Stay with Claudio

OUTSTANDING!!! Claudio and Laura welcomed us in to their lovely home to spend two days sailing in San Blas for our honeymoon. As soon as we arrived, Laura prepared delightful bruschetta (and a few beers!) before we set sail. We lazed on the boat reading books, kayaked, snorkelled (to see amazing starfish) and visited local people on the islands (where you can purchase beautiful handmade jewellery). Laura and Claudio provided us with more lobster than we thought possible - cooked in a different way for each meal. They also provided beers, wine and (quite a few) rums! Our favourite was the lunchtime rum! Our cabin was comfy and we had our own private bathroom. During lunch and dinner, Claudio and Laura dined with us and told us their incredibly interesting life stories. They are fantastic company! If you visit Laura and Claudio, be sure to ask Laura to make her homemade foccacia - it is amazing! Highly recommend this amazing experience. Thank you Laura and Claudio!

Staying with Claudio and Laura was a dream! They were incredibly welcoming and kind. The food was divine - fresh lobster, homemade focaccia, fresh fruit. We had an amazing time chatting with them over meals and they knew exactly when to give us the perfect amount of privacy. They were very accommodating to any of our needs (honestly, we did not have to ask for anything - it was already there!) On day 1, they fed us fresh-baked bread and set us up on the front of the boat with a shady area to nap (much-needed after the ~5 hours trip from Panama City). We were then able to explore the sand bars and swim before a fabulous dinner. Day 2 we moved to a different set of islands that allowed us to bum around on the beach, which was exactly what we wanted! At each of the bigger islands, there is generally a little place to sit and have a $2 beer, which was nice. If you're looking for a gorgeous boat, lovely hosts, and spectacular food, set in a fantastically breath-taking landscape of remote islands - BOOK NOW!

Claudio and Laura are wonderful gracious hosts. They welcomed us aboard their beautiful boat with overwhelming hospitality. We admire their lifestyle and experiences. We enjoyed all of the meals we had onboard especially the handmade pasta! The San Blas islands are gorgeous and it was such a pleasure to be able to go ashore some of the islands and explore and learn about the native Kuna people and their way of life. We really enjoyed our time aboard it was a very comfortable stay. Thank you to Claudio and Laura, we had a wonderful time and hope to see you again!

As avid travellers, our experience with Claudio and Laura was one of the most unique experiences we have ever had. It was a cross between a private cruise on a catamaran and being invited into someone's home. Arrangement of land and boat travel was smooth with good communication throughout. We were greeted by Claudio and Laura at the first island which was the common connection site. The catamaran was immaculate. Upon boarding, we were offered homemade bread that had just come out of the oven with tomatoes and olive oil. We were then asked whether we wanted to sail or have lunch. We chose to sail, and immediately had a sense of what the next three days were like. Claudio and Laura made it a point to sail a couple of hours to different islands to optimize our experience. We lay out on the front of the catamaran and took naps. Our first lunch consisted of grilled lobster and fresh vegetables. When Claudio and Laura learned we loved lobster, we proceeded to have lobster cooked in different ways every single day of our trip. They also cater to vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The water was clean and the shower was hot with great water pressure. Our first island had starfish and we docked right on the beach. It was surreal. Our second island housed a Kuna family that were close friends with Claudio and Laura and we got to learn about their fascinating culture. Dinner the second night consisted of lobster cooked in wine and butter and this time we had fresh homemade focaccia bread. Our third day, Claudio and Lauran took us to an island with a reef where we snorkeled. We had the entire island and reef to ourselves. we swam in the mornings and napped in the afternoons. For our last dinner Laura and Claudio showed us how to make fresh pasta. We were constantly check on, offered wine, rum, beer, water. We had fresh fruit for dessert with every meal that had been purchased off of the "floating market." Food is very important to me, and dinner was spectacular. we have videos of the tutorial. Claudio and Laura are also some of the most experienced sailors in the area and know the intricacies of the area and their fellow sailors and Kuna family, and they are held with high respect among everyone. They are often consulted by others on their routes and plans. This was an experience the far surpassed our high expectations.

Staying on the catamaran with the hosts Laura and Claudio is stunning. I would highly recommend visiting the pristine San Blas Islands. Laura and Laura were very impressed with their family style and we will certainly not have done it for the last time. Big compliment!!!

