https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Blas_Islands
HISTORY OF SAN BLAS Guna Yala also known as San-Blas Islands is an autonomous province of Panama that includes approximately 400 islands and only 60 of them are populated. The Kunas are one of the last indigenous tribes of the Chibcha Amerindian people. In the Kuna language they call themselves Dule or Tule, which literally means "person".information about San Blas "Guna YaLa"
Information about San Blas "Guna YaLa" They first lived in the Darien province of Panama, which is now considered the jungle border between Colombia and Panama. They lived in about 60 independent tribes that shared the same language and culture. All these tribes did not trade with each other, some even fought, moreover the European conquistadors came with the purpose of finding gold, which pushed the Kuna to look for a safer place. They chose to settle around 1600 on the Atlantic coast of Panama, first on the mainland and then moving to the San-Blas Islands. The soil was not really fertile, so no other tribe tried to settle there. Also the Spanish were busy searching for gold and fighting with the tribes. So, the Kuna could set down roots in their new surroundings and start making San-Blas a better place to live by growing fruits and vegetables, they maintain their way of life by trading seafood, yucca, and other ailments with pirates who also settle in the hidden shallow waters of San-Blas. The Kuna are one of the only tribes that preserve their traditions for centuries, until now.
#1 - HOW TO GET TO SAN BLAS?
You will need different transportation to get to San Blas from the airport, here we will explore all the different ways.
4×4 collective taxis to Guna Yala
Water taxi
You will have to combine different options because only the plane offers to go directly to San Blas, but it has a significant cost. During your trip to get to San Blas you will have to go through the Guna Yala customs and pay the Guna Yala entrance fee before getting to your sailboat or catamaran.
Guna Yala rate information about San Blas "Guna YaLa"
San Blas or Guna Yala is an independent province. So, like any independent place, there is a border, a customs office and an immigration office.
Entry to Guna Yala costs $20 per person for foreigners and $5 for nationals or residents.
From Panama to San Blas by 4×4 taxi
A 4×4 comes to pick you up at your hotel, it is a 4×4 collective, and the driver will go around the hotel to take the tourists to San Blas. Then, you leave Panama City to get to Carti, your driver will go through customs, and you will have to pay the kuna fee (20$) then, you enter the Guna Yala territory. When you get to Carti, it is 7:30am, your taxi will drop you off at the dock, he will ask you for 50$ for the transport. At the dock, you can see boats from different companies coming from the sea and bringing tourists who have just finished their cruise. They take your 4×4 taxi and you take their boat, the water taxi will take you to your next destination…the sailboat or catamaran you chose.
We can provide you with contacts or coordinate the transport of both car and boat.
Please book your trip in advance and confirm it 2 days before with your hotel name and address, The driver will pick you up in the morning, please have your passport ready for customs on the San Blas road
From the port by water taxi to the sailboat or catamaran - WATER TAXI TO SAN BLAS
WHAT IS A BOAT?
A lancha is a small, long boat with a powerful outboard motor, to get people quickly on the water. Leaving Carti pier, around 8h30/9am, the lancha stops at different islands and boats to drop people off. It's not the most comfortable way to travel, (it takes 30/45min to get to Chichime) but it's definitely a lot of fun. The price will depend on how far away the islands you want to go to are, for example the water taxi should cost you around $20/25 to get to Chichime from Carti and can drop you off directly at your boat if you ask.
We can provide you with contacts or coordinate the transport of both car and boat.
Please book your trip in advance and confirm it 2 days before your arrival. Your water taxi will drop you off directly at the boat.
You have finally arrived at !!!! It's around 10am, you can relax and have a drink, the crew will take care of everything, you are in San Blas, and your trip can begin.
- HOW TO RETURN FROM SAN BLAS TO PANAMA
At around 7am, the boats will circle the islands and boats to pick up people who have requested it. They will take them to the dock where 4x4 taxis are waiting to take people to their next destination.
We can provide you with contacts or coordinate the transport of both car and boat.
Another way is to go to San Blas by plane:
You can get to San Blas by small plane from Panama City airport, you can book a private plane or a helicopter to take you to Porvenir airport. This option has a significant cost, but it is definitely the fastest way to get to the San Blas Islands within 30 minutes.
https://aeroalbrook.com/fly/el-porvenir/
#2 - Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains information that may be useful to you. If you cannot find the answer here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What documentation should I bring?
Regardless of the country of origin, you must bring a passport with at least three months of validity. A tourist can stay in Panama for 180 days.
Panamanians and residents must carry their ID.
What is the best time to travel?
Panama is located very close to the Equator, enjoying a tropical climate, temperatures vary between 25-30º C.
It has two seasons: The summer season, from mid-December to May (dry, sunny and windy), is the perfect time for sailing, windsurfing, etc.
