Puerto de Carti — Local services in Narganá

Visiting the San Blas Islands? Here’s What to Expect

If you’re a foreign visitor like me heading to the San Blas Islands, this was the departure point for our boat shuttles. Your journey begins when you turn off the main highway near the Texaco gas station.

From there, it takes about an hour to reach the port due to the winding roads through the mountains. Roughly 30 minutes in, you’ll arrive at a checkpoint where passports are checked. After checking passports, you’ll be asked by next person to pay a $20 fee per foreign visitor.

Another 30 minutes down the road, you’ll reach the actual port area. The final five-minute stretch is unpaved and somewhat chaotic. Then at the gate, you’ll receive port access slip by heading inside the office to pay a small access fee—$2 per person and $3 per car. You’ll then get your receipt stamped at gate to proceed to the port.

The ports are numbered 1 through 3; ours was #3, located at the far end, where we were able to park.

Once at the port, ask for the contact person or company you booked your San Blas trip with. It’s worth noting that some basic infrastructure improvements by the Panamanian government or local authorities could really enhance the visitor experience and potentially attract more tourists. I’m not sure why they don’t put investment into this port 🤔.

That said, the San Blas Islands themselves are a truly unique and beautiful destination, well worth the effort to reach.

Helpful Tips: If anyone in your group has a sensitive stomach, like my daughter, consider taking Dramamine before the drive. Use Waze instead of Google Maps—Waze handles the local roads better and avoids the confusion of roads named after historical figures with lengthy titles. Stop by the Texaco station for snacks and drinks before heading into the more remote areas. Pack light. Bring backpacks instead of suitcases, as the boat shuttles are small and the ride can be bumpy.

Final Note: We drove our own rental car. While most of the road is paved, a 4x4 or all-wheel-drive vehicle is needed, especially for the steep sections and the final unpaved portion near the port. I’d plan for at least 3 hours to get there from Panama City (even though maps may show 2.5 hours). Plan for extra 30 min for checkpoints and unforeseen detours.

Enjoy...

Small piers from where you travel to the islands of Guna Yala. There are parking lot ($3.00/car whole day) and toilets available ($0.50) From Panama City, it is reached by the Panamericana and the El Llano-Carti Road. At one point of the road you will reach the entrance to Guna Yala Comarca, there you will pay an entrance fee Local-Resident ($5)/Foreign ($20) El LLano-Carti is totally deteriorated and full of holes, so you have to drive very carefully, also the road is mountainous and with many curves. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed. In additon, it is important to take notes on: -Port fee cost ($2/person) -Entry fee to the islands during the tours cost $3/person -Boat trip to the islands of Guna Yala cost...

El Puerto Terminal Niga Kantule es la puerta de entrada a las impresionantes islas de San Blas, ofreciendo una conexión esencial entre tierra firme y el paraíso caribeño de Guna Yala. Aunque su infraestructura es básica, cumple su función y permite a los visitantes embarcarse en lanchas hacia las diversas islas. Es recomendable llegar temprano, ya que en horas punta puede haber bastante afluencia de turistas y locales, lo que a veces genera demoras en el embarque.

El personal en general es amable y está dispuesto a ayudar, aunque el proceso de organización podría mejorar para hacerlo más ágil. Es importante llevar efectivo, ya que en la zona no hay cajeros automáticos ni posibilidad de pago con tarjeta. Además, hay que estar preparado para algunas esperas y tener paciencia, ya que los horarios de salida pueden variar dependiendo del clima y la cantidad de pasajeros.

A pesar de estos pequeños inconvenientes, la experiencia vale totalmente la pena. Desde el puerto se pueden admirar vistas hermosas del mar Caribe y sentir la emoción de partir hacia las islas paradisíacas de San Blas. La cultura Guna se hace presente en el lugar, con la oportunidad de conocer un poco más sobre su gente y su forma de vida.

Si bien no es un puerto turístico de lujo, su importancia como punto de acceso a uno de los destinos más bellos de Panamá lo hace imprescindible. Un consejo clave es reservar los traslados con anticipación con agencias confiables para garantizar una experiencia más organizada y sin contratiempos. Sin duda, un lugar fundamental para quienes desean explorar la belleza natural y cultural...