The Ultimate San Blas Packing List for a Luxury Catamaran
So, you’ve booked your trip to paradise! Now the big question is: “What should I pack for a remote, 365-island archipelago?”
As captains, we’ve seen it all. The most common mistake isn’t under-packing; it’s over-packing.
Welcome to the “barefoot luxury” philosophy. Your private catamaran is not a cruise ship. It’s an elegant, exclusive escape. Life in San Blas is simple, and your packing list should be, too. This is our expert guide to packing smart—bringing everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
The “Must-Have” Essentials (Do Not Forget These)
1. Your ORIGINAL Passport (Not a Copy!): You will be crossing the border into the autonomous Guna Yala territory. You cannot enter without your physical, original passport. A copy will not work.
2. Cash (Small Bills: $1s, $5s, $10s): There are no ATMs, banks, or credit card machines in San Blas. You will need cash for two things:
- Guna Entrance Fees: (Approx. $20pp) to enter the territory.
- Artisan Molas: You’ll have the chance to buy beautiful, handmade molas (reverse-appliqué textiles) directly from Guna artisans who visit the boat. Bringing small bills is respectful and practical.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Lotion, Not Spray!): The San Blas sun is powerful, and the reef is pristine. To protect the coral, please only bring reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Pro-Tip: Spray sunscreens are bad for the environment and make the boat’s deck dangerously slippery!
4. Polarized Sunglasses & a Wide-Brimmed Hat: The reflection off the turquoise water is no joke. Trust us—polarized sunglasses make all the difference. They cut the glare, making it possible to clearly spot stingrays and colorful fish right from the deck.
5. Light, Quick-Dry Clothing: You will live in your swimsuit. For evenings, think “casual beach comfort.”
- 2 or 3 pairs of shorts
- 3 or 4 T-shirts or tank tops
- 1 or 2 “dinner” outfits (a simple sundress, polo shirt, or linen button-down)
- 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or rash guard (provides sun protection while snorkeling)
6. Your Personal Medications There are no pharmacies. Along with your prescription meds, it’s a good idea to bring a small “just-in-case” kit. For example, include Tylenol or Advil for headaches, Dramamine if you know you get seasick, and a few band-aids—because you never know when you might need them.
The “Experience Enhancer” List (The Fun Stuff)
A Good Book (or 3): This is your #1 activity. There is no greater luxury than reading a book on the catamaran trampoline with the sea rushing by below.
Your Favorite Playlist: While we do have Starlink Wi-Fi onboard for you to stream music, cell service is non-existent. We still recommend downloading your favorite “sunset” playlist just in case. We have a great Bluetooth sound system you can connect to.
A Waterproof Camera (GoPro / Phone Case): The snorkeling is world-class.
A Portable Power Bank: Your cabin has power, but you’ll want this to keep your phone/camera charged while you’re on a private-island beach all afternoon.
The “Leave at Home” List (This is the Real Pro-Tip)
This is the secret to packing light and letting us take care of you. Do NOT pack these!
- 1. Shoes (Seriously. Leave them): You don’t need them. You will live barefoot on the boat. The only “shoes” you might need are one pair of simple flip-flops for walking on a village island.
- 2. A “Suitcase” (Bring a Duffel Bag!): This is the #1 “insider” tip. Hard-sided, rolling suitcases are a nightmare on a boat. They don’t stow, they scuff the floors, and they are hard to get in/out of the 4×4 and lancha. A soft-sided duffel bag is the pro-traveler’s choice.
- 3. Cheap Snorkel Gear: Don’t waste space on a leaky, low-quality mask. The Nomad Sailors standard means we provide professional-grade, well-maintained snorkel gear (masks, snorkels, and fins) for all our guests.
- 4. Beach Towels: We are not a rustic cabin. We are a luxury charter. We provide all your soft, fluffy bath towels and separate, large beach towels for you to use on the deck or on the islands.
- 5. Food, Snacks, or Drinks: Don’t even think about packing snacks. You have a Private Chef. You will be eating gourmet, freshly-prepared meals and snacks all day. Our “all-inclusive” bar is fully stocked. (See Our Culinary Journey here).
- 6. A Hairdryer, Fancy Clothes, or Expensive Jewelry: This is “barefoot luxury.” Leave it all behind.
- 7. Stress About… Anything: Don’t pack your worries. From the moment you book, we are your “white-glove” concierge. We handle the 4×4 or private-flight logistics, the Guna fees, the itinerary, the food… everything. (See Our Logistics Guide here).
Worry About Being “Out of Touch”
Unlike every other charter that forces you into a “digital detox,” our fleet is equipped with high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. You can post that sunset photo, check in with your family, or handle a quick work email, all while anchored in a remote paradise. You are as “connected” or “disconnected” as you choose to be.
The Final “Pocket Check”
About to head out in Panama City? Hold on—make sure these three things are covered first:
- Original Passport (You can’t get in without it.)
- Cash (For fees and molas.)
- Your “Downloaded” Playlist (For that first perfect sunset.)
That’s it. You’re ready.
You just pack the basics, and we handle the hard part.
