Preparation and Info Pan - Col

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 9

TABLE OF CONTENT

(click on the titles to go to the section you want to read!)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME! 3


STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND INTO ANOTHER
WORLD 5
SAFETY TIPS FOR COLOMBIA!! 9
LIABILITY RELEASE 10
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
Packing
Packing is an essential part of any journey! It's very important you follow these suggestions to prepare and protect your
belongings during the trip.
★ Seperate your things - ​Put what you will use for the trip in your small bag. This is the bag you will keep with you for
the trip. Your big bag with everything you don't need for the trip will be stored and may be carried separately. You will
not have access to it for the entirety of the trip until the end. ​Think carefully about what you need to bring.
★ Electronics & important documents - ​You MUST seal them in sealed plastic bags then tape them up so they are
100% WATERPROOF. ​In the unlikely event of water entering your bag, we can not be held responsible for damage
to electronic equipment or personal items.
★ Passport - ​We suggest storing it in a sealed plastic bag (ziploc) and storing it in your hand bag or small bag.
★ Pack the night before - ​When we get to the boat we want to store the bags and supplies right away and vamos as
soon as possible!
★ Some ideas for packing - ​Change of clothes, swimsuit, towel, flashlight, camera, warm clothes or a sheet or sarong
to sleep in at night (it can get a bit chilly in the hammock at night), a warm jumper/sweater/jacket, earplugs, some
cash to buy drinks, coconuts, souvenirs etc. sunscreen, after sun, water, snacks, 3 copies of your passport, toilet
paper, cigarettes, mosquito repellent, and of course, some good spirits!!
Protect your stuff - ​We do our absolute utmost best to make sure your belongings stay completely dry during the
journey, however, the fact is we are a boat travelling through the oceans during (windy/rainy) seasons. Line the inside of
your bag with plastic, then place your belongings inside. Then, line the outside of your bag with a plastic bag. Although,
we do everything we can to help you take care of your things, we cannot be held responsible for any damage done to
your items before, during or after the trip.

Snacks and drinks


Food on the trip starts from lunch on the first day and ends with lunch on the last day. You tend to work up an appetite
while soaking up the sun, playing beach volleyball and swimming, and while there is always plenty to eat during the
meals that we provide, we highly recommend purchasing some snacks to bring along with you to avoid getting ​hangry ​in
between meals!

Money
★ For the islands - ​We recommend around $50-$100 usd for the purchase of drinks, coconuts and Kuna art (if you
are compulsive shopper/drinker, bring more!).​ There are no ATMs on the islands, in Carti, nor
Sapzurro/Capurgana.
★ From Panama City to Cartí - ​The​ j​ eep service is not included in the tour and cost $30USD
★ Panama to Colombia - ​Depending on how long you want to spend in Capurgana, this amount can vary. We
recommend staying at least a couple of nights in Capurgana/Sapzurro, to make the most of what this beautiful
carribean coast has to offer. Total onward travel to Cartagena is around $70 and Medellin it is around $60. The
first ATM you'll see is in Necocli, when travelling onward to Cartagena or Medellin.
What is included
4 days & 3 nights, boat transport from Carti to Sapzurro, meals from lunch the first day to lunch the last day,
accommodation, tour guide, Kuna Yala entrance fees, island fees, Panama immigration fees, snorkeling equipment
(mask and tube) beach equipment, & an unforgettable experience!!

What is not included


Perfect weather & Sea conditions, transport & accommodation before and after the trip, alcohol & drinks, snacks
between meals, towel, snorkel fins.

Flights and Delays


★ Flights - ​On rare occasions for unpredictable reasons we may need to spend more nights in San Blas, so don't
book flights directly after the trip. We suggest you leave a few days leeway in your travel plans, and particularly if
booking flights after the trip. This way you will be relaxed if something happens out of the ordinary.
★ If you do have flights booked directly after the trip ​understand that there is always some risk you might not
make it. Of course if you let us know, we will do everything we can do to help you make it to your flight on time.
★ Delays - ​It is possible at any time of the year that a trip can be delayed.

