Booking & Cancellation Policies Charter in San Blas
Thank you for choosing Charter in San Blas. Please read the following policies carefully before confirming your reservation. By making the reservation payment, the contracting party confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these Booking & Cancellation Policies on their own behalf and on behalf of all guests included in the reservation.
1. Terms and Conditions
Reservation confirmation. The reservation is confirmed only after Charter in San Blas receives the minimum reservation payment agreed for the experience usually 50% of the total charter cost. Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, the reservation payment is non-refundable and is applied to secure the boat, crew, logistics, provisioning planning, and administrative coordination.
Payments. Payments are made in U.S. dollars. Reservation payments may be completed by bank transfer to our U.S bank account, Panama Bank account or by credit card, when previously agreed. Credit card payments are subject to a 5% processing fee. All bank transfer fees, including intermediary bank charges, are the responsibility of the client.
Booking contact / contracting party. The person who contacts Charter in San Blas and confirms the reservation is recognized as the contracting party and the only responsible contact for the booking. This person is responsible for all obligations arising from the reservation, including payment, submission of required information, transportation coordination, and communication with the group.
Communication with guests. Charter in San Blas will provide reservation support and follow-up only to the contracting party. Guests or third parties are not authorized to request changes, make inquiries, or follow up on matters related to the reservation, including transportation. Charter in San Blas does not participate in group WhatsApp chats, group calls, or group email threads.
Responsibility to inform the group. The contracting party is responsible for communicating all relevant information to every member of the group and for ensuring that all participants understand and accept these policies. Charter in San Blas is not responsible for misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or internal disagreements among group members after the reservation has been confirmed.
Number of guests. Once the reservation is confirmed, the number of guests may not be reduced. The total agreed amount remains unchanged regardless of partial cancellations, personal decisions, changes in individual travel plans, or any other situation affecting one or more members of the group.
Number of nights and dates. Once the reservation is confirmed, the number of nights may not be reduced and the experience dates may not be changed unless Charter in San Blas expressly approves the change in writing. No refunds or price adjustments will apply in the event of late arrival, early departure, flight or transfer changes, decisions made by the group before or during the experience, or similar circumstances.
Boat assigned. The reserved boat may not be changed after the reservation payment has been made, except when a change is approved in writing by Charter in San Blas or when an alternative boat is required for operational, technical, safety, or force majeure reasons under these policies.
Allergies, health conditions, and dietary restrictions. Before confirming the reservation, the contracting party must inform Charter in San Blas of any allergies, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, mobility limitations, pregnancy, or other relevant circumstances affecting any guest. This information allows Charter in San Blas to verify whether the request can be accommodated. Once the reservation is confirmed, special adjustments cannot be guaranteed.
Balance payment at check-in. Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, the remaining balance must be paid in U.S dollars, no later than 30 days before boarding date, by bank transfer or credit card. The experience may not begin until the balance has been paid in full.
Official payment channels. Charter in San Blas will never request payment to accounts or payment methods other than those officially communicated by Charter in San Blas. Any suspicious or inconsistent payment request must be ignored and immediately reported to Charter in San Blas to avoid scams.
Cabin access. Cabin access is granted according to the confirmed reservation and not according to the total number of guest cabins available on board. As a general rule: 2 guests = 1 cabin; 4 guests = 2 cabins; 6 guests = 3 cabins, and so on. Cabins are assigned by the crew according to operational needs and guest distribution.
2. Transfers: Panama City / Guna Yala / Panama City
Authorized transportation. Charter in San Blas works exclusively with authorized transportation providers, including taxi boats, 4×4 vehicles, and aircraft, that hold all permits required to transport and receive tourists traveling to boats in the Guna Yala region. Clients are strongly advised not to use unauthorized transportation or support operators who evade the taxes, entrance fees, or regulations established by the Guna authorities.
Recommended providers. Charter in San Blas may provide contact information for authorized transportation providers by land, sea, or air. The Guna Yala territory operates under its own rules and local regulations, and the relevant authorities reserve the right to admit or deny entry to their territory.
Independent transportation. If the client decides to arrange transportation independently, Charter in San Blas cannot guarantee entry into Guna Yala, timely arrival at the embarkation point, or transfer from the port or airstrip to the catamaran. If the client arrives late, arrives on a different date, is denied entry, or cannot reach the boat because they used non-recommended transportation, the reservation amount and agreed price will remain unchanged and no refund or price adjustment will apply, except where required by applicable law.
3. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
3.1 Cancellation by the Client
No refunds for client cancellation. If the client cancels the experience for any reason, no refund will be issued for amounts already paid, including reservation payments, advances, or other payments made to secure the boat and related services, except where expressly required by applicable law.
Operational costs. Amounts paid in advance are used to cover operational, administrative, planning, provisioning, crew, logistics, and reservation-holding costs, and are therefore non-refundable unless otherwise stated in writing.
3.2 Cancellation or Unavailability Caused by the Boat, Crew, or Charter in San Blas
Alternative boat or crew. If the originally reserved sailboat/catamaran and/or crew cannot proceed with the experience on the confirmed date for operational, technical, safety, crew-related, or other reasons not attributable to the client, Charter in San Blas will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative sailboat/catamaran and/or crew with equal or superior characteristics.
Rescheduling option. If an equivalent or superior alternative is not available, the client will be offered the option to reschedule the experience for a new date within twelve (12) consecutive months from the originally scheduled date, subject to availability.
Refund when no equivalent solution is possible. If Charter in San Blas is unable to provide an alternative boat of equal or superior characteristics and no mutually acceptable rescheduling date is available within the twelve-month period, the client may receive a refund of the amounts paid for the unavailable service, except for third-party costs already incurred and documented, where applicable.
3.3 Weather, Safety, and Force Majeure
Rainy weather. Rainy weather alone is not a valid reason to cancel, refund, or reschedule the experience. The San Blas / Guna Yala region is generally sheltered, and weather conditions that prevent navigation are uncommon.
Official safety warnings. If Charter in San Blas receives an official notice or credible safety warning from the Panamanian Maritime Authority, the Guna Congress or competent Guna Yala authorities, or relevant neighboring authorities regarding strong winds (over 40kn) , hurricanes, cyclones, dangerous sea conditions, or similar risks, Charter in San Blas will communicate the notice to the client and the experience may be rescheduled by mutual agreement within twelve (12) months of the originally reserved date.
Force majeure. Charter in San Blas shall not be liable for unforeseeable or unavoidable circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to weather conditions, government actions, civil disturbances, natural disasters, restrictions imposed by local authorities, medical emergencies, port closures, maritime authority instructions, or other events of force majeure. Charter in San Blas will make reasonable efforts to reduce the impact of such events and communicate necessary changes as promptly as possible.
4. Other Situations and Guest Responsibilities
Seasickness, discomfort, or personal preferences. No refund or discount will apply due to seasickness, discomfort, dissatisfaction with natural conditions, personal preferences, or similar circumstances experienced by guests during the trip, unless directly caused by proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Guest health issues. No refund or discount will apply for inconveniences, limitations, cancellations, or interruptions related to the health condition of any guest, except where required by applicable law.
No show. No refund or discount will apply in the event of a no show by the client or any guest.
Personal flotation items. If guests require recreational vests, floats, or similar personal-use flotation items for children or adults, especially where size, weight, or personal comfort is important, they must bring such items with them. Standard safety equipment on board is not a substitute for personalized recreational flotation items.
Damage, loss, or breakage. If any damage, loss, or breakage occurs to the sailboat/catamaran, dinghy, equipment, furniture, fixtures, accessories, or any item on board, whether inside or outside the vessel, the client may be charged the repair or replacement cost. The amount may be supported by supplier quotations, invoices, online market references, or other reasonable documentation. An additional administrative/logistical surcharge of up to 20% may be applied to cover shipping, transportation, handling, repair coordination, and related costs.
Safety, hygiene, and respect. Guests must cooperate with the crew and follow all safety, hygiene, environmental, and respect guidelines. San Blas / Guna Yala is the homeland of the Guna people, and guests are expected to behave respectfully toward local communities, islands, rules, and customs.
5. Prohibited Substances and Illegal Activities
Strict prohibition. The possession, use, distribution, purchase, sale, or transportation of illegal drugs, weapons, or any other illicit materials or activities is strictly prohibited at all times during the experience, including on board, during transfers, on support boats, and while visiting islands or communities within Guna Yala.
