5 Critical Questions to Ask Before Booking Any San Blas Charter

The San Blas Islands are paradise. But booking that paradise can feel like the “wild west.” The internet is full of confusing offers, old websites, and stories of last-minute cancellations. In this article, we share the 5 Questions to Ask Before Booking Any San Blas Charter to help you plan with confidence.

The hard truth? A number of operators in Guna Yala are not fully licensed or insured.

As a decade-long captain in these waters, I believe you deserve 100% transparency. Before you send a single dollar to any charter company (including us), you must ask these five critical questions. The answers will be the difference between your dream vacation and a disaster.

Question 1: “Are you fully insured, and can I see the policy?”

This is non-negotiable. Don’t settle for a simple “yes.” Ask for what kind of insurance.

• The Risk: If an operator has no insurance (or just basic hull insurance) and an accident happens, you could be liable. If the boat is damaged in a storm before your trip, your vacation is gone, and so is your deposit.
• The Nomad Sailors Answer (Our Policy): We are 100% transparent. We carry full liability and hull insurance for our entire fleet. This means our vessels, our crew, and our guests are protected. We are happy to provide a certificate of insurance upon request.

Question 2: “Are you licensed by both the Panama Maritime Authority AND the Guna Yala Congress?”

This is the insider question that most tourists don’t know to ask.

• The Risk: An operator might have a Panama boat license (like a car registration), but that does not mean they have permission from the Guna government to operate commercially in their autonomous territory.
• The Nomad Sailors Answer (Our Dual-License): We are one of the few operators who maintain a perfect standing with both governing bodies. We are fully licensed by the Panama Maritime Authority (verifying our safety and maritime standards) and fully licensed by the Guna Yala Congress (honoring their sovereignty and ensuring our tourism is respectful and welcome).

Question 3: “What is your ‘Plan B’ if the boat has a technical failure?”

This question separates the amateurs from the professionals.

• The Risk: A boat is a complex machine. Things can happen. A “no-plan-B” operator will simply cancel your trip (often last-minute), leaving you stranded in Panama City with no boat, no vacation, and a long fight for a refund.
• The Nomad Sailors Answer (Our “Guest’s Choice” Guarantee): We believe the choice should be yours. We are professionals, and we have a network. If any of our boats face an unavoidable issue, you get three options:
  1. A New Boat: We will partner with our network to place you on a catamaran of equal or greater value for your original dates.
  2. New Dates: We will work with you to reschedule your trip for any available dates in the future.
  3. A 100% Refund: No games, no fees. We will refund your money in full, immediately.

Question 4: “Who is my captain, and what is their real relationship with the Guna community?”

This is the most important question for an “authentic” trip.

• The Risk: You might see some companies use “native captains” as a marketing buzzword. The truth is, a world-class charter requires two separate skills: a highly-experienced, licensed maritime expert to keep you safe, AND a deep, respectful partnership with the Guna community. It is very rare to find both in one person.
• The Nomad Sailors Answer (The “Expert Partner” Model): We believe in doing both, the right way. Our captains (like Captain Boris) are 10+ year veterans of the Caribbean. They are world-class, licensed maritime professionals who ensure your absolute safety. But more importantly, they are also “local” in the way that matters. They have spent a decade building real, personal relationships of trust with Guna Sahilas (chiefs), artisans, and fishermen. This isn’t a marketing claim; it’s a real partnership. It’s why our chef gets the Guna-caught lobster (Learn why San Blas Private Chef matters in our latest article) and why we can arrange a respectful village visit (Discover why an Authentic Guna Yala Tour makes a difference — read our article to learn more!). That is true sustainable tourism.

Question 5: “What is actually included in your ‘all-inclusive’ price?”

The “all-inclusive” on a boat should mean everything for your trip.

• The Risk: Some operators hide costs. You’ll be hit with surprise fees for fuel, water, or even basic snorkel gear.
• The Nomad Sailors Answer (Our Transparent Pricing): Our “all-inclusive” means everything you need for a perfect vacation.
  • INCLUDED: Your private captain and chef, all 3 gourmet meals per day, all snacks, all standard bar drinks (wine, beer, rum), fuel, water, and all onboard amenities (snorkel gear, paddleboards, etc.).
  • NOT INCLUDED (Required by Guna Law): The Guna Yala territory entrance fee (approx. $20pp) and port fees.
  • NOT INCLUDED (Optional): Souvenirs like molas (which you buy directly from the Guna artisans). No surprises. Just transparency.

Book Your San Blas Trip With 100% Confidence

Don’t risk your dream vacation on a “maybe.” Don’t compromise on safety, transparency, or respect.

Book Your 100% Insured & Licensed Journey