San Blas Islands

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.

Culture and History

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.

Talk

Kuna remains the first language of the Kunas in San Blas. However most of the men are able to speak some Spanish. Most tour guides etc... will speak Spanish and some English. The women mostly only speak Kuna.

Travel to San Blas Islands - Visa Requirements

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

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.

By land

The road in to San Blas (El llano - Carti) has been vastly improved, and is full of work crews improving it. A 4x4 is still needed as there remains one river crossing (Mar. 09) but a bridge is being built. The road is accesible all year round. Currently there are a number of Kuna run tour operators that will pick you up from your hotel in Panama City and drive you in to San Blas, where you get a boat in to your island.

San Blas Islands tourist attractions and sightseeing

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.

San Blas Islands city tours

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.

San Blas Islands souvenirs and shopping

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.

San Blas Islands Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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.

San Blas Islands nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

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.

San Blas Islands cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

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). A community with rich history, tradition, culture, beach and natural, beauty to discover. we offer rooms or hammocks as well as meals. Guests can be pick up in their hostels in Panama City if an address is provided.Please, Contact at me: Germain Perez on (507) 67343454 or e-mail to sanblasadventures@yahoo.com or http://cartihomestaykunayala.blogspot.com

• 'Hospedaje corbisky'(kuna yala) 5. minutes from porvenir airport and 25 minutes from panama city (Albrook) we offer 4 bedrooms every cabins. and all available to 12 persons 3 meals a day,Educational tours and nice beaches .

The build constrution over the ocean ,good snorkeling and swimming .The Hospedaje is contact culture kuna with friedly staff also you can live in a milenarian and unique culture or simply rest in a inviting hammock and relax. more information contact Elias Perez Martinez (507) 67085254 email eliasperezmartinez@yahoo.com http://hospedajecorbiskikunayala.blogspot.com

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.

Get out

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