The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are an archipelago made up of more than 350 islands in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Panama. They are home to indigenous Panamanians known as the Guna people. The islands are incredibly quiet and undeveloped, and are the most remote and secluded destination that we’ve ever visited. While they aren’t easy to get to, visiting the San Blas Islands is truly a bucket list experience! If you’re able to fit them into your Panama itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
The San Blas Islands are such an incredible place to visit because they feel almost completely untouched. They are not overrun with tourists and there is little to no development. There is no cell service in the area and electricity is only run off generators. Accommodations are the bare basics, and the food is primarily freshly caught fish and seafood. It’s a very different travel experience from other tropical destinations, but the simplicity and seclusion is exactly what makes it so special!
Getting There
There are several different ways to get to the San Blas Islands, including by plane, bus, or sailboat. We took a day trip from Panama City, which was entirely worth it in our opinion. It makes for a very long day, as it’s quite a journey from the city, but it was worthwhile for such an incredible experience. If you have more time, you can spend a few nights on the islands, but be prepared for a more rustic experience. The islands are part of the Guna Yala district of Panama, meaning that you do pass through a border on your way to the port. You need to have your passport with you and pay a small entry fee into the indigenous territory.
The Travel Experience
We booked our day trip through Airbnb Experiences. Our tour company was excellent and we highly recommend them! We were picked up very early in the morning from our accommodations in Panama City, and were driven to the port by a professional driver. We had read that the drive through the rainforest and the mountains was quite difficult, but it was much better than we expected. Panama City is on the Pacific Coast of Panama, and the San Blas Islands are off the Caribbean Coast. It’s about a three hour drive through the country and the last hour does take you through some very windy mountain roads, but the views are beautiful! We even stopped to see a sloth sleeping in a tree, and to take photos of the gorgeous scenery. After passing through the border you arrive at the port. From there, we hopped in a boat with a local guide and began our tour of the islands! If you’ve never tried an Airbnb Experience, it’s a great way to book local tours in different destinations! Click here to sign up to Airbnb and save on your first experience.
The Islands
Our tour included a full morning and afternoon of exploring, with stops on three different islands as well as a natural pool in the middle of the sea. We also had lunch provided (and were very happy that they accommodated us with a veggie option)! The highlights of the day were definitely snorkelling at a shipwreck off the shore, swimming in the clearest blue waters we’ve ever seen, and wandering amongst the palm trees on the quiet, secluded islands. It was truly a bucket list experience for us and we’re so glad we had the opportunity to experience it. Our guides mostly left us to explore on our own, and we had plenty of time to wander around, go swimming, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful views. The day went by fast, but we definitely felt like we had plenty of time to enjoy it! When heading to San Blas for the day, we recommend that you bring a swimsuit, a towel, plenty of sunscreen, a change of clothes, drinking water, snacks, and your camera!
We highly recommend taking a day trip (at least!) to the San Blas Islands. It’s truly an incredible adventure and in our opinion, is an absolute must-do while in Panama.
If you’re interested in travelling to Panama, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Panama City!
As well, we have a full article on How Lesbian Friendly Panama Is.
If you’re looking for other day trips, read our full guide to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve.
Have you already been to San Blas? Share your experiences in the comments below!
