Boat Travel

Motorized dugouts are the most common form of transportation in Guna Yala, where most people travel via jungle rivers. Some of the better lodges in Guna Yala transport guests in small fiberglass boats.

Boat transportation is included in the rates of all Guna Yala hotels. For day tours and boat excursions to neighboring islands, plan to pay $3–$5 for each island you visit. The company San Blas Sailing runs sailboat cruises to Guna Yala that combine visits to Guna villages with time on pristine outer islands, such as the Cayos Holandeses. Trips are a minimum of three days and run between El Porvenir and Corazon de Jesus.

Several cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, and Windstar make port calls in the Guna Yala Islands on select Panama Canal and western Caribbean itineraries.You'll be tendered ashore. The total absence of restaurants means that cruise visits are kept short—usually just under a half-day—with time to be back on ship for the next meal.