Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime! Before we set sail, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need for the journey ahead.

The deposit is nonrefundable. If you need to cancel your reservation, we can transfer the deposit to a future booking, but the cancellation needs to be made at least two weeks before your departure date. If you cancel at least 72 hours before the departure date you will be required to pay 50% of the total cost of the trip. If you cancel the day of your departure no refund will be issued. If you need to change your reservation, you can do so once and at least two weeks before your original departure date. Any closer to the date and you will have to pay a new deposit. Your deposit will be valid for one calendar year from the originally scheduled date. 

If we have to delay or cancel your trip you will receive a full refund of the deposit paid.  In cases of delays or cancellations due to civil disobedience, actions by government employees, or acts of God, deposits cannot be refunded but may be transferred to future bookings.

We are a booking agency, the boats are individually owned and operated. The captains have the right to refuse passage or make changes at their discretion to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Once you have boarded the boat, the captain assumes full responsibility and authority for the quality of service provided for the duration of the trip.

Please be aware that we are not responsible for any unforeseeable events such as weather conditions, actions by government employees, civil disobedience, acts of God, or any other random events that may occur. We make every effort to work around or avoid these events and will keep you informed of any changes that may affect your trip.

The crew, owner, and Blue Sailing, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal items or personal injury. All passengers are responsible for having travel insurance before embarking on the trip.

Adventure travel inherently involves risk, and by booking and paying for your trip, you acknowledge and accept these risks. Therefore, Blue Sailing and its affiliates will not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or losses that may occur during your trip.

The Guna Yala people live in three separate “comarcas” or reservations in Panama. The largest population of Guna Yala inhabits the San Blas Islands. This archipelago on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama is made up of more than 370 islands (you could visit a different island every day for a year and still have a few leftover). They are a matrilineal society, meaning when they marry the couple will then live with the bride’s family and the groom will take her name.

Their economy subsists mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as international trade and tourism. A large part of their economy is based on their sale of coconuts. While on the islands, please do not remove any coconuts from the ground or trees, they are available for purchase and at $1 or $2 USD they are very reasonably priced. The sale of artisan goods such as bracelets and “molas” also provides additional income. Molas are lovely bright pieces of fabric with beautiful and intricate designs covering them. Though they may seem a little expensive to some backpackers, they are all hand stitched and extremely time consuming to make. A large mola averages around $15 to $20 USD and is available throughout your time in Panama for purchase from the local people.

The Guna Yala have a strong sense of community and hold great value in tradition and autonomy. In the past, there have been many tragic bloody battles between the Kuna Yala and outside cultures trying to colonize them or steal their natural resources. Because of this many of the leaders of the community are resistant to the pressures of globalization and “progress”. The younger Guna people tend to be more open to change, wearing less traditional garments and opting for more Western-style clothing. They maintain their local dialect of Dulegaya but many also speak Spanish and some English. The Guna Yala have refused many large hotels proposing investment in the Islands because they take great pride in their way of life. 

They are very progressive in their views of homosexuality and transgender but still maintain their traditional values. They can be quite conservative and we ask that you please respect this and refrain from any risqué behavior or dress (no nudity). We understand that there are bound to be cultural differences and though you may feel free to express your opinion you may not be disrespectful.

Feel free to bring gifts for the kids on the islands; we encourage giving school supplies and small toys instead of sweets and candies. So get ready to experience one of the most beautiful and interesting cultures in the world on our San Blas tours!