12 Things to KNOW Before Booking a Trip to the San Blas Islands

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If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to dive deep into the local culture and go off the grid, then the San Blas Islands are perfect for you. 

Not only are the San Blas Islands a real-life slice of paradise, they offer you the chance to completely remove yourself from civilization. We’re talking about no internet, no cell service, and no credit card payments – nothing. If you’re looking for a real chance to unplug then this is totally it. 

Located off of the Caribbean coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands are one of the bucket list places to visit in Central America. This group of tiny islands makes a perfect island-hopping adventure!

The San Blas Islands are known for their unspoiled beauty. Crystal clear waters, pure white sands – you know, your typical image of paradise. And sure, you can find these kinds of scenes on islands all over the world but so many of them are overrun with tourism these days – but not San Blas. 

However, since you’ll struggle to access the internet once you reach San Blas, it’s important to do as much research as possible before you go. It’s a remote destination so it’s essential that you’re prepared and know what to expect. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of 12 essential things to know before you book a trip to the San Blas Islands so that you can enjoy these incredible islands to the fullest. 

1. About the San Blas Islands 

The San Blas Islands in Panama are part of the Guna Yala Indigenous territory, so technically, they’re kind of a country within a country. The archipelago consists of 365 islands and cays (one for every day of the year!) and of those, 49 are inhabited.  

The Guna people are famous for crafting molas, which are bright, patterned, hand-made textiles. On your visit to the San Blas Islands, you’ll see Guna people going about their daily lives and you’ll get to experience some of the amazing local culture here.

The islands are known for their delicious seafood, diverse marine life (especially starfish), jungles, and of course, gorgeous beaches.  

The San Blas Gulf is home to the third-largest coral reef in the world. It’s also one of the most untouched reefs in the world, which is really amazing to see. The most popular islands in the San Blas archipelago include El Porvenir, Isla Robeson, Chichimei, and Isla Perro.  

There are two main ways to experience the San Blas Islands. You can either stay in a beach bungalow on one of the islands or stay on a boat and sail around island hopping. It’s important to know that while these islands seem like paradise, don’t expect your typical high-end resort stay. Most accommodations are simple cabins, you might have a sand floor and cold showers are common – people often refer to it as a camping vacation!

There aren’t any ATMs, limited electricity (many huts don’t have any at all), no wifi, and you may or may not have cell service. Think of this as your time to disconnect!

Also, unless you’ve got your own boat, you’ll need to enter the San Blas Islands on a tour. They’re too remote to reach by yourself. 

2. Where are the San Blas Islands? 

The San Blas Islands are located off the Caribbean coast of Eastern Panama, which means clear, warm seas!  

The archipelago is roughly 145 kilometers (90 miles) away from Panama City, which is where most people travel from.  

Getting to the San Blas Islands from Panama City is surprisingly easy – you’ll be picked up early in a 4×4 and head to Puerto de Carti. There, you board a boat that takes you straight to the islands. Easy peasy!  

The San Blas Islands are also relatively close to Cartagena, Colombia. There’s a 373-kilometer (231-mile) distance between the two, so it’s possible to visit from here. 

Related Read: When making your travel itinerary, consider adding a couple of the top cities in Latin America to the list!

3. When is the best time to visit the San Blas Islands? 

The San Blas Islands have a pretty long rainy season, which runs from May to December. The dry season, from January to April, is the ideal time to go, but this does give you a pretty narrow window. 

The good news is that the wet season doesn’t mean it’s going to rain all day every day – but it does mean you will probably experience at least a few pretty heavy downpours while you’re there. However, they don’t usually last more than an hour or two.

The islands are also quieter during the wet season, which some people find makes up for the rain.  

October and November are the wettest months, so maybe try to avoid these if you can. Obviously, the dry season is ideal, but if you’re visiting from May to September, your trip is unlikely to be spoiled by bad weather. 

4. What is the easiest way to get to the San Blas Islands?

As we briefly mentioned before, booking an organized tour to reach the San Blas Islands is by far the easiest way! Because the area is so remote, it really doesn’t have the infrastructure to support independent tourism. Organized tours take care of transportation, lodging, food, and excursions during the day.

When you get to the islands, you’ll quickly realize how it’s a slower pace of life and you might not have all the luxuries as the mainland. We personally loved this chill island vibe, but if you’re not prepared for it, it can be a little surprising. So be sure to pack all the comforts you’ll want for vacation, and choose a tour that will fit your travel style – more on that soon!

5. Where can you visit the San Blas Islands from?

You can actually reach the islands from Panama or Colombia! Many travelers use the San Blas Islands as a way to get from one country to the other.