Immediate termination. Any violation of this policy may result in immediate termination of the experience without refund or compensation. The matter may be reported to the competent local, indigenous, maritime, police, and/or national authorities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Guest responsibility. Guests are solely responsible for complying with Panamanian law, Guna Yala regulations, maritime rules, and any other applicable legal requirements. Charter in San Blas assumes no responsibility for legal, financial, or personal consequences arising from illegal conduct by any guest.
Captain authority. The captain has full authority to take any measures deemed necessary to protect the safety, legality, and integrity of the experience, the vessel, the crew, the guests, and third parties.
6. Onboard Conduct and Captain Authority
Quiet hours. Please observe quiet hours between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. During these hours, music and conversations must be kept at a volume that does not disturb the crew, other guests, nearby boats, or local communities.
Meal timesand onboard food service. Standard meal times are generally as follows: breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and dinner from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Outside these hours, only snacks and aperitifs may be available, subject to onboard supplies, crew organization, itinerary, and operational conditions.
Responsible use of onboard supplies. Although the charter may be offered on an all-inclusive basis when expressly confirmed in writing, onboard supplies are limited due to the remote nature of San Blas / Guna Yala and the logistical limitations of operating at sea. Guests are expected to use food, beverages, water, electricity, towels, amenities, and other onboard resources moderately and respectfully. Excessive, unreasonable, wasteful, or abusive consumption or use may be limited by the captain or crew in order to protect the comfort, safety, and proper functioning of the experience for all guests.
Smoking, open flames, and candles. Smoking inside the cabins or any enclosed area of the vessel is strictly prohibited. Open flames, candles, incense, or any similar fire-risk items are strictly prohibited inside the cabins and may be restricted or prohibited in any other area of the vessel at the captain’s discretion. Any permitted smoking, if applicable, must take place only in areas expressly indicated by the crew and in full compliance with safety instructions.
Captain discretion. Once on board, the captain has full authority and discretion to make decisions and adjustments during the voyage to ensure safety, comfort, compliance with local regulations, protection of the vessel, and the overall well-being of passengers and crew.
Itinerary adjustments. Itineraries, routes, anchorages, use of sails, island visits, activities, and schedules may be adjusted by the captain due to weather, sea conditions, safety, maritime rules, local authority instructions, guest behavior, operational needs, or other circumstances. Such adjustments do not entitle the client to a refund or discount when made for safety, legal, or operational reasons.
7. Role of Charter in San Blas
Scope of responsibility. Charter in San Blas is responsible for the reservation coordination and services expressly provided by Charter in San Blas. Once on board, the captain is responsible for the operational management, navigation, and onboard decision-making of the trip.
Unforeseeable circumstances. Charter in San Blas, its partners, collaborators, owners, and crew shall not be liable for unforeseeable or unavoidable events beyond their reasonable control. Reasonable efforts will be made to mitigate the impact of such events and communicate relevant changes to the contracting party.
8. Personal Belongings, Travel Insurance, and Assumption of Risk
Personal belongings. Guests are responsible for their personal belongings, valuables, electronic devices, travel documents, and cash. Charter in San Blas and the crews are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings except where directly caused by proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Travel insurance. All passengers are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost luggage, personal liability, and other potential risks.
Adventure travel risks. Sailing and adventure travel involve inherent risks. San Blas / Guna Yala is an indigenous territory with limited infrastructure, including limited access to hospitals, emergency services, pharmacies, roads, and other facilities. By booking and paying for the experience, the contracting party and all guests acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.
Limitation of liability. Nothing in these policies is intended to exclude liability where such exclusion is not permitted by applicable law. Charter in San Blas shall not be liable for accidents, injuries, losses, delays, or damages except to the extent directly caused by proven gross negligence or willful misconduct by Charter in San Blas or persons for whom it is legally responsible.
9. Not Included in the Reservation
Transportation from Panama City to Guna Yala / San Blas and return, unless expressly included in writing.
Entry fees to the Guna Yala territory.
Entry fees to islands or communities where Guna families live, usually between USD 2 and USD 3 per person per island/community, unless otherwise stated.
Personal items, special medications, personalized flotation items, special dietary products not previously approved, alcoholic beverages or premium items not expressly included, and any other service not expressly confirmed in writing.
10. Acceptance
By making the reservation payment to Charter in San Blas, the contracting party declares that they have read, understood, and fully accepted these Booking & Cancellation Policies, together with the written information provided by Charter in San Blas through official communication channels, on their own behalf and on behalf of all group participants.
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