Culepollo or "Chicken Butt": Short Summer Storms in San Blas Explained

Discover The Surprising Summer Storms of San Blas (and Why They’re Nothing to Fear)

Every sailor who’s spent a summer in San Blas has heard of the mysterious Culepollo — a name as curious as the weather phenomenon itself. Known locally as Chocosana in the Guna language, these short but intense tropical squalls are part of the charm of sailing through one of the most pristine archipelagos in the Caribbean.

The thought of a storm might sound alarming, but in reality, these brief squalls pose no real danger, pass as quickly as they appear, and often leave behind some of the most spectacular skies you’ll ever witness.

San Blas Culepollo in 2024, Dutch Cays.

What Is a Culepollo?

“Culepollo,” literally “chicken butt,” is a humorous local term for the short summer storms in San Blas. Legend has it that when these storms hit, the wind blows so fiercely that chickens lose their feathers and dash for cover, leaving their rears exposed!

Scientifically speaking, it’s a microdepression: a small, fast-moving cell of low pressure that brings strong winds (15–20 knots), heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes. They appear suddenly, do their dance, and just as quickly disappear — leaving behind calm seas and sunshine.

These squalls form over Colombia and travel across the San Blas archipelago before fading out near Costa Rica. They typically occur between May and October, though their frequency varies each year.

In 2025, no major Culepollo has been registered so far — a calm and beautiful summer season.

Sailing Safely Through the Summer Season

Summer in San Blas is the low season, meaning fewer boats, quieter anchorages, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the islands in total peace. But it also calls for a few smart sailing practices to handle these short-lived storms with ease.

During this season, extra precautions are always taken when anchoring.

• Safe distances from reefs are doubled

• Keeping a safe distance from other boats, which is easy in summer since anchorages are nearly empty.

• We also take the opportunity to collect fresh water and refill our tanks.

It’s important to remember that you cannot anchor in the same spots year-round, as each season comes with its own considerations. In summer, anchorages are generally more sheltered, while in winter, steady trade winds dominate and create different conditions. A sudden wind shift in summer can still cause your catamaran to swing dangerously close to the shore or a reef, so adjusting your anchoring technique for the season is essential for safety and peace of mind.

San Blas: A Safe Haven in the Caribbean

One of the most remarkable aspects of San Blas is its natural safety and stability compared to much of the Caribbean. Thanks to its privileged geographical location, the archipelago lies outside the hurricane belt, meaning no major hurricane or severe tropical storm has ever struck its islands. This unique positioning makes San Blas a rare destination where sailors and travelers can enjoy the Caribbean year-round without the constant concern of extreme weather.

Beyond the absence of hurricanes, the islands themselves provide protected anchorages and calm waters, ideal for catamaran sailing and island-hopping adventures. Unlike other Caribbean destinations that are exposed to high winds and unpredictable storms, San Blas offers a serene, secure environment where travelers can relax, explore, and immerse themselves in pristine nature.

The only minor weather events that may occasionally occur are short-lived, anecdotal adventures — like a “Culepollo” squall — perfect for a fun story to share with friends and family.

This combination of natural protection, stable weather, and sheltered anchorages makes San Blas not just beautiful — but one of the safest and most reliable sailing destinations in the Caribbean.

San Blas: safe, sheltered, and idyllic — where even a brief ‘Culepollo’ squall becomes a fun sailing story.

After the Storm, the Magic Returns

One of the most enchanting things about a Culepollo is how quickly paradise resets itself. Within minutes of the storm’s departure, the sea flattens, sunlight filters through the clouds, and the islands sparkle as if freshly washed.

It’s nature’s reminder that even the wildest moments have their beauty — and in San Blas, they come with a front-row seat to one of the Caribbean’s most genuine natural spectacles.

After all, in San Blas, even the storms know when to leave room for sunshine.

Ultimately, Culepollo storms may sound dramatic, but with proper anchoring, distance from reefs, and a good attitude, they’re simply part of the tropical adventure — intense, short, and unforgettable.

Sail through San Blas and immerse yourself in its pristine waters, ancient Guna culture, and unforgettable adventures.