lincoln.  We did some Christmas shopping at the malls there.  The shopping was crazy!  Cars parked on the medians, double parked, and extremely hard to find a taxi for the drop off or pick up. But we did end up taking a cab from our hotel and back from the mall.

First Stop Santiago:
Monday we headed back home, dropped off our goods and headed to Santiago.  We found the hotel La Hacienda which had a water park for the kids and a casino for mom and dad.  Water park was closed and the casino was not Vegas.  But we still enjoyed the affordable room with two queens and a twin.  Perfect for us.  The restaurants in Santiago were great.  We ended up at a Mexican restaurant in the downtown part of town.

Kamila found her calling in Boquete!

Fabulous Boquete:
Tuesday we headed up to Boquete - the coffee plantations, the coffee factories and cooler weather found in the mountains of Panama.  We stayed at Oasis Hotel which had a super room for us!  Upstairs was the king bed and downstairs we had a sofa bed and asked for a twin roll-away for Lincoln.  We had our own kitchen and cable TV.

Artisans along the road selling dresses and jewelry

Wednesday we headed out to Bocas del Toro.  Heard about it. Read about it. Now I was going to experience it.  Chris was there a few years ago and really enjoyed it.  We were also going to hook up with our friends George and Melinda from the Souther Belle catamaran (read about our San Blas adventure).  They just arrived themselves and were planning on staying there for a while.
Driving from Boquete to Bocas was an adventure.  We strongly recommend driving in the morning.  The mountain roads were curvy, very windy and scenic.  The views were amazing!

Where's Kami in the cacao farm?

We should have worn our rainboots too in order to protect our toes from mud.

We stopped at a cocao (chocoloate) plantation in Cilico Creek on the way to Bocas and what a treat it was for the kids and us to learn the process of making chocolate - pure, unsweetened organic and dark as can be. The experience was fabulous! Imagine a world of Chocolate from its jungle origins. After hundreds of years of using cacao for traditional and health purposes, the Ngobe Indians of this region live on stilt homes on the Creek.  The guides walked us through the entire chocolate making process from seeing the trees and growing the cacao to harvesting, drying and processing and eating it. We bought chocolate bread and high quality, pure, organic chocolate bars. 


Wednesday night  in Bocas del Toro is packed with backpackers.  We stayed at the Bocas del Toro hotel which is in prime location. Hence its price.  But the rooms were comfy and we all had our own beds.  I recommend calling in advance so you have the view of the water and the rooms are limited.  Great lunch served in their restaurant.  Everything is walking distance - unless you feel adventurous like Chris and Lincoln who ended up touring the island on a golf cart while Kami and I did some local shopping.

Fabulous service and drinks!

This hotel has style!

In Bocas they have an ecosystem which shelters hundreds of species of fish, dolphins, parrots, monkeys, toucans, sloth, dart frogs and a 20 year old national marine park protecting endangered sea turtles and manatees. In this ecological archipelago there are 9 islands dotted with more than 250 keys of coral gardens, which are the rainforests of the ocean.  
For dinner we went to the Crab place located on another island.  Fun taking a water taxi over.
If we were feeling adventurous and our kids were over 21, we might have hit a few bars on main street.  We ended up passing them on our way back to the hotel... 

In case you can't find your way...

Lots of rain here, but we were lucky to have only sprinkles on Thursday morning for our catamaran sailing in search of dolphins.  This was a great sailing cruise with George and Melinda from Southern Belle, but we did not see dolphins.

We headed back home on the drive back... which was an adventure in the dark.  Note to self.  leave before 3 pm so you are not stuck in the mountains in pitch black, foggy darkness.


Last stop but not least was Las Lajas. The person at the desk was great! We arrived just after 9 pm but we had a great room and a beer after we arrived.  The bar was closed but they were nice enough to let us purchase one after hours. 

Great rooms, pool, beach and bar

Chiquita bananas!! All around Bocas

Chris working

This will surely be in our agenda to go back and visit again.  Great road trip and very educational!!