What a joy it was to share a few nights with Claudio and Laura aboard CUSH.  This wonderful couple sailed the world and have seen the most epic beaches in the world and they chose San Blas to lay anchor. If you want to truly find paradise there is no better place than the San Blas islands, and to get the most out of your trip, there is no better Captain than Claudio. The Kuna who welcome you onto their lands are beautiful, creative, and gregarious people. I am so grateful to Laura for being such a curious student of their culture and passing her knowledge on to her guests. After an incredible dinner and a lovely chat with Claudio and Laura, I would stay up and read a beautiful book Laura has about the women of Kuna Yala and their Molas. With a glass of Panamanian rum, it was the perfect ending to perfect days spent meeting these people and enjoying their islands. There is a clear mutual respect between Claudio, Laura, and the Kunas as evident by simple exchanges, children leaping into Claudio’s arms, the women greeting Laura by name, Claudio finding a fresh hook for a fisherman, Laura preparing coffees for two Kuna men in their canoe as they deliver fresh produce, fishermen selling the days catch to the catamarans. The Kuna are very welcoming to all but you can sense they have a genuine love for Claudio and Laura not necessarily shared with all boats. On this trip, you will literally feel like a castaway. At times I found myself laying on the white sand, under a palm tree pretty certain I was the only one on the island. Barefoot "hiking" through miniature coconut farms, dangling my legs into the water from the perch of a fallen palm tree, snorkeling alongside manta rays and sea turtles. It is as if the small boat that transfers you from the mainland to the catamaran is a time machine. Gorgeous, untouched islands — some completely isolated while others have a few Kuna families or fishermen living on them — with the most cerulean waters I’ve ever seen...(and I’ve dived throughout the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Great Barrier Reef). Yet this place which on its surface appears to be one of the last unspoiled paradises on earth still manages to strike you with the stark realities of today’s modern world. There are small but tangible examples of climate change as islands fade away literally in front of you, palm trees uprooted from the sand, plastic bottles from the ocean pile up on inhabited islands, coral bleaching in some areas, and one of the few native people with the ability to do so — carefully protecting their lands from mass tourism. Don’t get me wrong, San Blas is a truly beautiful place. But it’s worth noting and in my opinion worth seeing now. Claudio and Laura are true stewards of ecotourism and sustainable living in general. With that, they are also able to deliver a truly luxurious experience for their guests rooted in their own traditions — from Italy. Laura bakes fresh bread every day. They taught me how to make homemade pasta ON A BOAT. We shared many glasses of wine and “shots of espresso” — Italian coffees. There was always a cold beer waiting for me when I got out of the water. But let’s talk specifics on the food: lobster and pasta, fish risotto, paella, octopus and tomatoes, lobster and chickpeas, and every morning the best pancakes and freshest fruit. Just incredible! A few notes on logistics. I traveled solo and would 10/10 recommend for solo travelers. I can also see a family having the most wonderful time with them. They did sail the world with a small child so they know a thing or two about kids and boats. I think 2 nights should be your minimum, I did 3 but could have stayed 3 months ( if they’d have me)! They keep the boat spotless, the cabin is comfortable and bigger than I anticipated. Claudio connects you with a third party that provides all your transportation needs. They were also good but if I were traveling with more than 3 people, I’d book the private transfer instead of the group to cut out some waiting time. Listen to what they say about limited luggage. From a chronic over-packer, you truly only need 3 bathing suits and a cover-up dress or shorts to put on for dinner, maybe a light sweater. Lots of sunscreen, lots of after sun (plus Laura has fresh aloe growing on the boat), no make-up. It’s an Italian boat but Claudio had some adapters for us 120 volters.  Claudio and Laura have a carefree ease and sense of understanding to them that I believe can only come from taking a true leap of faith, really “seeing it all,” and actually living out a life of adventure. Whatever type of traveler you are, I’m confident you’ll be inspired by and feel at home with Claudio and Laura.

My husband and I spent the most wonderful three days with Laura and Claudio! Everything about the trip was nearing magical with the most important of all—the warm and welcoming atmosphere and wonderful company of our hosts!

Such a relaxing, enjoyable stay. Claudio and Laura handled everything (transportation, food, island hopping), and we couldn’t have asked for anything better. If you want to completely disconnect and take in some nature and great food, book a trip on Cush.

