When ignorance of the statute and regulations of tourist activities in San Blas Islands is made present, it is easy to break the rules and make many mistakes, which we have called the faults that are committed in San Blas Islands.
The indigenous Guna ethnic group, are protectors of the mother earth and its people, therefore, the guidelines that have been established revolve around the protection of the natural resources and welfare of the Guna people.
Within the statute of the County of San Blas Islands, article 24, chapter XVII of Tourism in San Blas Islands, are some of these restrictions. Others have added them, thanks to the years of experience that I have in the tourist activity and that are questions very common by the tourists. The following list are the most common infractions that are committed by the little information that is offered to the visitor.
Photography
The sacred sites for the Guna community such as the cemetery, the drink house, the general congress Guna house, religious and cultural activities, are strictly prohibited without the permission of the local authorities.
There are cases like taking a picture of a Guna woman in her typical dress, the best thing to do is to first ask the person if want or not, there are Gunas believes that when a person takes a picture of them, the soul is stolen.
Films for economic purposes
Given the beauty of the paradisiacal islands of San Blas Islands, many companies, agencies or people from outside the region, are tempted to film without the permission of local authorities, this leads to fine and expulsion.
Diving with oxygen tanks
This activity is rare in the region, but if it has been detected, of people doing dive with tanks and sophisticated devices that can endanger marine resources.
Extreme Sports
Practice extreme sports such as Windsurf or kitesurfing are activities that can not be practiced within the region. With the arrival of summer it is common to see practicing those sports.
Water Thrusters
The use of water propellers such as jetski, flyboarding or other devices that promotes water sports is prohibited.
Lucrative activity
The lucrative activities are exclusive to Gunas people within the San Blas Islands. The tourist guides should be Gunas, some other would be violating the regulations, unless this person is properly married to a Guna.
Extraction of natural resources
In article 272 of the statute that regulates the tourist activity in San Blas Islands, it specifically says that no renewable or non-renewable natural resources can be extracted, terrestrial, maritime and fluvial. In other words, if you want to take a snail or a starfish, you better leave it where you found it.
Taking a Coconut from a Palm
One of the activities within San Blas Islands is barter or coconut sale. If you are thirsty and want coconut water, do not try to get it on your own, get help. It usually costs around $ 1-00.
Campfire in the San Blas Islands
It is ironic that going to the beach without making campfire, is a sin but in some islands it is forbidden to do so because it damages the soil and affects the ecosystem, for example, spawning turtles. Better ask before setting off a campfire with your friends.
Recreation craft
Article 31th of the regulation governing tourist activities in San Blas Islands clearly says that recreational vessels, yachts and foreign sailing vessels in the waters of San Blas Islands it is absolutely forbidden to engage in any lucrative activity or marine studies activities.
Fishing
Harpoon fishing is illegal, you must do it artisanal method and accompanied by a Guna to avoid some kind of problems. Try not to break these rules to avoid some penalty that can very well be avoided.
We hope you have helped us to understand much more about the Guna culture and if you liked it, share it so that more people know about what you can do and can not do in San Blas Islands.
