GUNAYALA (SAN BLAS ARCHIPELAGO), CARIBBEAN COAST OF PANAMÁ

San Blas / Guna Yala: boating safety

Last verified: 14 October 2026

Gunayala (San Blas) is an archipelago of more than 300 small islands, most of them uninhabited, on Panamá's Caribbean coast. It is an autonomous Indigenous region of the Guna people and a classic sailing and charter ground, where boats anchor among reef-sheltered islands. Facilities are very basic.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA

Call 108

Call SENAN (Aeronaval) on 108. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Panama: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Local rules

Gunayala is an autonomous Indigenous territory, and the Guna people keep their traditions and way of life. Visitors should respect local customs.

Panamá Tourism Authority (Visit Panamá) ▾

tourismpanama.com (2026-10-14): “This territory is part of an autonomous Indigenous region inhabited by the Guna people, who have maintained their traditions and their way of life.”

Yacht chartering in Panamá is an auxiliary maritime service. Charter companies need annual authorisation from the Panamá Maritime Authority (AMP).

Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP) ▾

amp.gob.pa (2026-10-14): “TURISMO NÁUTICO SERVICIO REQUISITOS TARIFA ARRENDAMIENTO DE YATES YACHT CHARTER B/. 1500.00 ANUAL POR EMPRESA AUTORIZADA”

Hazards

In Panamá's dry season, December to April, the days are clear and windy and the sea is rougher.

Panamá Tourism Authority (Visit Panamá) ▾

tourismpanama.com (2026-10-14): “If you visit us from December to April , we will be in our dry season. The days will always be clear, and you’ll be able to feel the summer wind every time you open a window. During this time of year, the sea is rougher”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near San Blas / Guna Yala?

Call SENAN (Aeronaval) on 108. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to do Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to do Person overboard: what to do Engine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Cancún / Riviera Maya 838 nm Florida Keys 914 nm Fajardo 925 nm Nassau & the Exumas 934 nm St. Thomas and St. John 964 nm Miami and Biscayne Bay 972 nm Tortola 976 nm St George's, Grenada Grenada

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