The spring season runs from May to December (rainy, with high humidity and calm sea) and is the best time for diving and snorkelling. You can make your reservation at any time of the year, 365 days a year, 24 hours a year...
What is the time difference?
There is a 7-hour time difference with respect to Spain MORE INFORMATION FOR OTHER COUNTRIES
What is the itinerary to follow?
The itinerary depends on several factors, namely wind and weather conditions and sea conditions. We will try to make the best possible itinerary.
Is it possible to dive in San Blas?
To date, diving is completely prohibited in the Kuna Archipelago, this is because years ago, there were many poachers who fished with scuba tanks.
What clothes should I pack?
It is recommended not to bring a hard suitcase, as well as not to bring too many clothes, as it is hot and sometimes windy. Normally you use half of what you bring, we advise you to bring light luggage: shorts, t-shirts, sarongs, swimsuit, cap/hat, sun cream, polarized sunglasses, flip-flops, raincoat, windproof clothing, mosquito repellent, your toiletries and beach towel, of course do not forget your camera.
Bring just a few things in your bag, you don't need much in this paradise. Try to avoid carrying hard luggage because it will take up a lot of space in your cabin.
You should definitely pack a swimsuit and comfortable clothing. Also bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers both for when the temperature drops at night and to protect yourself from the sun.
Don't forget your flip-flops or a raincoat, as there may be occasional showers between July and December. It is very important that you bring a cap, hat, scarf or clothing that protects you from the sun, and sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent for when you are waiting for the water taxi at the port if you are taking the road transfer or on the tarmac if you are taking a plane. Once on the catamaran, mosquitoes are rare.
Snacks: All of our dishes are made right there in front of your eyes. Bring your own snacks, M&M's, chips, Ritz Crackers, etc. if you like.
Extra alcohol, but remember that for safety reasons we do not allow intoxication on board. You do not need anything else on board.
Electricity
The current is 110 volts, it is advisable to bring flat-pin plug adapters.
Sunlight starts very early, around 6:00 a.m., and it gets dark around 6:00 p.m.
Currency
The American dollar is used, as well as the balboa, which is Panama's own currency, is equivalent to the dollar and has been legal tender since 1904. 50 and 100 peso bills should be avoided.
Is there mobile coverage in San Blas?
In San Blas, the best company is Digicel, you can buy a card for a small amount of money and be able to connect.
Are there ATMs in San Blas? You cannot withdraw money in San Blas, as there are no ATMs, if you want to make purchases, such as souvenirs, etc., you must do so in cash. It is advisable to bring $1, $5 and $20 bills, as Kunas usually do not have change, in case you want to buy something.
What happens with meals if I am vegetarian or allergic to some food?
No problem, you just have to specify it when you contact us and when you arrive on board, and we will take care of everything.
Are payments made through the website secure?
The reservation payment procedure is carried out by transferring 20% of the total to our General Bank in Panama, to Wells Fargo in the USA or through Paypal. The rest is paid in cash upon arrival at the ship.
#3 - What makes the San Blas Islands special?
This is no BVI, no St Maarten or Bahamas: no construction, no hotels or mass tourism, no party scene and most importantly no foreign interference of any kind make this little part of Panama the only true Caribbean destination left. We want you to be part of this last Caribbean paradise, blend in and live naturally, take part in fantastic snorkelling experiences, visit all the islands and the interesting Kuna culture and indigenous customs. This is not the place for a party on a boat, for excessive drinking and making noise. If you are looking for a party, go to Bocas del Toro or the Pacific side. Not only does alcohol have many physical effects that directly threaten safety and well-being on the water, drink too much and you will miss out on the best of San Blas and its people.
#4 - What is the best itinerary for sailing around the San Blas Islands ?
Getting the best itinerary depends on the number of days booked, the type of inbound and outbound transfer preferred, and the guests' interests or preferences. Whatever the itinerary, our crewed catamaran rentals in San Blas are fully customizable. More information about the San Blas Islands itineraries here: https://www.clickandsailing.com/toursensanblas
#5 - What does the price include?
The rates shown on our website are for all-inclusive private catamaran and sailboat charters. Prices include: - Captain and cook total of 2 crew members or 3 when necessary - Full board menu based on fresh lobster, crab, fish, meat, fruits, etc., also adaptable to vegetarians or any other dietary needs. - Drinks (moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages) - Bed linen and bath towel. Please bring your own beach towel. - Dinghy with outboard motor - Kayaks and paddle boards. The amount and type of water toys depends on the catamaran selected. - Snorkeling and fishing equipment - Use of water for shower.
Prices do not include: - Incoming and outgoing transfers: price varies between air or road - Entrance tax - Carbonated drinks and any diet drinks - Items purchased by clients or any extra activities outside the catamaran
If you still have any questions after reading this information, please let us know by contacting Clickandsailing