Immigration
You will need to have 3 copies of your passport (one for military, one for maritime and one for immigration). Immigration
costs​ ​entering both panama and colombia are included in the cost of your trip, unless your country of origin has special
visa requirements.
Note - ​Travellers from South America will require additional documentation upon entrance to panama (check with your
guide)

Insurance
We recommend all travelers have their own Travel & Health insurance. Remember that you will be travelling in remote
islands. We recommend a travel insurance policy that covers loss/damage/theft of personal belongings and medical
insurance that covers travel and watersports.
Note - ​By booking you accept our terms and conditions and liability release

Transport before and after


Transport before and after the trip is not part of San Blas Adventures service. On rare occasions these services may be
late, unorganised or unfriendly. We cannot be held responsible for any property loss or damage during these travels,
however we WILL do our best to help out if anything should happen.

Allergies
Let us know if you have any allergies! Make sure that you have any medicine necessary in case you have an allergic
reaction on the trip (bees, seafood, nuts etc.). We can also store any medical equipment in coolers during the trip if
needed.
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND INTO ANOTHER WORLD
Useful tips to get the most out of your adventure

Island time
Welcome to the caribbean and the magical world of San Blas! Leave your watch, your worries and your concept of time
behind!
Breakfast is in the morning, lunch is in the middle of the day and dinner is at night! Your guide will give you a rough idea
of the itinerary, but it's important to understand that anything can happen and the plan could change at any time! Be
prepared to go with the flow!

San Blas Adventures concept


After many years operating in San Blas we have developed very close relationships with the local indigenous community,
the Kuna. Being able to share this experience with you, and share you with them, is an integral part of our trip.
Throughout the trip you will meet locals who work with us, communities that we work closely with, and villages where we
buy our supplies. We highly respect the communities on our route, we are welcome there, and you'll see that every
aspect of our trip is run by the Kuna. Also the major share of your fare stays in San Blas with the families, communities
and providers along the way as well as our community projects.
By coming with us you are helping to support the Kuna community as well as in Capurgana, Colombia supporting the
local soccer team, and sponsoring events for women and children. In San Blas we are planning new projects such as
helping the Kuna with recycling, making bread, production of natural products such as coconut oil, and in the future,
sustainable farming.

Fun in the sun!


First and foremost we are a paradise island adventure and cultural experience. That being said, its normal that when a
group of travellers from all around the world get together, they like to socialise and have a drink (or two). However, don't
make yourself a liability. Nobody wants to have to look after the drunk guy, hangovers in the tropics are a nightmare!
Everyone will have a different vision of how they want to enjoy the islands. Some of you will want to drink and socialise,
while others prefer to relax and stare at the stars or read a book. It's important to respect each other and also respect the
Kuna community.

Where am I going?
During this journey you'll be travelling to one of the most beautiful, protected and remote archipelagos in the world, you'll
pass through the full length of San Blas, all 365 islands, made up of 49 villages, and the rest being deserted islands.
You'll travel to remote parts of the archipelago where almost no one else goes!
San Blas islands are an indigenous reserve. The real name is Kuna Yala, and the inhabitants are the Kuna people, try
and make the most of this experience, because it won't last forever!
Island living
It's important for us to preserve the Kuna culture and way of life as much as possible. That's why on this trip you'll live
like they do - leaving your comforts behind. Kuna traditionally sleep in hammocks in grass huts, their toilets are wooden
outhouses directly over the sea, what do you need?
Accommodations are rustic and generally consist of dorm style rules with mostly hammocks and sometimes beds,
depending on the island. There's no sleeping or toilet on the boat. Toilets may be kuna style over the water, a plumbed
toilet or a quick swim if your on a deserted island, old school! Take it as an experience.
Depending on the island, there will be a shower or a drum of fresh water to bathe with during the mornings and evenings.

Adventure is not perfect!


Expect and be prepared that during this adventure in this remote part of the world you'll have some unpredictable
situations! Our plans can change at any time and there's no definite itinerary. There are many unforeseen or
unpredictable things that could happen in this remote part of the world and we may need to change our plan.
Many things can happen that may or may not be in your vision of a perfect trip. You could have engine problems and
spend time in the middle of the sea while your crew works to fix it. There could be delays or unexpected stops due to
weather conditions, getting really wet during boat rides, rain, thunderstorms, unexpected strikes… there is always two
ways to look at a situation you didn't expect..you can get frustrated or you can accept it and make the most of it!
Your crew will do their utmost best to manage any problems as fast as possible, just keep it cool and take everything in
your stride. Find a way to appreciate any situation to get the most out of the adventure. Try to put your best side forward
and encourage our crew in any difficult situation that may arise.

