Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Potential guests should know that these boats are not official charters. Passen-
gers help out in exchange for cheap passage. But in exchange you usually get a few
days of sun and sand in the San Blás, often with a snorkeling trip or two. The rough
open-sea passage to Cartagena accounts for half the duration of the trip. Before
you book, find out the following:
»
Are accommodations a cabin or floor space?
»
What is the size of boat and the number of passengers?
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Is the boat equipped with adequate life boats and life vests for all passengers?
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Does it have an adequate safety equipment and a functioning radio?
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Does the captain have a charter license?
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What are the meals like? (Some boats serve beans and rice three times a day.)
We have heard happy reports, but travelers have also complained about boats
skimping on meals, overcrowding or traveling despite bad weather in order to fit in
more trips. Bring snacks and ask ahead whether the boat needs fresh groceries
(hard to stock when boats spend extended periods in the islands). Don't skimp on
research - check a boat or captain's existing references with hostels and other
travelers before committing. If you are only traveling for the novelty of sailing, con-
sider a trip that sticks to the Kuna Yala.
The best place to inquire about scheduled departures is at any of the youth hos-
tels in Panama City. A typical five-day sailing trip including food and activities (but
not island fees) costs around US$500. Another alternative is the motorboat trip
offered by San Blas Adventures (
Click here
), which stops to camp on beaches.
Sleeping
Cartí Homestay
HOSTEL $
( 6517-9850, 6734-3454;
www.cartihomestaykunayala.blogspot.com
; r per person all inclusive
US$35; )
Catering to backpackers, Cartí Homestay is the best place around to meet
young Kunas and strike up a conversation, though the inflatable Jägermeister bottle in
the corner is a good indicator of the kind of cultural interactions you might expect. Inter-
net (via stick modem) is US$1 per hour. The hosts can also coordinate speedboats to
Puerto Obaldia for Colombia-bound travelers.
Dormitory Cartí Sugdup
HOSTEL $
