Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.

We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.

Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am and you should be back in Panama City between 6-7pm

In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.

The boat transfer from the port to the islands may be bumpy with some sea spray. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication. You may also get wet, so please bring some water protection for your luggage and yourself

There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.

We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.

You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.

Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.

Please be advised that San Blas is in the Kuna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic and most cabins are minimalistic. The Kunas will be providing all touristic services, such as meal preparations, car and boat transportations, lodging, and tour guiding. We are proud to be working with this friendly tribe and with each booking we give back to the community, supporting their customs and their traditional way of life. We kindly ask you to respect this beautiful culture and their simple way of life, leaving your expectations behind and learning about their innocent culture.

Aside from using generators for electricity, there are no amenities and utilities as you are used to from the city. Food is basic, yet freshly prepared such as fresh fried fish, mixed seafood, chicken or lobster (at extra chrge) with salad, rice or plantains.

“Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.

PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR A 2.5 to 3 HOUR CAR JOURNEY EACH WAY OVER CURVY ROADS! THERE IS ALSO A 25-30 MINUTE BOAT RIDE TO YOUR FIRST ISLAND WHICH CAN GET QUITE BUMPY AND WET. We feel that the islands are worth the long drive, but some travelers have complained about the drive and the fast boat ride from and to the port. While we strive to provide our guests the best service and an unforgettable experience in San Blas, we are not responsible for road and ocean conditions, and we would like you to be aware of this fact :)

⚠️ YANSAILADUP ISLAND – IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER General Info: San Blas is a pristine, rustic paradise; Yansailadup Island offers an authentic cultural experience. Not a luxury trip — think tropical camping/cultural adventure. Bring an open mind for a once-in-a-lifetime experience far from mass tourism. Service & Hosts: Services provided by the Yansailadup Island family: boat transport, accommodation, meals, tours (if included). Tours are not guided; not all host family members speak English. Service may feel slower or informal — part of the authentic experience. Arrival: Patience requested at port check-in while all guests are accounted for. Host family will welcome you and guide your stay. Accommodation: No A/C; limited electricity (6 pm–6 am). No WiFi (local SIM may work). Shared, basic bathrooms; showers may have slight salt. Beds and sheets may be worn; water supply limited. Reused items may appear as “clutter” — please respect local practices. Meals: Freshly prepared simple meals (fish, chicken, rice, salad, patacones). Vegetarian options may be accommodated (no dedicated menu). Additional food/snacks can be purchased before departure. Transportation: Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City in shared 4x4 SUVs. Extra seat = extra cost. Pick-up: 5:00–5:30 am (drivers cannot wait >10 min). Boat ride: 20–40 min; may stop at other islands; can be bumpy/wet. Activities & Tours: Snorkeling/other activities may be canceled due to rain or strong winds. Guests encouraged to communicate openly with hosts. Nature & Environment: Ocean currents may bring plastic debris; Kuna clean regularly. Garbage may wash ashore; guest cooperation appreciated. Sandflies common (April–Dec); bring insect repellent. Rain possible anytime (no refunds). Health & Safety: Very limited medical care; serious issues require evacuation to Panama City (guest covers cost). Final Note: Come with patience, flexibility, and respect. Kuna hosts are kind and welcoming. Questions/concerns should be raised immediately for real-time assistance.

Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salt content. Please bring appropriate showering supplies to feel comfortable, such as liquid soap, prickly heat powder or baby powder to remove the salt from the skin, or wet wipes.

AGAIN!!! Please be prepared for a 2.5 hour car journey each way (1 hour on a highway and about 1.5 hours through the mountains over curvy roads! Please do not leave bad reviews because of the road. We try to warn you ahead of time ;)

Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.

The check-in process at the port can feel busy and informal, but the Guna community has an organized system and all guests are well taken care of. During the boat ride, your lancha may make brief stops at nearby islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.

The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.