Island rules and respect


As mentioned above, we respect the local community and we ask you to do the same. Most of our crew are Kuna, so
you'll have plenty of opportunity to interact with them along the way Smile! Say hello. Remember to be respectful,
introduce yourself, communicate however you can, remember that you are in their land.
The Kuna are autonomous and have their own rules and regulations. When you are in San Blas you are under both
panamanian and Kuna law.
In the village ​it is important to dress appropriately when walking around. Boys wear a shirt, and girls more than just a
bikini for both top and bottom. Ask before taking photos, some kuna may ask for $1. It's not allowed to drink alcohol or
smoke in the villages outside of our social areas. Kuna congresso is also very strict on drugs.
The villages are not party islands. ​If you want to have a big night we suggest you do it in the deserted islands. In the
villages our social areas are surrounded by our accommodation and that of the Kuna families, because of this we turn off
all lights, stop the music and loud conversations at between 11pm - 12am. Please respect the neighbours and others of
the group that may want to sleep. One of our team can come to you and ask you to stop making noise.
Coconuts ​are cultivated by the Kuna, for many its their livelihood. You need to ask and pay before you open one, even if
you found it! Coconut price varies, usually between $1-$2.
Do not give Kuna alcohol!!!​ ​Kuna are an indigenous people, they don't have the enzymes to process and filter the
alcohol the same as western people do. What seems funny can quickly turn into a really annoying or potentially
dangerous situation. It's not safe to be completely intoxicated on a small island. Please be respectful of this!
Look after your stuff
Every time before leaving an island, getting on or off the boat, make sure you have all of your belongings packed, and
don't forget anything on the islands; phone, towel, sunglasses, etc.. you will most definitely never go back! And you'll
probably never get back what you left behind.
It's rare that its a problem on our trip, however even if you're on a deserted island on occasions there may be someone
around that we don't know. It's not ok to leave your phone or your wallet lying out in the open while you're walking around
or swimming. Use some common sense and keep that stuff tucked away.

NO drugs!
No drugs on the trip!​ We have a strict no drugs policy. Triple check that you have 100% don't have drugs on you or in
your luggage. At any point the authorities may stop us and check our luggage. At the panamanian immigration you will
definitely 100% have your bags searched, by hand and by dog. If you're caught you will go to jail for a very long time.
Like 10 years! This already happened to one of our guests. If it happens there is nothing we can do for you. Not fun.
If we find out you have drugs on you at any time, you will be removed from the trip.

Snorkeling safety
Mask on ready to discover a tropical underwater world! Hold on a sec and lets make sure were safe. Ask your guide
where the best spot to snorkel is, if there are any currents and what to be careful of.

Every group is different! It's you that makes the trip special!
We do our best to set the scene and give you the opportunity to have an amazing adventure, maybe even the journey of
a lifetime! however, in the end your experience will depend a lot on the energy that you bring and how you embrace
whatever comes. Please come with an open mind and a good spirit!!
SAFETY TIPS FOR COLOMBIA!!
Colombian people are proud and happy that you are visiting their country and are keen to look toward the
future. However, While crime rates are lower than they’ve ever been in Colombia, there is still some risk
involved as with any country. We have some important tips to help keep you out of harm's way!

There’s a great phrase in Colombia: ‘​no dar un papaya​’ – literally ‘​don't give Papaya​’ (not the fruit). In this
case “papaya” refers to ​opportunity​, meaning D​ ON'T MAKE YOURSELF AN EASY TARGET!​. Using
common sense and following some simple safety tips will vastly decrease the likelihood of falling victim to
crime or theft:

★ Avoid walking alone after dusk, ​especially if you’re a female​. There are a number of taxi apps
available in Colombia (Tappsi and Cabify) which allows anybody with data to get home safe. ​Ask
someone to walk you home ​or to your hostel, Wait until a group of friends are heading in the same
direction but ​do not walk alone.
★ Avoid hailing taxis on the street and book through an app​. Robbery of taxi passengers does occur
and its important to book a licensed taxi to avoid this.
★ Talk to hostel staff about ​no-go areas​. No Matter where you go there will always be some sketchy
areas that you should avoid. Ask about these and do just that, ​avoid them.
★ Take out the minimum in terms of cash and cards​. When exploring, take what you need, and keep
the rest safely locked up in your hostel locker.
★ Buses are safe,​ but avoid travelling on rickety old ones overnight.
★ Leave the expensive jewellery at home. ​Also try to avoid flashing your phone/ wallet/ camera around
any more than is necessary.
★ Pay attention to where you’re going​, not what’s on your phone

