Jan 27, 2022

San Blas Island Travel : 20 Tips for your Sailing Holidays

The region of Kuna Yala definitely is a mind-blowing destination and relatively easy to discover, but do take into consideration these insider's tips to help guarantee a successful sailing vacation not only in San Blas but also other locations in Panama.

20 useful tips for traveling to the San Blas islands in Panama

Book way ahead. Catamarans in San Blas are scarce. Good ones, we mean...
Consider travel insurance such as Allianz travel insurance or simply go to SquareMouth to compare the different insurance companies available
Medical insurance with a wide coverage is a nice add on to any travel insurance
Get your vaccines and booster shots or have a PCR test before flying in
Avoid crowded places in Panama. San Blas has no crowded places, so you are good there
Pack very light, you really do not need anything in San Blas
Bring a hat/cap, suntan lotion and sunglasses
Take along any medicine you use regularly, there are no pharmacies in San Blas
Avoid land transfers into San Blas and fly in if possible. Alternatively choose a private road transfer
Do not come to San Blas to party and drink, you will be extremely disappointed
Come to San Blas with an open mind this way you will avoid the cultural shock
Patience is key: " ahorita" means "little now" expect delays, "T.I.P" This is Panama...
Do some research on the Kuna indigenous prior to your trip
Communicate your food preferences well ahed, also allergies or any other issue worth mentioning
Buy yourself a Digicel sim card in any of the many convenient stores in Panama’s streets for your internet access in San Blas, it is cheap and convenient. Top up with an internet plan and you are set to go.
Mosquito repellent of your choice for land incursions
Do not expect the newest models of catamarans. No marinas and repair facilities means less boats in San Blas than anywhere in the Caribbean , also means that captains must handle the maintenance on their own. If you need the newest catamaran, go to the BVI but do not expect a similar experience of that offered in San Blas. No hotels to be seen, a pristine environment, more that 35o islands to explore and the unique Kuna culture make San Blas the last and only True Caribbean Paradise.
Stay more than a couple of nights if possible, it starts getting interesting starting 4-5 nights
Read the cancellation policies of your flight agency and tour operator and ask to clarify if in doubt
Tipping is 5% to 15% depending on the effort shown by the crew