If you have a trip to Panama booked, the San Blas Islands are a must-visit. This unique archipelago is what I imagine when I think of paradise: Hundreds of tiny mostly uninhabited white sand islands with palm trees enclosed by crystal clear waters. Our San Blas Islands trip was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had. In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to San Blas Panama!

What are the San Blas islands?

The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are an archipelago off Panama’s Caribbean coast. Comprising over 360 islands, most of them uninhabited, they offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Guna Yala is an autonomous indigenous region within Panama, governed by the Guna people, who preserve their unique culture and traditions. While Panama refers to the entire country, Guna Yala specifically refers to the territory where the Guna people live, including the San Blas Islands.

Two options for San Blas islands accommodation

If you’re searching for a luxury San Blas Panama resort or luxury hotel san blas panama, I have to disappoint you. There are no resorts or hotels on the guna yala archipelago. The absence of luxury hotels is actually a big plus, as it helps keep the San Blas Islands so pristine. You essentially have two options: stay in simple accommodations on one of the islands or cruise San Blas by boat.

San Blas Panama lodging

Since the Guna Yala islands cannot be purchased or developed by foreign individuals or institutions, there are no resorts or hotels. Only locals from Guna Yala can provide accommodations, and these are very basic. Most cabins lack floors, offering just a simple bed, and the toilets are quite old-fashioned – essentially a hole in the ground. Another downside is that you’ll be limited to one island, missing out on the beauty of the other nearby islands. However, if you’re interested in this kind of stay, you can check out San Blas Frontera for options.

San Blas catamarans & sailboats

You can also do a San Blas boat charter aboard a catamaran or sailboat. A catamaran offers the closest experience to a luxury hotel, which is exactly what we opted for. Picture waking up in the heart of paradise, enjoying first-class service all day long! Sailing in San Blas islands lets you explore much more of the breathtaking archipelago, giving you a richer experience than just staying on one island.

Getting to San Blas

Whether you’re taking a San Blas Islands boat trip or staying on one of the Guna Yala islands, you’ll be picked up early in the morning from Panama City in a 4×4 by the Guna Yala. As you get closer to the Guna Yala border, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and beautiful. The drive to the port of Carti takes about two hours. From there, you’ll take a boat ride to your host boat or the island where you’ll be staying, which takes roughly 45 minutes.

Is a San Blas day trip worth it?

In my opinion, no, a one-day trip to San Blas isn’t enough. The drive from Panama City to Guna Yala is long, and the most stunning, uninhabited islands are farther out, requiring quite a bit of sailing to reach. To truly experience the beauty of these islands, you’ll need to stay for several days.

Is a San Blas Panama vacation expensive?

Yes, it can be quite pricey. Especially if you go for a multi-day private San Blas catamaran tour, like we did. In 2022, we booked two private cabins for three nights for four people (two couples) at $1,300 USD per night, totaling $3,900. That worked out to $975 per person. It was the most expensive overnight stay we’ve ever had, but we treated it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we splurged. We had the entire boat to ourselves, plus a three-person crew, who were incredibly kind and accommodating. This price also included delicious food and drinks throughout the day.

However, there are additional costs that are not included in the tour price:

• $70 USD per person for a round-trip transfer from Panama City to the port of Carti (approximately a 2-hour trip).
  
• $80 USD per person for the round-trip boat ride from the port to your host boat (about a 45-minute trip).
  
• $20 USD per person for the Kuna Yala Territory fee.
  
• $2 USD per person for the Carti Port fee.

These are cash-only payments, as cards are not accepted by the Guna Yala. Don’t worry about arranging the transfer, as it’s fully organized by the captain.

Please note, all prices above are from my experience in 2022 and may have changed since then.

Booking San Blas Panama boat trip

We booked through SailBoatTrips, and our boat was the Lagoon 42 ft Catamaran. We had a fantastic experience with them! I’ve heard that “I Travel by Boat San Blas” is also a popular option, though I don’t have personal experience with them.

Conclusion

The San Blas Islands, or Guna Yala, are truly a paradise and offer a unique, unforgettable experience. If you can afford it, I highly recommend opting for a multi-day catamaran trip. This is, in my opinion, the best way to experience San Blas, offering a luxurious yet intimate way to explore the islands while enjoying breathtaking views and exceptional service. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll remember forever.

If you’re ready for an unforgettable escape, I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect trip to this tropical paradise! And if you’re dreaming of more tropical getaways, don’t miss my Flamingo Beach Aruba guide.