Permit· Guna Yala (comarca-wide)· Other Caribbean

Guna Yala Rules for Visiting Boats

9° 34.2′ N · 78° 49.2′ W · approximate

Guna Yala is a self-governing indigenous comarca: the Congreso General Guna and each island's sailas set the rules, and visitors are expected to follow them as the law of the land.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Coordinate approximate: Wikipedia's centre point for the San Blas Islands; rules apply throughout. Scuba diving is banned by the sailas to protect reefs and stop professional spearfishing; snorkelling and free-diving are fine (Toucan Discovery; Gone with the Wynns). Do not take anything: fish, lobster, conch and coconuts belong to the Guna; buy or trade for them (every coconut has an owner). Spearfishing rules are strict and vary by community. Pay the Congreso cruising fee and keep receipts; individual islands charge anchoring permits ($10–20 per 30 days) and landing fees ($1–5 per person) (2018 list, verify locally). Ask before photographing people; many expect about $1 per photo and some villages ban cameras. Some villages ban alcohol. Dogs are restricted on many islands. Do not fly drones without permission. Don't buy shellfish or turtle out of season. Don't go up mainland rivers without permission (Ustupu: $200+ fine). Burn or carry out rubbish; don't pay to have it 'disposed of'. Dress modestly in villages. Bring small bills: no ATMs anywhere in the comarca.

Best for

Every crew, before entering the comarca

Nearby