Last updated: April 8, 2026

Planning your trip to the San Blas Islands? Getting your san blas islands packing list right is one of the most important steps before you go. These 365 coral islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast are remote, sun-drenched, and beautiful, but they’re also a long way from the nearest pharmacy or shopping mall. Forget something essential, and you’ll feel it. This guide covers everything you need to pack, from clothing to cash.

Key packing rule: San Blas is reached via a rough 4×4 mountain road from Panama City followed by a boat transfer. Space is limited. Use a soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase, and keep it to one bag per person wherever possible. AMPA shared transfer limit: 1 personal bag + 1 backpack or carry-on, maximum 13 kg total. Hard-sided 23 kg suitcases are not allowed on shared transfers. Private transfers allow more flexibility.

Clothing and Swimwear for San Blas

San Blas is hot, humid, and constantly wet. Your wardrobe needs to reflect that. Leave jeans and dress shoes at home, you will not need them.

• 2–3 swimsuits, You’ll be in the water every day. Rotate so you’re never wearing a still-damp suit.
• Rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt, The Caribbean sun is intense. A rash guard protects your shoulders and upper back during hours of snorkeling without constant sunscreen reapplication.
• Light linen or cotton shirts (3–4), Breathable natural fabrics only. Synthetic shirts trap heat in humid conditions.
• Quick-dry shorts (2–3 pairs), Swim shorts double as everyday shorts. Bring at least two pairs.
• One thin layer for evenings, Temperatures drop noticeably after sunset on the water. A light long-sleeve shirt or hoodie is all you need.
• Flip flops or sandals, Your primary footwear throughout the trip. Choose a pair that handles getting wet well.
• Water shoes (optional), Useful if you’re sensitive to coral, sea urchins, or rocky beaches.

Sun and Skin Protection, The Most Critical Part of Your San Blas Islands Packing List

More trips to San Blas are affected by sunburn than by anything else. The equatorial sun combined with water reflection means UV exposure is extreme. Protect yourself properly.

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), Non-negotiable. Standard sunscreen contains oxybenzone and octinoxate, which damage coral reefs. San Blas has some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. Bring more than you expect to need and reapply every two hours while swimming.
• Aloe vera gel, For after-sun skin relief. Pack it even if you’re diligent with sunscreen.
• Lip balm with SPF, Almost always forgotten, always missed.
• Wide-brim hat, For boat rides, beach time, and island walks.
• Polarized sunglasses, Water reflection significantly amplifies UV exposure. Polarized lenses cut glare and protect your eyes over long days on the water.
• After-sun lotion, Keeps skin hydrated in the dry salt air.

Technology and Electronics

San Blas has limited electricity. Most islands are solar-powered, and boat charging is typically limited to 12V outlets. Plan your power needs accordingly.

• Portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh), Your single most important tech item. Charge it fully before leaving Panama City.
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag for phone, Your phone will get wet on boat transfers. A waterproof case with a lanyard keeps it safe.
• Snorkeling gear (masks and fins): Most AMPA charters and island overnight stays include snorkeling equipment. Some remote islands may offer gear rental separately. Confirm what is included when booking before packing your own.

  Underwater camera or GoPro, The snorkeling in San Blas is extraordinary. A GoPro with a wrist mount or head strap captures it properly. Bring a spare battery and at least two SD cards.

• Dry bag (10–20 liters), Everything valuable goes in the dry bag on boat transfers.
• Offline entertainment, There is no WiFi in most of San Blas and mobile data is nonexistent. Download books, podcasts, playlists, and films before you leave Panama City. Think of it as a digital detox. Starlink note: Most AMPA catamarans are equipped with Starlink satellite internet, so you will have reliable connectivity while at sea. Signal may vary when anchored close to inhabited islands.

Note on mobile data: Panama’s main carriers (Movistar, Claro) have little to no coverage across Guna Yala territory. Download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me before departing Panama City.

Documents, Money, and Travel Essentials

This section of your San Blas packing list requires attention before leaving Panama City, there is no fixing forgotten documents or empty wallets once you are on the islands.

