Summer 2018, it seems that there was an attempt by the Guna to limit the charter boats which were operating in the San Blas. To that end, there were very restrictive regulations set up to prevent people from arriving or leaving the San Blas. However by January 2019, the regulations seemed to have become less rigid.

Air Panama had a daily flight into Achutupu and Playo Chico. We had family and friends depart and arrive on the Air Panama flight to Achutupu. Reservation was necessary and space on the flights could be troublesome.

"Carti Terminal" 09 27.34N X 78 58.682W is an exposed group of docks where taxis arrive from Panama City. It is very busy with tourists coming on day trips to some of the islands, locals coming and going to Panama City and groceries etc being delivered. Definitely not a place you would want to tie up your dinghy or boat with considerable swell and rough concrete dock, so we only touched the dock to pick up and drop off our guests. We had long term OCC friends depart and others arrive here by taxi from Panama City. The cost was $25 for the taxi and $25 for the entry to the San Blas. There was also a couple of dollars dock fee to use the dock. The only thing that was required at the check in, half way along the road, was a passport. We had been told that other people had arranged for pick up of friends through a hotel in Porvenir but this was not confirmed.

Other cruisers had been told that it was not possible for family or friends to arrive or depart from San Blas so they sailed to Linton Marina to pick up their guests and then return to the San Blas.
edited by helenm on 3/13/2019