Islas Comarca Guna Yala.... who has been there?

[Syserenity]

I am actually trying to make time untill February ready to leave to the South Pacific. So, I am thinking of spending some time at the Islands Comarca Guna Yala, previously called Islas San Blas.
Who has been there and what kind of procedures are there awaitint to clear my boat? Is it ok to stay even for weeks?

Tks and good wind....
SY Serenity

[Teknav]

Did you win the lotto?

Mauritz

[belizesailor]

Just got back from the San Blas (name most cruisers use). Awesome cruising ground. Easy check-in at Porvenir (already had Panamanian Cruising Permit).

Duration of stay not a big deal. We were there for about a month...many other cruising boats there for much longer. You can stay as long as you have a valid cruising permit (1 year in Panama).

Get a copy of Eric Bauhaus' excellent cruising guide.

Already planning to return for a longer stay next season.

[Syserenity]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Just got back from the San Blas (name most cruisers use). Awesome cruising ground. Easy check-in at Porvenir (already had Panamanian Cruising Permit).

Duration of stay not a big deal. We were there for about a month...many other cruising boats there for much longer. You can stay as long as you have a valid cruising permit (1 year in Panama).

Get a copy of Eric Bauhaus' excellent cruising guide.

Already planning to return for a longer stay next season.

Do I need the Panamenian cruising permit to stay at Guna Yala?

[belizesailor]

My understanding is "yes". While the Kuna are largely self-governing you are still in Panama.

When you check-in at Porvenir you will also pay a small fee (I paid $20) for the Guna Yala "permit". Ishmel, the usual port captian, is friendly and helpful.

[lorenzo b]

We're living here right now, lovely place. You can come directly to Porvenir you will pay $192 for a years cruising permit, $100/person immigration for 6 months, and the Kuna may charge you $20/month to be here. Other than the veggie boat that comes around every week, there's no place to spend money.
You may not scuba dive, wind surf, or spear fish. That said, some do.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by lorenzo b

...$100/person immigration ...

I thought the $100 per person fee was just for backpacker charter boats...are they charging cruisers too now?

[lorenzo b]

Not sure how they would differenciate, it's a new policy and I don't know. I'll post when I find out.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by lorenzo b

Not sure how they would differenciate, it's a new policy and I don't know. I'll post when I find out.

20 people aboard a 40 foot boat instead of 2....hot young babes in bikinis instead of crusty old gringos.... ; )