If you’ve been looking around for the best tropical places, you might have heard whispers about San Blas Islands, but not found much info. This lesser known tropical spot is quickly catching the limelight and for good reason. The stunning archipelago of 365 islands and cays boasting pristine beaches and turquoise waters is yet untouched by mass tourism.
Wondering if San Blas is a good fit for your travel plans? In this post we go over everything you need to know: from where San Blas islands are located and how to get there to hotel options, visas requirements, prices, food, neighbourhoods, wifi connectivity and must do activities.
Welcome to the ultimate San Blas Islands Guide. Let’s dive in.
What are the San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands are a group of islands and cays (low elevation islets) off the coast of Panama.
Where is San Blas
The San Blas Islands, often regarded as one of the world’s hidden gems, are located off the northeast coast of Panama, on the Caribbean side. This tropical paradise, also known as the Guna Yala region, boasts over 360 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited.
The San Blas archipelago stretches across 160 miles along the stunning coastline, from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. This area is particularly famous for its rich biodiversity, both on land and under the sea. It’s also one of the few places where the indigenous Guna people still live in a relatively traditional way.
While the islands are part of Panama, they operate autonomously, with their own economic system and government. This unique governance has allowed the Guna people to preserve their traditional way of life, as well as the pristine condition of the islands, offering an authentic and unspoiled tropical experience to visitors.
Wherever you are in the world, the promise of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and serene islands dotted with palm trees make San Blas a must-add to any bucket list.
How to get to San Blas Islands
The islands are accessible via both air and sea. You can either into El Provenir airport or take the boat from the port town of Carti. Full break-down below.
Panama city to San Blas islands
For those who prefer to fly, a short domestic flight from Panama City to El Porvenir is the quickest option. From El Porvenir, you can take a boat to the various islands. The flight itself is stunning sight, offering amazing views of the Caribbean.
Alternatively, if you’re up for a road trip, you can drive from Panama City to the port town of Carti. The journey usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic. From Carti, it’s a quick 30-minute boat ride to the islands.
💡 Remember that San Blas is autonomous and controlled by the indigenous Kuna people. Therefore, be prepared to pay a small entrance fee when entering their territory.
However you choose to reach San Blas, the journey itself is an opportunity to get a first glimpse of the natural beauty of the region. Just be sure to plan ahead and confirm all transportation details as services may vary!
Map of San Blas islands
If you’ve been searching for a map of San Blas, then you’ll already know how difficult it is to find one. The archipelago is made up of many small islands and cays – which isn’t the easiest thing to map. So far, the best map I’ve found is the one from cruisemapper shown below.
Weather in San Blas
San Blas Islands experience a monsoonal tropical climate, characterized by pretty warm temperatures throughout the year. The islands have an extensive rainy season that extends from May to January, with the rest of the remaining months (January-April) being the dry season. Average yearly temperatures in San Blas hover around 28°C (83°F), varying minimally from a cooler 27°C (81°F) in February to a slightly warmer 29°C (85°F) in September. The annual precipitation amounts to about 104.8 inches, with February being the driest month at approximately 3.1 inches and October the wettest with rainfall reaching around 12.4 inches.
Want to visit San Blas during the summer? It’s still possible, just be aware that it will be in the middle of the rainy season there. So while there may be some sunny days, most days during this season are likely to be rainy.
San Blas Islands Hotels
There are no hotels in the San Blas Islands themselves and the Guna Yala do not allow hotels on the islands in the interest of preserving their unique culture and lifestyle.
However, the nearby mainland of Panama has several accommodations, with options for day trips or overnight visits to the San Blas islands.
So if you’re looking for San Blas Island hotels, some of the best options are:
Dolphin Lodge in Achutupo: Positioned near San Blas, it provides activities like sailing, fishing, and snorkeling.
Hotel El Porvenir in Playón Chico: A family-operated establishment on Panama’s mainland, offering a calmer ambiance compared to other local hotels.
Play to Live San Blas in El Porvenir: An eco-friendly choice with activities like hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching.
How safe is San Blas
San Blas is generally considered safe. The crime rate is low and locals are friendly and welcoming. However, whenever travelling to a new place, it’s always a good idea to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to stay safe during your trip:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended.
- Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases
- Drink bottled water or for a more eco-friendly solution use a filter-water bottle .
- If doing a tour, be sure to choose a reputable company.
Is San Blas worth a visit?
Yes! The islands are a must-see. Their unique culture, generally mild weather, unspoilt sandy beach and off-the-beaten-path nature are just some of the reasons why. The islands are full of beautiful things to see and experiences to have. You can learn more about San Blas on the official website.
Thanks for reading!