Follow these safety tips to ensure Safe and Happy travels throughout Colombia!!
LIABILITY RELEASE
Recreational Activity Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Express Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement
Express Assumption of Risk Associated with Recreational Activities. At San Blas Discovery, Nargana Panama - Established in Panama City
By accepting this release I hereby affirm and acknowledge that I have been fully understand the inherent hazards and risks associated with the recreational activity
generally described as ​boat trip and outdoor adventure tour ​of which I am about to engage in. Inherent hazards and risks include but are not limited to:
1. Risk of injury from activity during the tour, on the boat, on the islands, in the water and with equipment utilized is significant including the potential for permanent
disability and death.
2. Possible water damage or damage of any kind may occur to my personal belongings and electronics.
3. This activity takes place outdoors and therefore includes risks associated with exposure to elements, excessive heat, impact of the body upon the water, injection of
water into my body orifices, encountering objects either natural or man-made, exposure to animals, sea life, corals and rocks which may bite, sting, cause infection, cut or
puncture my skin in an unanticipated manner causing injury and/or death.
4. My own negligence and/or the negligence of others, including but not limited to operator error and guide decision making including misjudging sea condition, weather,
route and schedule.
5. Attack by or encounter with insects, sea life, or land animals.
6. Accidents or illness occurring in remote places where there are no available medical facilities.
7. Fatigue, chill, and/or dizziness, which may diminish my/our reaction time and increase the risk of accident.
8. Accident, sickness, injury or death related to any kind of transport before, during or after the trip.
*I understand the description of these risks is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness,
or death before, during and after the trip. Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement
* I understand that the transport provided during this trip is provided by the Kuna people and is not the responsibility of San Blas Discovery.
* I understand all transport before or after the trip is provided by external providers and is not the responsibility of San Blas Adventures.S.A or
San Blas Discovery S.A
* I understand that I am responsible for my belongings and that if something is damaged in any way, including water damaged,stolen or lost
during, before or after the trip, it is my own loss and not the responsibility of San Blas Adventures.S.A or San Blas Discovery S.A.
* I understand that San Blas Adventures S.A is an intermediary reservation company and the company responsible for the operation of the tour
is San Blas Discovery S.A.
* I understand that sometimes trips can be delayed and I should not have flights booked directly after. Any flights or reservations lost due to
delays are my own responsibility
* I understand that from this point on there is no refund of my trip fare or deposit.
* I understand that I am not covered by the insurance of San Blas Discovery, nor the insurance of San Blas Adventures. And that I should have
my own insurance to cover me in case of any injury or death that may occur during the trip.
*If you have insurance we suggest you check with them to make sure you are covered for this journey. If you do not have insurance we
suggest you purchase insurance to cover you for this trip.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the activity(ies) described above the related activities, I hereby agree, acknowledge and appreciate that.
1. I HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person
or property, WHETHER CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, the following named persons or entities, herein referred to as releases.
2. To release the releases, their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, and volunteers, and vessels from liability and responsibility whatsoever
and for any claims or causes of action that I, my estate, heirs, survivors, executors, or assigns may have for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising
from the above activities whether caused by active or passive negligence of the releases or otherwise, before, during or after the trip. By booking the trip, accepting or
executing this document, I agree to hold the releases harmless and indemnify there in conjunction with any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or
property that may occur as a result of engaging in the above activities.
3. By entering into this Agreement, I am not relying on any oral or written representation or statements made by the releases, other than what is set forth in
this Agreement. This release shall be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this release is found to be unenforceable, the remaining terms shall
be enforced.
This release shall be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this release is found to be unenforceable, the remaining terms shall be
enforced.
BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT I CONFIRM I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, AND I
FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, AND UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP LEGAL RIGHTS BY ACCEPTING IT, AND I ACCEPT IT
FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.​By signing this document I also confirm that I have read and fully understand the general
information document by email or hard copy.

You might also like