All Paradises have their downside
We have created this fact sheet based on our own experience, we believe
important to share the reality of the small postcards islands with white
sand, beaches and palm trees, prior departure, for you to
enjoy better your trip and know exactly how it could be.
The San Blas Islands are run by the indigenous called The Kunas. They
have their own rules and Panamanian law doesn’t much exist. Their main income
is the tourism and foreigners are not authorized to operate tourisms there.
Meaning this, as soon as you embark on their small boats, you are in the hands
of the Kunas and it will be difficult to claim back any delays,
logistics problems or refunds.
It is the reason why it is important to stay on recommended islands and
not book through agencies with +10 islands listings who care about profit
and not about customer satisfaction. Additionally, all these listings create
confusion to travelers and hesitation. Now, you can also book
your Party Cruise expedition to San Blas with pumping music on
the boat, drinks all day bringing bad influences to the Kuna people
which is probably not what you are looking for ?
Remember all islands are beautiful in San Blas and your choice should be
determined by the most beautiful islands out of the 365 islands but on the Kuna
Family hospitality, the accommodation, the service and tours provided. That’s
why on our side we can only recommend the cabin of our friends
located in Chichime island
To explain the “low” service level sometimes offered, you must
understand that San Blas is still very basic. The Kuna operating there have not
all studied Hospitality Management, Logistics, Gastronomy, nor Tourism. There
has been a big “boom” during the past years and they have not been trained for
that and some just want you to experience their lifestyle in their own comfort
which is as well part of the trip.
About the 4×4 road transportation performed by Panamanians, you can
except to be a little squeezed as 7 passengers can fit into the car. As well,
you can experience some delays or the car already waiting for you because the
pick-up route can change and sometimes others passengers create themselves the
delays (alarm clock issues). To avoid that, you can always pay extra
fee and request a private charter.
Be flexible! You must expect some delays, lack of communication, waiting for someone
or something without knowing the cause, rustic cabanas, no fish but pasta,
(Yes!, sometimes the fish season is low), fried eggs and bread for breakfast,
but in the end, everything works out if you can accept the little
discomfort. Simply enjoy the adventure!
San Blas have a problem with rubbish collection, so you can expect to
see some of it on these islands and more during summer season because of the
strong current. The main rubbish are coming from the sea, cargoes and sailing
boat!
Mandatory items you must take with:
Always have
your Passport with you and not in your bag as there are some check-point
on the way.
The 4×4
transportation will stop on the supermarket but at in case it does not,
make sure to have at least a gallon of water with you and others small snacks.
Towel, swimming
and snorkeling equipment
Rain coat for
the boat ride
Ziploc or any
hermetic bags to put your valuable items in a safe place during the boat ride
as everything can get wet
Toilet paper
Sun block
Mosquito
repellent (mosquitoes are not much present on the islands but at the port)
Tips: You may be waiting around 30 minutes at the San Blas dock to have all the logistics ready. Take a rain coat with you and/or but your belongings such as camera, mobile phone in a dry place as it can be raining or the sea can be a little rough.
