Plan a CruiseUpon arrival in San Blas, your cruise ship will anchor offshore, requiring a tender boat to bring you to the main island. The tender wharf is conveniently located right in the heart of the island's market and beach area. The San Blas Islands offer a glimpse into an unspoiled paradise, home to the indigenous Kuna Indians. Life here is simple and traditional; while most homes have electricity, plumbing is generally absent. The Kuna women are particularly distinctive, often adorned with gold jewelry around their necks, in their ears, or noses, which serves as a form of family wealth.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender boat from your ship will drop you directly into the main market and beach area of the island, making the immediate surroundings easily walkable. For exploring the Kuna Indian villages or venturing into the mainland jungle, you will need to arrange boat transport, typically as part of an organized tour. No other independent transport options like taxis or public transit are available directly from the tender port on the island.
Attractions and Activities
- Visit Kuna Indian Villages: Experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Kuna people on their small islands. These visits offer a direct interaction with the indigenous community.
- Mainland Jungle Exploration: Guided tours can be arranged to explore the jungles on the Panamanian mainland, offering a different natural experience beyond the islands.
- Cultural Photography: The Kuna women are striking subjects, often featuring pierced noses, some with a tattooed line extending down their forehead and nose, and always wearing gold. If you wish to take their photograph, be prepared to pay $1 for the privilege.
- Beach and Relaxation: With the tender landing directly in a beach area, enjoying the pristine beaches and clear waters is a readily available option. It's advisable to compare the excursions offered by your cruise line with any local options to ensure you find the best value for your preferred activities.
Dining & Shopping
The Kuna people are known for their vibrant traditional clothing and artistic crafts. You'll find opportunities to purchase:
- Beaded Jewelry: Handcrafted by the native population.
- Molas: These are intricate, multi-layered cloth squares, creatively stitched, which can be quite elaborate and take weeks to complete. Molas are also incorporated into clothing items like shirts and other articles. Shopping hours typically run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some shops remaining open until 10:00 PM, seven days a week. While specific dining establishments aren't mentioned, the market and beach area where you tender ashore may offer local food options.
Safety
When interacting with the Kuna locals, especially if you wish to photograph the women, remember that a payment of $1 is expected for each photo taken. Always ask for permission first.
Currency and Language
Panama uses both the US Dollar (USD) and the Panamanian Balboa (PAB). The Balboa is equivalent in value to the US Dollar, but primarily exists as coins that match the denominations of US coins. While some larger transactions might accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to carry US Dollars in small denominations for shopping with local vendors and for the photo fee. The official language is Spanish, but approximately 14% of Panamanians are bilingual in English.