• Passport, Required at the Guna Yala border checkpoint. Carry a photocopy stored separately from the original.
• Cash in USD, San Blas operates entirely on cash. There are no ATMs anywhere in the archipelago. The nearest ATM is in Panama City. Bring enough for your full trip plus a buffer for tips, crafts, and extras. Budget approximately USD 20–40 per person per day beyond your tour package.
• Guna Yala entry fee (cash), A per-person fee is charged at the territory border (approximately USD 22 at time of writing). Have the cash ready before arrival.
• Travel insurance documentation, Keep a digital copy accessible offline. Medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for remote destinations.
• All prescription medications, In original labeled packaging. There are no pharmacies in San Blas.

Health and First Aid Items

• Seasickness tablets, The open-ocean crossings between islands can be rough, particularly in windy weather. Take these before boarding, not after nausea strikes.
• Antihistamines, For insect bites, allergic reactions, or hay fever.
• Antiseptic cream, Coral cuts are common and must be treated immediately to prevent infection. Minor cuts in tropical marine environments can become serious if left untreated.
• Insect repellent, Sand flies are active on some beaches at dawn and dusk. DEET-based or picaridin repellents work best.
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo, Standard hygiene products pollute the fragile marine ecosystem. Use biodegradable options throughout your stay.
• Reusable water bottle, Most tours provide drinking water, but a refillable bottle is more sustainable and keeps you hydrated all day.

Snorkeling Gear, Worth Bringing Your Own

Most San Blas tour operators provide basic snorkeling equipment, but quality varies significantly. If snorkeling is a priority, and it should be, bring your own gear for the best experience.

• Properly fitted snorkel mask, A good mask that does not leak or fog makes an enormous difference. Test it at home before you travel.
• Snorkel with splash guard, A dry-top snorkel prevents water entering when waves wash over the tube.
• Fins, Your own will fit correctly. Strong fins let you cover more reef area with less effort.
• Mesh gear bag, Keeps wet snorkel equipment separate from dry clothing in your pack.

For detailed information on the best spots to use that gear, see our San Blas Islands Snorkeling Guide.

What to Leave at Home

• Valuables, Expensive jewelry and watches. Salt water, sand, and boat trips are brutal on valuables.
• Hair dryers and electrical appliances, No reliable power source means no use for them.
• Drones, Drones require official permits in Guna Yala territory. Bringing one without permission risks confiscation and significant fines.
• Single-use plastics, The Guna communities are actively working to reduce plastic waste in the islands. Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers.

Complete San Blas Packing Checklist

Clothing: 2–3 swimsuits · rash guard · 3–4 light shirts · 2–3 quick-dry shorts · flip flops · thin evening layer

Sun protection: Reef-safe SPF 50+ · lip balm SPF · wide-brim hat · polarized sunglasses · aloe vera gel

Tech: Power bank · waterproof phone case · GoPro + spare battery + SD cards · dry bag · offline entertainment downloaded

Documents & money: Passport + photocopy · USD cash · entry fee cash · travel insurance · prescriptions

Health: Seasickness tablets · antiseptic cream · insect repellent · antihistamines · biodegradable soap · reusable water bottle

Snorkeling: Fitted mask · snorkel with splash guard · fins · mesh gear bag

Ready to Book Your San Blas Trip?

Now that your packing list is sorted, the next step is booking the right experience. At Amazing Panama Tours, we offer fully guided San Blas island voyages and private sailing charters, all-inclusive from Panama City, with experienced local guides who know the archipelago intimately.

View Our Private Sailing Charters →

San Blas Packing Checklist

Category	Essential Items	Priority
Documents	Original passport, $22 USD cash (Guna tax), extra USD cash	Must have
Sun Protection	Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV rash guard, sunglasses, wide-brim hat	Must have
Swimwear	2-3 swimsuits, water shoes/sandals, dry bag for valuables	Must have
Clothing	Light breathable clothes, rain jacket, warm layer for 5AM departure	Must have
Health	Motion sickness tablets, personal medications, insect repellent, first aid kit	Recommended
Tech	Waterproof phone case, camera, portable charger, headlamp	Recommended
Luggage	Soft bag only (no hard suitcases), max 13kg for shared 4×4	Must follow

Snorkeling equipment is provided by AMPA Tours on all tours and charters at no extra cost. Leave valuables at your hotel — there are no ATMs or safes in San Blas.