What to Pack for Your San Blas Adventure (and What You Don’t Really Need)

f you’re reading this, you’re probably already picturing it: waking up on your catamaran, surrounded by turquoise waters, salty air, and that unmistakable calm only Gunayala can offer.

A trip to Gunayala (San Blas) is about simplicity. Life slows down, days revolve around the sea, and you quickly realize you don’t need much to feel incredibly rich here. Still, packing smart makes all the difference when you’re traveling by boat to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the Caribbean.

Here’s what to bring, and what to leave behind.

Clothes: Keep It Light

San Blas is sun, salt, and sand. You’ll spend most of your time in a swimsuit, barefoot, moving between the deck, the sea, and the island.

• 2–3 swimsuits (you’ll be grateful to have a dry one ready, or if you’re like me, all the swimsuits I own, haha)

• Light shirts, tank tops, and shorts.

• A long-sleeve shirt or thin windbreaker for breezy evenings

• Sandals and some comfortable shoes for walking on the island if you want to visit the community. Because remember, on board, you'll be barefoot! ( no shoes on deck)

Skip the heavy luggage. A soft duffel or backpack is ideal and much easier to manage onboard.

Sun Protection Is Essential

The Caribbean sun is no joke, especially when you’re on the water all day.

• Coral-safe sunscreen

• Hat or cap

• Polarized sunglasses

These aren’t optional, they’re essentials.

Life Afloat Essentials

San Blas is remote, and once you’re there, there’s no running out to grab what you forgot.

• Cash in USD (there are no ATMs in Gunayala), specially if you want to buy certain things from the Gunas or give tips.

• Passport and travel documents (you will need these to enter Gunayala)

• Refillable water bottle

• Basic personal medications and seasickness pills if needed

Tech & Extras

You’ll want to capture the moments, keep it simple.

• Waterproof phone case or action camera

• Chargers and a power bank

• Lightweight towel

What Not to Bring

San Blas isn’t about dressing up or staying connected.

• Heels or fancy outfits

• Hard suitcases

• Expectations of constant Wi-Fi

What you’ll gain instead is far better.

San Blas rewards those who arrive with an open mind. Pack light, respect the ocean and the Guna culture, and let the days unfold naturally. The memories you take home won’t fit in a bag anyway…they’ll stay with you long after the salt has washed off your skin.  Book with us for an amazing, unforgettable experience. #TravelwithUlu