Panama City

Taking a tour from Panama City is the cheapest, fastest, and all-around most convenient way to get to the San Blas Islands. It typically takes about a half-day to get from the city to the islands, including a 2.5-hour drive in a 4WH vehicle and a boat ride to the islands. All of our tours from Panama City mentioned below include transportation, whether they are multi-day overnight trips or a quick single-day trip!

The San Blas Islands are one of the most beautiful places in Panama, so they’re a great place to end your time in the country on a high note before continuing on to Colombia.

Cartagena, Colombia

You can also take a tour from Cartagena, Colombia, and have this be your introduction to Panama! Most companies don’t offer a return trip back to Cartagena but go to the San Blas Islands and then continue on to Panama City, or vice versa.  

I have more info below on the best tours that travel this route.

Related Read: Make sure to read our guide to crossing the border between Panama and Costa Rica if you’re headed in that direction.

6. Is it better to stay on the islands or enjoy a sailing trip?  

That really depends on your preferences. We have done both and much preferred staying on the islands.

I get minor motion sickness, but after 2 days on the water it began to get worse and I was ready to get on dry land. There are plenty of boat tours you can stay on, but the accommodation tends to be a bit cramped. On top of that, those who get motion sickness could really suffer from spending the majority of their time on the ocean.

However, staying on a boat is always a cool experience, and if you’re short on time, you’ll get to see more of the archipelago. 

But, we prefer to stay on the islands! The islands tend to have nicer and more spacious accommodations. Some islands even have awesome overwater bungalows, à la Maldives (although they don’t tend to be quite as luxurious as those).  This gives you more downtime, away from crowds, so you can really settle into that island life.

You’re bound to have an awesome time in the San Blas Islands regardless, but here are our top recommendations for tours whether you want to stay on the islands or on a boat!

• Our favorite island tour – This 3-day, 2-night island tour is our favorite option because if you’re going to make the trip out here, might as well stay a few days! You’ll stay on Yansailadup Island and can choose your level of accommodation. The highlights of this tour are day trips to Cayos Holandeses and Cayos Limones, time to relax on Yansailadup’s goregous beaches, snorkeling, and visiting a few natural pools. All meals and transportation are also included – you can just relax!

Check availability and book this highly-rated island tour here!

• Our favorite sailing tour – Take to the waters on this 2-day, 2-night all-inclusive sailboat tour! We really enjoyed being surrounded by water for a few days and getting to explore remote Caribbean islands, without hardly any crowds. This tour takes care of all the details, including transportation from Panama City, all meals, and activities (hello snorkeling!) – oh, and the wonderful crew! If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the San Blas Islands, this is it.

Reserve this sailboat tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

7. What are the best tours to the San Blas Islands? 

San Blas Tours From Panama 

3-Day/2-Night Tour in San Blas 

This highly-rated tour offers round-trip transport from Panama and includes all meals, as well as tours of Cayos Limones (the Lemon Keys Islands) which are known for their excellent snorkeling, and Cayos Holandeses, one of the most remote areas of the entire archipelago. 

You’ll stay in a cabin on Yansailadup, one of the archipelago’s most beautiful islands, located in the Lemon Keys area. The basic option is a private room, or you can upgrade to an oceanfront or overwater cabin if you’re feeling fancy. 

We loved our experience with this tour company, they are a very reputable group that operates throughout South and Central America. They have amazing reviews and a strong focus on sustainable tourism, so this is a big bonus. 

Prices start at $375 USD per person for a basic shared room. You can also upgrade to a private room or an overwater bungalow, which I would highly recommend! The tour will provide transportation, accommodation, and meals, but you will have to cover drinks, gratuities, and the $22 USD Guna entrance fee (mandatory to enter the region).

Book our favorite overnight island tour in advance here!

2 Day/1 Night San Blas Overwater Cabin  

If you’re a bit pressed for time, this 2-day, 1-night tour is another fantastic option! It’s operated by the same company as the longer trip, so we know it’s high-quality.

You’ll get to stay in an overwater cabin, which is an incredibly cool experience. Plus, you’ll take a boat tour around the islands, stopping off at three different ones. We love that you’ll be able to experience the beauty of multiple islands in this quick trip!

Snorkel gear is included and you’ll get to snorkel at amazing places like Isla Perro with its sunken shipwreck and look for sea stars on the ocean floor.

All your transportation, meals, accommodation, and activities are included for the incredible $165 USD cost. You’ll still need to pay the entrance fee to the region and any drinks you buy, but this tour is a steal!

Check availability and reserve your 2-day San Blas trip here!

San Blas Island Day Tour  

If you’re REALLY pressed for time, then you can even take this day tour of the San Blas Islands from Panama City.

You’ll get to snorkel, visit 3-4 of the prettiest islands, kayak or paddle board, and enjoy a traditional lunch. One of the islands you’ll visit is Isla Perro, where you’ll get to participate in a game of volleyball with the locals. 

