Life on Board in San Blas: What It’s Like to Live on a Boat in Guna Yala

Staying on a boat in the San Blas Islands, Guna Yala, is much more than a vacation. It’s a different way of traveling—deeply connected to nature, the Caribbean Sea, and a slower, more conscious lifestyle.

Living on board in San Blas offers a unique perspective of the archipelago, far from resorts, crowds, and mass tourism.

We live on board year-round, anchored in different locations throughout the San Blas archipelago in Guna Yala. There are no nearby marinas or ports, which makes life on a boat here peaceful, authentic, and deeply connected to the natural rhythm of the islands.

Solar energy on board in San Blas

Life on board relies mainly on solar energy, generated by solar panels installed on each boat. Thanks to the Caribbean sun in San Blas, we can cover essential needs such as lighting, refrigeration, navigation equipment, and charging electronic devices.

Because boats in Guna Yala are not connected to land-based electricity, we invite our guests to use energy mindfully, as part of a sustainable boating experience in San Blas.

Some boats—including certain sailing catamarans and veleros—are also equipped with air conditioning. To operate it, a generator must be used, which produces noise and consumes gasoline. For this reason, air conditioning—when available—is generally limited to specific moments, such as nighttime, and always used with consideration for fuel consumption, comfort, and the tranquil atmosphere of the San Blas Islands.

Fresh water: A valuable resource in Guna Yala

Fresh water in San Blas is limited and difficult to obtain. There is no constant supply of fresh water in the islands, so every drop matters.

Some boats are equipped with watermakers, which convert seawater into fresh water. While this provides greater autonomy, the process is complex: running a watermaker requires operating the engine, consuming diesel, and relying on sufficient solar energy. Producing fresh water takes time and careful planning—it is not an unlimited or effortless resource.

For this reason, even on boats with watermakers, responsible water use remains essential when living on board in San Blas.

We kindly ask our guests to:

• Take short showers
• Use water responsibly
• Avoid unnecessary waste

Respecting fresh water usage is a fundamental part of responsible navigation and sustainable life in the San Blas Islands, Guna Yala.

Anchored boats, not marinas

Boats in San Blas remain anchored, not docked in marinas. Each captain independently chooses where to anchor, based on weather conditions, sea state, and years of experience navigating Guna Yala.

This way of life ensures that every stay on a boat in San Blas is unique and allows guests to discover different islands and anchorages while respecting nature and local culture.

An authentic experience, guided by people who live in San Blas

On the Go San Blas website, you’ll find links to learn more about the boats we offer, including sailing catamarans and veleros, as well as the crews who live on board full time.

We only work with boats and crews we know personally. This means fewer options, but a much higher level of trust, quality, and human connection.

We are ourselves crew members of one of these boats, and this project was created from real life in San Blas. Our goal is to act as a direct bridge between future guests and boat crews, ensuring clear communication and an honest, transparent experience.

We are not a traditional land-based agency. We live here, sail here, and truly understand life on board in San Blas, Guna Yala—sharing this unique way of traveling through Go San Blas.

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