The San Blas Islands (or Guna Yala) are a tropical paradise. The 365-plus island archipelago is free from trash and fronted by swaying palm trees, making it a dream come true for anyone who wants to visit.
The best way to see the islands is on an organized tour. Because of how remote the destination is, the region doesn’t have enough infrastructure to support independent travel, so the tours take care of everything from transportation to lodging and meals. Typically, you will stay on one “day” island during the day and then switch to your “night” island for the night.
Whether you are planning to stay on one island or go island hopping, here are some things you should know before booking an organized tour. The islands are beautiful, but they are also very basic! Most accommodations are simple cabins with a sand floor, limited electricity, and no WiFi. Some even have outhouses — this is definitely not your typical high-end resort experience!
Most of the islands are home to the indigenous people known as the Kuna. They are very protective of their territory and tightly control who can stay on the islands, which is why you need to book an organized tour in advance. You will need to pay a $22 USD entry fee into Guna Yala territory, and you’ll probably want to bring extra cash for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
It’s important to understand the Kuna culture before visiting the islands, so you can make a positive impact on the locals and their economy. The locals depend on tourism to survive, so if you’re visiting, be sure to treat them with respect and kindness. The villagers will appreciate it!
The most popular way to see the islands is on a sailing tour. This option gives you a unique view of the archipelago and allows you to explore the different islands at your own pace. These tours are also generally a little cheaper than flying, but it’s still important to check reviews and read up on the companies before booking.
We highly recommend choosing a company with lots of 5-star reviews. The most popular option is Blue Sailing and they have over 750+ 5 star reviews!
The San Blas Island Tours are a treasure of Central America and it’s amazing to see how untouched they remain. This is a must-visit when you are in Panama! Just remember to research the best time of year to visit and plan accordingly. The rainy season starts in April, but there are plenty of days with sun. I’m planning a trip from South America to Central America in 2022 and San Blas is on my list. Have you been? What was your experience like? Was it worth the money? Did you choose a speedboat or sailboat tour? We’d love to hear your story! Please leave a comment below.