Potable Water in the San Blas Islands

[On the rode]

I am planning to spend a number of months cruising in the San Blas Islands and at present I do not have a watermaker, but I do have ltwo large freshwater tanks. Does anyone know how available potable water is in the San Blas Islands? Feel free to e-mail me directly at schierlaw@aol.com if you wish.

Thank you.

[belizesailor]

You can take on water at the island of Rio Azucar. They even have a dock with a hose. However, I would treat the water if you plan to drink it.

[txg]

From the San Blas it is a day sail to Linton Bay. The marina has its own well and the water is for free and excellent quality.

[gmakhs]

They don't treat the wells in San blass?
A fairly big tank will get you going for months , collecting rain water is good as well .
Well water can be used but consult the local about the good wells , this is how I did in Africa doesn't sound different in San blass .
I plan to go there soon and create my second cruising guide

[belizesailor]

They dont have conventional wells in the San Blas. They collect river/spring water from the mainland. On islands futher away from the mainland they dig shallow surface pits, usually less than 1 meter deep and collect brakish water from that for non-drinking purposes.

No they do not treat water in the San Blas. Typically water is collected from a stream or spring on the mainland. In some villages close to the mainland they have run a pipe to the island, but its straight from the source.

Near the mainland it is common to see "ulus" (Kuna dug out canoes) sailing back and forth full of water containers....making their water run. We had a Kuna friend bring water to us last year this way when having a water maker issue. Treated w chlorine and had no issues.

[On the rode]

Thank you all for your responses. They are much appreciated.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by txg

From the San Blas it is a day sail to Linton Bay. The marina has its own well and the water is for free and excellent quality.

...or Turtle Bay Marina. Its a little closer, but the entrance is a bit interesting. Either way its 2 days round trip.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by gmakhs

They don't treat the wells in San blass?
A fairly big tank will get you going for months , collecting rain water is good as well .
Well water can be used but consult the local about the good wells , this is how I did in Africa doesn't sound different in San blass .
I plan to go there soon and create my second cruising guide

Dry season is the most popular cruising time...very little rain.

What was your first cruising guide?