Everything is taken care of for you, so this is a super convenient way to visit the San Blas Islands if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. At $160 USD, it’s a similar price as the overnight tour, but this tour lasts 14 hours (with a 5 am pick up!) and returns you back to Panama City in the evening.

Plus, this tour has over 750 5-star reviews, so we know it will be well worth your time.

Read the hundreds of glowing reviews and book this tour here – before spots fill up!

Colombia to Panama/Vice Versa  

Blue Sailing  

Blue Sailing is a tour company that specializes in the San Blas Islands, so you better believe they know what they’re doing!  

The trip is about 5 nights long with 3 days spent island-hopping around the San Blas Islands and then one travel day on either side of your trip for the open sea crossing.

You’ll stay on a sailboat the whole time and enjoy fresh, local food as you cruise around the archipelago. You’ll sleep in bunk accommodation and shower time is limited – this is a pretty rustic experience, but it’s also a lot of fun. 

You can take a tour from Panama City to the San Blas Islands and then on to Cartagena, or vice versa starting in Columbia. No matter where your trip starts from, you’ll sail around, glimpsing some of the archipelago’s most remote, uninhabited islands and there’s plenty of snorkeling, fishing, and beach time to enjoy. 

Expect to pay around $650-$800 USD per person – it varies depending on the season you book and the boat you’re on.

Check out all the sailing options on their website here!

Island tour  

San Blas Adventures also offers a boat tour from Colombia to Panama. You’ll travel on a fast boat rather than a sailboat, so there’s no 2-day ocean crossing.  

You’ll spend more time on the islands than you will on the boat, so you really get to experience the best of San Blas. In fact, you only spend a total of 8 hours on the boat over the course of 4 days!  

There’ll be lots of time to interact with the locals and learn more about the island communities that make the San Blas Islands so fascinating.  

This tour is $495 USD during the non-busy months, $525 USD during the high season (Dec-March) and there’s a special Christmas/New Year’s trip for $640 USD.

Travel from Colombia to Panama when you book this island tour here!

8. How many nights should you spend in the San Blas Islands?  

The San Blas Islands are one of those places that you never really want to leave!

We recommend staying for a minimum of two nights to ensure that you get time to explore and soak in the natural beauty of the archipelago properly.  

However, if you’re really pressed for time but don’t want to miss this incredible destination, there are day tours from Panama. But seriously, we recommend shifting around your itinerary to ensure that you get at least a couple of nights in San Blas. 

Related Read: Wanting to turn your trip here into an extended adventure around Central America? Check out our tips on how to afford long-term travel!

9. What are the top things to do on the San Blas Islands?

Since you will be taking a tour to reach the San Blas Islands, most of your itinerary will be decided for you. But, you will have some downtime, and I always want to know what I can expect before I go to a new place, so here’s a quick overview!

Visit the other islands and natural pools

Most tours will have this included in the itinerary – you can’t miss visiting multiple islands while here! Cayos Holandeses islands and Cayos Limones are two popular island groups that tours visit, and their beautiful white beaches and clear blue waters make for a memorable day trip! Isla Perro, Isla Pelicano, and Isla Chichimei are some of the other most popular islands to spend time at.

Most tours will also visit the natural pools on certain islands. The natural pools are essentially shallow and calm parts of the water, so instead of swimming in the ocean, it feels relaxed like a swimming pool! I was shocked at how clear the water was, and it was super warm because it was so shallow. It’s an incredible experience – to say the least!

Enjoy the local culture

The Guna people are your hosts while you visit the islands. It is amazing to see how they live, and while their general demeanor is a bit shy or standoffish, everyone we talked to was so kind and excited to have us there. We loved trying the local food (usually some sort of rice and catch of the day) and shopping for handicrafts – such as molas! You can also try and schedule a village tour or get to know a local family if you’re looking to dive into the Guna way of life.

Snorkel, swim, become a beach bum, and relax!

You’re going to be spending a lot of time in the water while visiting the San Blas Islands! Whether you’re hunting for tropical fish, starfish, and incredibly colorful coral reefs while snorkeling or going for a casual swim, you will never tire of the stunning blue water. All the tours will provide snorkeling opportunities, and you can find kayaks of SUPs to rent on the islands as well.

One thing I really love about the islands is the relaxed vibe, and the lack of internet/electricity really forces you to chill out and disconnect. While some people might go stir-crazy, I embraced it and really settled into the beach bum life!

10. Do you need to book the San Blas Islands in advance? 

That depends on when you want to visit. If you’re visiting during the wet season (from May to December), things tend to be quieter and you don’t really need to book in advance. 

