San Blas Islands Disclaimer.

Sea San Blas is a Guna-owned family business that works with local families to welcome travelers to the San Blas Islands.

This guide explains what to expect on our road-and-boat trips and overnight island stays in Guna Yala. Read it alongside your chosen trip’s description, your booking confirmation, our Terms & Conditions and our Refund Policy.

The islands offer a local experience with simple facilities, basic accommodation and schedules that may change. They are not a five-star resort destination. Understanding these conditions before you book will help you choose a trip that suits your expectations.

Please contact us before booking if you have questions about transport, accommodation, meals or the suitability of a particular trip.

Make your reservation through our official website. Once availability is confirmed and the price is agreed, full payment is required to secure the booking. We do not accept deposits or cash payments for reservations.

Payments must be made through our website or by bank transfer, as described in our Terms & Conditions and Refund Policy. Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent Sea San Blas who asks you to pay outside our official booking process.

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with important information about your trip. Read it carefully, including the pickup arrangements and any instructions specific to your booking.

Sea San Blas does not own the islands visited on our trips. We work with local Guna families who provide services such as boat transport, accommodation and meals.

Bring enough US dollars in cash for the Guna Yala entrance tax, additional drinks, snacks and other personal expenses. These are separate from your reservation payment. There are no ATMs in Guna Yala, so arrange your cash before departure.

Pickup in Panama City normally takes place between 5:00 and 5:30 AM. Be ready at 5:00 AM and follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.

Shared transport involves collecting other travelers, so delays can affect the whole group. If you are not ready, our driver will try to contact you. Drivers allow a 15-minute grace period, but may then leave to avoid delaying the remaining passengers. Missed pickups and late arrivals are handled under our Refund Policy.

The drive from Panama City to Puerto Cartí takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The total journey may take longer because of other pickups, checkpoints, traffic, weather or queues at the entrance to Guna Yala.

We stop at a convenience store along the way, where you can use the restroom and buy snacks or drinks. The road into Guna Yala has hills, curves and uneven sections. Plan ahead if you are prone to motion sickness.

Space in the vehicles and boats is limited. Bring only what you need for your trip. Large suitcases, beach chairs, large coolers and other bulky items are not permitted. Leave them at your accommodation in Panama City.

Access to Guna Yala is regulated, and transport must use approved vehicles. The shared 4×4 vehicles used for these trips carry up to six passengers plus the driver. Seats are assigned when guests are collected. If your group has fewer than six people, other travelers may share your vehicle.

Round-trip transportation is included as described in your booking. If you would like a different return drop-off location, ask us in advance. We will try to accommodate the request, but it is not guaranteed.

If you need special travel arrangements, contact support@seasanblas.com before booking so we can discuss what may be possible.

At the port, local Guna hosts will meet you for the boat transfer to the islands. Local families provide the boat trips, island accommodation, meals and activities included in your itinerary.

Boarding may involve getting into or out of a boat from the beach. Guests need to be physically able to manage these conditions. If you need assistance walking or boarding, contact us before booking to discuss whether the trip is suitable.

Boat journeys can be wet and bumpy. Dress appropriately and keep your passport, phone and other belongings protected from water.

These trips are primarily opportunities to enjoy the islands, beaches and natural pools. They are not narrated sightseeing tours with a guide providing explanations throughout the day. English-speaking assistance is not guaranteed on every island.

Accommodation and restroom facilities in Guna Yala are basic and may be rustic. Check the details of your chosen island and accommodation before booking. Shared accommodation does not include a private bathroom.

Island cabins do not offer air conditioning. Some islands have fans and limited electricity supplied by solar power or generators. Mattresses, pillows and other facilities should not be expected to match hotel or resort standards.

Meals are simple, and schedules may be approximate. Check your trip description for the meals and drinks included. Bring additional drinking water, particularly for overnight stays. You may also bring snacks and your own drinks. A limited selection of drinks and snacks is available to buy on some islands.

Vegetarian and other dietary options vary by trip and island. Contact us before booking to discuss your requirements. Do not assume that a particular dietary request can be accommodated. Bringing suitable snacks may be helpful, especially if your options are limited.

Guna Yala is a semi-autonomous Indigenous region with its own local authorities, customs and community rules. Visitors and service providers must respect those requirements. Sea San Blas works with local Guna providers for accommodation, transport and other island services.

Drones are not permitted. If seen, they will be confiscated by the local Guna authorities. Sea San Blas is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from confiscation.

The main tourism season runs from December to April. Ports and islands can be busy, especially around Christmas, New Year, Carnival, Easter and Panama’s November holidays.

Allow for additional waiting during these periods and consider the likely crowds when choosing your travel dates. Contact us before booking if you would like help choosing between a day trip and an overnight stay.

International visitors must bring their original passport with the entry stamp received on arrival in Panama. Passport copies are not accepted.

Panamanian citizens and foreign residents must bring their original ID or residency card.

Keep these documents dry and secure throughout the journey.

The entrance-tax amounts are:

• Tourists:US$22 per person.
• Panamanian citizens and foreign residents:US$7 per person.
• Children ages 0–9:no entrance tax.

The entrance tax is paid directly at the checkpoint on the way to Guna Yala. Sea San Blas does not collect this payment online or in person. Your driver will let you know when to have your documents and cash ready.

Rain is common in Panama and the San Blas Islands. Conditions can vary between islands and change during the day. Trips normally proceed when it rains, provided conditions are safe.

Wind and sea conditions can make boat journeys rough, particularly during the December-to-April season. For safety reasons, trips may be delayed, adjusted, rescheduled or canceled. We also follow restrictions imposed by the relevant national or regional authorities.

If Sea San Blas cancels your trip before it starts, you may choose either:

• A full refund of your trip payment to Sea San Blas; or
• Rescheduling your trip.

This full-refund option applies to the circumstances described above regardless of the standard customer-cancellation deadlines or percentage limits.

Rain or dissatisfaction with the weather does not qualify for a refund or discount when the trip proceeds. Other cancellations and refund requests are handled under our Refund Policy.

You are responsible for keeping your belongings secure during the trip. Sea San Blas does not assume responsibility for items that are lost, forgotten or damaged.

If you leave something in a vehicle, boat or cabin, contact us as soon as possible. We will do everything possible to locate it and return it to its owner in Panama City.

Please also read our Terms & Conditions and Refund Policy.