What to Pack for a Sailing Trip in San Blas

Space on a sailboat is limited and San Blas has no ATMs, no supermarkets, and no pharmacies. Getting your packing right makes the whole trip easier. Here's exactly what to bring — and what to leave at home.

The Essentials

• Passport & cash (USD) — there are no ATMs in San Blas. Bring enough for entrance fees (~$23/person), tips, and souvenirs
• Travel insurance info — especially if you plan to hike, snorkel, or explore
• Dry bag — protect electronics and valuables from salt water during speedboat transfers
• Soft-sided duffel — no hard suitcases. Soft bags are much easier to store in a sailboat cabin

Clothing for the Tropics

• Quick-dry swimwear — at least 2–3 sets so you always have a dry one ready
• Light, breathable clothes — linen or cotton to stay cool
• Long-sleeve shirt & pants — for sun protection and cooler evenings
• Light sweater — it can get cool with the ocean breeze at night
• Sarong or light towel — doubles as a beach mat, wrap, or quick-dry towel

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. This is non-negotiable
• Biodegradable soap & shampoo — eco-friendly is essential when showering on a boat
• Mosquito repellent — especially for jungle tours and evenings on islands
• Sea-sickness tablets — the waters can get choppy during transfers
• Medications — bring enough for your entire stay, as pharmacies aren't available

Gear for Adventure

• Snorkeling gear — usually provided on board, but bring your own mask if you prefer a custom fit
• Waterproof camera or GoPro — you'll want to capture the underwater world
• Headlamp or small flashlight — nights on the boat can get dark
• Reusable water bottle — refill on board and reduce plastic waste
• Light hiking shoes or sandals — for jungle tours or island walks

Optional but Recommended

• Book or Kindle — for quiet moments on deck between swims
• Notebook or journal — to document your island memories
• Small gift for Kuna communities — notebooks, pens or local snacks are always appreciated

What to Leave Behind

• Heavy luggage — stick to the essentials
• Fancy clothes — swimsuits and bare feet are the dress code
• Single-use plastics — we're a plastic-free boat

"The less you bring, the more you notice. San Blas doesn't need props."