However, the dry season (from January to April) is a lot busier, so the islands book up quickly. If you’re visiting the San Blas Islands during the peak time, then definitely book in advance so that you don’t miss out! 

Related Read: Another amazing experience we loved was scuba diving in Bocas del Toro, Panama!

11. What should you pack on a San Blas Islands trip? 

When you’re visiting the San Blas Islands, your philosophy should be: if you want it, you bring it.  

• Bring your passport, because you’ll need to present this as you enter the Guna Yala territory. No passport, no entry. 

• You’ll also need to bring US dollars because there are no credit cards or ATMs on the San Blas Islands. Bring plenty of small denominations – you really can’t ask for change from a $100 bill out here. US dollars are widely used in Panama, so you won’t need to worry about exchanging money before you go. In fact, Panama actually doesn’t print its own currency (the balboa).  

• Most tours include your food, but you’ll usually still need the $22 USD entry fee to the Guna Yala territory, as well as cash to buy coconuts from the locals, beautiful handmade molas, and drinks. If you want to take photos with the Guna people, they’ll usually charge a dollar per picture, too. 

• You’ll spend a lot of your time on the San Blas Islands in the water, so make sure to bring swimwear and towels.  

• Electricity is generally limited, so you’ll need a power bank to charge your phone and some spare camera batteries. And if you have a GoPro, definitely bring that along.  

• Don’t forget to bring bug repellent! Since the San Blas Islands have a tropical climate and that means one thing: mosquitoes! 

• You also may want to bring a lightweight travel cocoon for sleeping if you’re worried about clean bedding. It’s pretty hot on the San Blas Islands, so a full-on sleeping bag is probably going to be too thick.  

• Bring plenty of sun protection, too. Waterproof, reef-friendly sunscreen is a must, ideally with an SPF of 30 or above. You’ll also need sunglasses, a sun hat, and a light beach cover-up if you’re prone to sunburn. It’s not a bad idea to bring some aloe vera gel, either, in case you do burn. 

• Make sure that you’ve got all of your necessary toiletries with you because getting hold of them once you’re there is going to be pretty darn difficult. You don’t want to get to San Blas and realize you forgot your saline solution or your toothbrush!  

• Bring light clothing, such as shorts and cotton t-shirts. You should also pack a light rain jacket in case of a downpour and for wearing on boat trips as you may get splashed.  

• Group meals are usually served at a set time, so you might want to bring a few snacks with you to tide you over in between, like cereal bars, chips, or cookies.  

• Even if you’re not prone to seasickness, we recommend having it with you just in case – it never hurts to be prepared! There are several brands available but Dramamine is one of the most popular and effective. 

• Last but not least, bring some basic medication with you – painkillers, anti-diarrhea tablets, and antihistamines in case of bug bites. You’re no more likely to get sick in San Blas than you are anywhere else, but since there aren’t really any pharmacies around, it’s best to be prepared!  

12. What’s typically included on a San Blas Islands tour?  

The tours recommended here are top-rated for a reason – they truly take care of you! They will include transportation from Panama City or Colombia, taking a lot of stress off your plate from the get-go. They will also include accommodations, and most tours will allow you to select whether you want a shared room, a private room, or an overwater bungalow – depending on your budget.

Food is also included, but don’t expect 5-star dining in San Blas – although that’s not to say the food isn’t good. It’s all fresh, local cuisine, which means lots of seafood and rice. You’ll have plenty of chances to eat lobster! If you have special dietary requirements, then contact the tour company before booking to make sure that they can cater to these.  

You might be a little sick of seafood and rice by the end of your tour, depending on how long you go for, but we love experiencing the local cuisine when we travel. Eating a pizza in San Blas just wouldn’t feel right!

Some tours include alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, but it’s in moderation. If you like to get a little buzz during your island vacation, I recommend picking up a bottle of something before you leave the mainland.

For the most part, the tours take care of the basic necessities, but if you want any extra luxuries – bring them yourself!

13. Are the San Blas Islands worth visiting?  

Yes! 

The San Blas Islands are absolutely gorgeous – we’re talking, beach screensaver-worthy scenery. We’d go as far as to say that they’re among the most beautiful islands in the world.

Not only this, but they’re culturally rich and allow you to totally disconnect from the modern world. A trip to the San Blas Islands is an amazing adventure and a total must when visiting Panama. You won’t regret it!  

Thanks for reading!

The San Blas Islands are one of those unforgettable destinations! I mean the natural beauty of the area is stunning and it’s so good to really unplug for a while on your vacation. I highly recommend visiting this little piece of paradise for a few days!

If you’re planning a trip soon, check out our travel advice blogs or look through our blogs on Central America. We have lots of tips to share so you can have an amazing vacation. If you have any questions about San Blas, leave us a comment below!

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