• Understand
• Talk
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Stay safe
• Get out

The San Blas Islands is a group of islands which are located just off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The indigenous Kuna Yala tribe have self governing authority over the islands and a part of the mainland.

[edit] Understand

The local people, the Kuna Yala, are a wonderful example of an how an indigenous people continue to flourish and practice their age old customs surrounded by the modern world. They are friendly and welcoming of tourists. Although the San Blas Islands is their ancestral home, you will also find them selling their wares in Panama City.

Electric power is limited, so it is not uncommon for the hotels and homes to operate generators for only a few hours per day. After dark the moon and stars provide the only light.

[edit] Talk

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

It is possible to fly direct to some of the islands from Panama City, Panama. Daily service is offered by Aeroperlas and Air panama

[edit] By boat

It may also be possible to take a boat from the mainland, but there is no scheduled ferry service. Many small boats supply food etc to the islands, and you may be able to get a ride on one of these boats. Be wary of the larger boats, often barely afloat and crewed by suspicious characters, that stop at many of the islands.

[edit] By road

There are 4x4 services between Panama City and San Blas Islands (3.5h, USD 25 one way). Guests can be pick up in their hostels in panama city if an address is provided .For bookings, call Germain Perez on (507) 67343454 or email to sanblasadventures(at)yahoo.com.

[edit] Get around

The inhabited islands are all quite small. One can easily walk around the circumference of most of the islands in 10 minutes or less. The locals move between islands in long canoe type boats that seat about 5 people maximum. Most of these boats have engines at the end, but it is not uncommon to see locals paddling their own small boats. Hotels offer excursions to the smaller uninhabited islands with these long canoes.

[edit] See

The main attractions of the islands are the natural elements. The white sand beaches are surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

At night, as there is little electric light, it is easy to see the stars in the heavens.

[edit] Do

If you snorkel, you will find a great variety of tropical fish in the shallow warm waters.

Many of the tiny islands with beautiful beaches have one member of the Kuna tribe on the island who collects $1.00 per person for use of the island for sunbathing or swimming. Be sure to bring small change with you.

[edit] Buy

The native people wear very colorful traditional clothing and make some inexpensive crafts, such as painted coconut shells and Molas - the traditional colorful cloths that have unique Kuna drawings and symbols embroidered on colorful fabric.

[edit] Eat

There are no restaurants to speak of in the San Blas Islands. There are some small grocery stores that sell food items and beverages. Ice can also be purchased at some of these stores.

The hotels offer meal-inclusive packages, so it is best to reserve one of those. Local caught fish, including small lobsters, are a popular staple. The islands are close to the mainland so supplies are refreshed daily.

[edit] Drink

Some of the islands have one small bar that caters to the locals and tourists alike. Ice is in short supply. Drinks, including beer and sodas, can be purchased at small stores on some islands.

[edit] Sleep

There are small and very rustic hotels on some of the islands, and due to the lack of restaurants, they offer all-inclusive meal packages. Also most hotels will include day trips to some of the smaller islands, where they will leave you alone for several hours to snorkel, sun bathe or swim. These islands offer pristine white sand and crystal clear water. Most islands have coconut trees, that offer natural shade from the hot sun.

Be aware that all the accommodations are very basic, most not worthy of a one star rating. Many hotels offer huts made of sticks as rooms - which is also what the locals live in. This means that noise travels easily so be courteous to your neighbors! It also means that the walls are a little see-through at night if the light are on inside. Most rooms do not have private bathrooms, so be prepared to share toilet and shower facilities with others.

* Carti-Homestay' is the newest way to experience the comarca san blas (kuna yala) we offer rooms or hammocks as well as meals. Contact to Germain Perez on (507) 67343454 or email to sanblasadventures(at)yahoo.com

• 'Hospedaje corbisky'(kuna yala) 5. minutes from porvenir airport and 45 minutes from panama city (Albrook) we offer 2 bedrooms every cabins. and all available to 12 persons 3 meals a day,Educational tours and nice beaches and more for info. contac to Elias (507) 67085254 or email to eliasperez(at)yahoo.com

[edit] Stay safe

The local people are usually friendly and welcoming of tourists. Be aware that drug smugglers are rumored to take advantage of this regions autonomy to smuggle drugs from Columbia without intervention by Panamanian authorities. Many large boats ply up and down the island chain, often with dubious characters on board. Use caution in your interactions with these people.

[edit] Get out