We had a great time on the catamaran with Laura and Claudio. After the very bumpy ride on the lancha we were welcomed with a excellent coffee and could immediately relax. We travelled with two little kids (age 3 & 5) and they loved being on the boat. Laura and Claudio picked islands to visit that were especially suitable for kids. The food was great. Laura cooked early dinners for our kids so they could go to bed on time. We would definitely book with Claudio and Laura again.

Claudio and Laura are fabulous hosts. They made me feel at home and took me around the beautiful San Blas Islands, taking me ashore to meet the locals and explaining Kuna traditions and the art of the mola. The food was fabulous and they even taught me how to make homemade pasta.

Our vacation aboard Cush with Capt Claudio and Laura exceeded our expectations in every way. Starting at the pre-trip communications to the travel logistics from Panama to the actual stay on their comfortable and stylish catamaran - every aspect was delightful. When we booked, Claudio welcomes us immediately an arranged our transportation from our hotel to the Port and then to the catamaran via lance (water taxi). He made sure to let us know to bring passports and told us how much the trip and Kuna Yala port fee would cost down to the exact amount. Claudio was great at messaging via What’sApp and was very response to all messages. Claudio met us at an island where the lance dropped us and where Cush was anchored about 50 to 60 meters from the shore. He picked on his dingy and took us the catamaran where we had our first chance to meet wonderful Laura. She treated us freshly brewed espresso and a lite breakfast to take the edge off since our pickup from hotel was at 530am. We then got a chance to spend an hour our so on the beach while they prepared of first of many incredible meals on Cush. Our first lunch of freshly grilled lobster and baked bread and salad set the bar for several amazing meals they prepared. Laura is an great chef and everything was delicious and beautifully served on the table. Everything is fresh caught and we believe it was the best stretch of meals w’ve every eaten over a three day period. They ate with us at each meal and shared their lifetime of experiences at sea and traveling around the world. It was clear that they are passionate about their lifestyle and genuinely wanted us to share it with them as their guests. They were eager to learn about us and our life as well. The conversation over wine and beers will be something we will never forget. Claudio took us to several different islands where we could snorkel (they have really good gear to use) and swim and visit the Kuna people. It was breathtakingly beautiful to be on the deck soaking in the sun and feeling the wind while enjoying the spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Cush was plenty spacious for my wife and I and we never felt crowded. The boat has a fresh water reverse osmosis system capable of producing 80 liters an hour. Plenty of clean and refreshing water to drink and shower. Our room had a sink and a king sided bed. It was so quiet at night it was as if we were completely alone on the catamaran. In conclusion, if you’ve ever considered anything like this Claudio and Laura and Cush are the trip to charter. The treated us as family and as if we were sharing their home (and not merely paying guests). In fact at time we felt overwhelmed with their generosity and desire to make us happy while on board. It was a complete adventure and we feel that the experience will stay with us the rest of our lives. Thank you for making it superb,

I highly recommend Claudio and Laura's place. They are extremely attentive and helpful. We had a lovely stay at their place on the Cush. Wifi didn't work but sometimes it's good to get out of civilization, especially in such a unique and exclusive place. The catamaran is very comfortable and the food delicious!

When we decided to go to San Blas with the kids, finding the place wasn't easy. The place is quite remote, and we were looking for a comfortable and safe accommodation. In the end, the choice fell on the Cush. No choice was more right! Skipper Claudio arranged for us to transfer from the hotel to Panama City to the boat. Once you arrive, beyond the fact that the archipelago is wonderful, a real paradise, the welcome on the boat was great. The catamaran is large, well maintained and truly equipped with all the comforts. Both the bunk beds and the common spaces are well accessible and well organized. Good breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with lobster and freshly caught fish. Very willing to meet the needs of my children who basically don't eat fish... The days are smooth, between a bathroom, a little relaxation in the sun or a canoe exit. Out of 5 days of stay, not just a problem or issue. Claudio and Laura are an experienced and capable crew who can handle everything with courtesy and availability. 100% recommended. WE'LL BE BACK!!!

We chose to stay on Cush due to the overwhelmingly good reviews we found online and I can promise that it lives up to and exceeds all expectations. If you are looking to visit San Blas, look no further. We enjoyed plenty of fresh fish every day, delicious home cooked Italian food and freshly baked bread every morning. As well as this, Claudio and Laura knew many of the locals and exactly where the best spots were for relaxation, snorkelling and the most beautiful views. We can’t thank them enough for a great stay and for introducing us to the wonders of San Blas! Both Claudio and Laura go the extra mile throughout your stay and make you feel as comfortable as possible.