Tim and Susie Tadder on the beach of the San Blas Islands, Panama.

• The best way to get to the San Blas Islands is by air taxi from Panama City.
  
• Pick a base. Dolphin Island Lodge is the best place to stay, but there is no hot water and electricity is only available during certain hours.
  
• Rooms are about $80-$95 a night, including meals and tours.
  
• All of the lodge's employees are members of the Kuna ethnic group and proceeds help to pay for cultural preservation of the Kuna people.
  
• The island of Ailigandi is a 30-minute canoe ride from the lodge.
  
• Pack everything you will need. There are no major towns in the area.
  
• Before taking pictures ask for permission — and expect to pay your subjects 50 cents to a few dollars per photo.
  
• The Caribbean waters around the lodge are warm year-round.
  
• Women should avoid bikinis and opt for one-piece suits.

Contacts

Dolphin Island Lodge
Achutupo, San Blas, Panama
Phone: +11 507 225 8435
www.dolphinlodge.com
Cost: around $80-$95 per room, per night, all meals and tours included

Hotel Miramar Intercontinental Panama
Phone: +11 507 206 8888
www.miramarpanama.com
Cost: around $200-$240 per night depending on the season, suites $350-$2,500

IPAT/Panama Tourist Board
800-231-0568
www.ipat.gob.pa

Copa Airlines
800-FLY COPA (359-2672)
www.copaair.com

Aeroperlas (regional airline)
Phone: +11 507 227 2522
www.aeroperlas.com
Cost: Air taxi from Panama City to San Blas Islands, around $80 per person round trip

Tim Tadder Photography
San Diego, Calif.
805-205-2455
www.timtadder.com