Frequently asked questions

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How do I get to the San Blas?

Travelling between Panama City and the San Blas

Transport to and from the boat is not included in the charter booking. You will need to arrange this yourself, but we’ll be happy to assist and inform you, we recommend using LAM tours as we have worked with them for years now. Please note that OCEANTRIPS cannot be held responsible for any event occurring on board or outside the vessel and during the transfers to/from the vessel. Please note that the taxi company is a local Panamanian company trying hard to offer a good service from Panama City to Carti, but sometimes delays occur due to events they could not have foreseen or avoided.

TRAVEL TO THE NATIONAL PARK KUNA YALA BY CAR

The national park of Kuna Yala can be entered between 7am and 3pm. The local authorities close the port at 4 pm, travelers must cross the entrance around 3 PM because from there to the port it is one more hour driving. Please note there is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle ( not charged if coming by taxi ) and $20 per adult and $10 per child entry fee.

SHARED TAXI + BOAT TAXI ($80pp)

For $40 per person one-way you can book a shared-taxi with LAM TOURS PANAMA from Panama City to Carti. From Carti a local taxiboat ( lancha ) will bring you to the island where the boat is anchored.

Please note that sometimes the taxi needs to pick up people in other hotels.
You need to be ready between 5 and 5:30 am in your hotel, arriving in Carti between 9 and 10am. The rate for the taxiboat is also about $40 pp one-way. You will be on board between 10 and 11 am.

When going back to Panama the shared-taxi will pick you up at around 8:30AM in Carti, arriving back in Panama City at around noon. Below you the contact details for booking a shared-taxi to Carti (San Blas).

Contact Details for reserving a private taxi to the San Blas
LAM TOURS PANAMA
Ave Centenario, Calle principal Costa del Este, Office 1-B Plaza S/M 99, panama city
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Tel. +507-395-7105
Tel. +507-6980-5610 (Mobile) Judy, English speaking

IMPORTANT: When booking a taxi, please tell the taxi company your names, the amount of guests, the place where you want to be picked up (name of hotel in Panama City) the name of the boat you are going to, the name of the captain and the telephone number of the captain. Please always bring your passport! All costs concerning transport will be paid on the spot in cash, so pls make sure you bring enough cash to pay your transfer also on the way back. Additional costs will be:
-San Blas tourist tax $20.00 per person, you pay this at the border.
-Port taxes $2.00 per person

We can also arrange a private taxi for you to Carti. Rates are on request and depending on the number of people.

BY FLIGHT TO CORAZON DE JESUS

On some days we can arrange a shared charter flight to the San Blas. Flight leave in the morning between 8am and 10am from Albrook Airport in Panama City. The flight takes about 40 minutes and brings you straight to the San Blas. The boat will be anchored close to the airstrip so a taxiboat to the boat will not charge more than $3pp.

A roundtrip Albrook Airport Panama City – Corazon de Jesus costs $350 pp

We can also arrange a private charter flight for you to Corazon de Jesus. Rates are on request, we will be happy to assist you in arranging your private flight.

We wish you a great trip!
The Oceantrips - Team!
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www.oceantrips.com

Do I need a visa to travel to Panama?
A 6 months validity passport is enough for most countries.
Do I need vaccinations in Panama?
You might need a yellow fever vaccination before entering the country, but this depends on the country you’re traveling from. The best is to check with your local health organization.
How can I get money in Panama?
In Panama city you will find various ATM’s where you can withdraw cash with your card. Panama is a dollar economy and uses the US dollar. You cannot get money in the San Blas, so if you want to buy souvenirs make sure you have cash with you!
What should I bring on board?
Don’t bring too much, people often end up using half of what they bring. It’s hot and warm so forget about bringing warm clothes. Bring sun protection and enough $1 bills as the Kuna’s never have change in case you want to buy something.
What about insurance on board?
You must always carry your own travel insurance.
When is the best time/period to visit Panama?

Panama has two seasons. The summer season lasts from mid-December to may and the green season from May to December. When to go depends on what you want.

In the summer it’s usually dryer and sunnier. There’s also more wind because of the continuous North East trade winds, which makes it a perfect season for sailing, windsurfing, etc.

In the green season the weather can be hot and steamy. There’s more rain but it tends to come in sudden short downpours that freshen the air and are followed by sunshine. There’s no continuous wind, which makes it a perfect season for snorkeling because there is little movement and current in the water.

Panama lies very close to the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures vary between 25-30 º C (80-90 Fahrenheit). Humidity is very high.

For more travel information on Panama please check www.magnifictravel.com


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