If you are searching for San Blas hotels Panama, accommodation in the islands generally offers simple, rustic facilities. Yani Island, also known as Isla Yansailadup, has shared rooms, private rooms, oceanfront cabins and San Blas overwater cabins for travelers who want to stay overnight in the San Blas Islands.

Located approximately 35 minutes by boat from the Port of Cartí, Yani Island combines white-sand beaches, shallow Caribbean water, ocean swings, SUP rentals and access to nearby attractions such as the Natural Pool and Isla Perro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Ready to stay on Yani Island? Compare the room and cabin options in the Availability section, select your dates and add any required transportation before checkout.

Table of Contents

• Yani Island at a Glance
• Yani Island and Isla Yansailadup Overview
• Yani Island Rooms and Oceanfront Cabins
• San Blas Overwater Cabins
• Beach, Swimming and Activities
• Meals and Restaurant
• What's Included
• Prices and Extras
• Getting to Yansailadup
• Schedule and Approximate Times
• Children and Family Information
• What to Bring
• What to Expect
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More San Blas Accommodations
• Accommodation Cancellation Policy

Yani Island (Isla Yansailadup): San Blas Overview

Yani Island, whose local name is Isla Yansailadup, is located in the Lemon Cays area of the San Blas Islands, within Guna Yala. The boat journey from the Port of Cartí takes approximately 35 minutes.

Nearby San Blas attractions include the Natural Pool, Isla Perro and Isla Chichime. Yani Island can serve as a base for travelers who want to combine an overnight stay with optional island excursions.

The island offers several accommodation categories, ranging from simple shared rooms to private oceanfront and overwater cabins. Travelers comparing San Blas hotels in Panama should prepare for basic island facilities and locally operated services.

Yani Island also has a restaurant, ocean swings, SUP rentals and broad views across the Caribbean Sea.

Explore Yani Island in 360°

Navigate around Yani Island in this interactive 360° virtual tour to explore its beach, accommodation area and tropical surroundings before your stay.

Yani Island Rooms and Oceanfront Cabins

Guests can choose between four main accommodation categories: a shared room, private room, private oceanfront cabin or private overwater cabin. All categories use shared bathroom and shower facilities.

Shared Room: Shared Bathroom and Wood Floor

The most economical option is the shared room located inside the main accommodation building. You are booking a place in a shared sleeping space.

The building contains rooms separated by wooden walls. The upper sections of some walls are open, so sound can travel between rooms. Bathroom and shower facilities are shared.

Private Room: Shared Bathroom and Wood Floor

Private rooms provide your own sleeping space in the same building as the shared accommodation. Rooms have wooden floors, with shared bathrooms and showers.

The upper portions of the dividing walls are open, so guests may hear neighboring rooms.

Private Oceanfront Cabin: Shared Bathroom and Wood Floor

Private oceanfront cabins offer a scenic setting with a private porch and views toward the Caribbean Sea. They provide more separation from the main accommodation building.

These cabins have wood floors. Shared bathrooms and showers are located a short walk away on the island.

San Blas Overwater Cabins on Yani Island

Yani Island's San Blas overwater cabins are built directly above the Caribbean water. They feature wood floors, ocean views and a private outdoor area.

The cabins offer a scenic overnight setting with simple, rustic facilities. Bathrooms and showers are shared and located on the island.

Check availability: Select the Over-Water Cabin option and your dates in the booking area. This category is available for two or more guests. Current rates and availability are displayed in the booking section.

Yani Island Beach, Swimming and Activities

Yani Island has white-sand beaches and very shallow Caribbean water close to shore. Guests seeking deeper water may need to walk farther from the beach.

Activities available on or near the island may include:

• Swimming and beach time
• Ocean swings
• Stand-up paddleboard rentals
• Snorkeling excursions
• Boat tours to nearby islands
• Natural Pool visits
• Trips to Isla Perro and surrounding Lemon Cays

Activities depend on weather, sea conditions and local availability. SUP rentals and boat excursions are charged separately from the accommodation rate.

Meals and Island Restaurant on Yani Island

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included with your overnight accommodation. The island restaurant overlooks the Caribbean and offers sunset views.

Breakfast typically includes fresh fruit and hojaldre, a traditional fried bread. Lunch and dinner generally consist of fish or chicken served with rice and salad.

Vegetarian options can usually be accommodated when requested in advance. Menus depend on local supplies. Fresh lobster may sometimes be available for an additional charge, depending on season and availability. Drinks are charged separately.

What's Included with Your Yani Island Stay

• Accommodation in your selected room or cabin category
• Accommodation-related island taxes
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Standard early departure schedule at approximately 8:00 a.m.; boat transportation is charged separately

Prices and Extras

See the booking calendar for your accommodation rate and dates. Transfers, the Guna Yala entrance fee and optional activities are additional:

• Guna Yala entrance fee: $22 for international visitors or $7 for Panamanian residents.
• Shared round-trip transportation from Panama City: $55 per guest.
• Shared round-trip transportation from Playa Bonita: $65 per guest.
• Round-trip boat transportation: $40 per guest.
• Optional late departure with lunch: $15 per guest.
• Optional San Blas boat tour: $10 per guest.
• SUP board rentals.
• Drinks and optional lobster meals.
• Additional excursions, such as Cayos Holandeses, priced separately.
• Gratuities and personal expenses.

Accommodation-related island taxes are separate from the Guna Yala territory entrance fee. Bring sufficient cash because ATMs are not available on the islands and card acceptance is very limited.

How to Get to Yani Island from Panama City

Most guests begin their San Blas overnight stay with an early-morning shared 4x4 transfer from Panama City to the Port of Cartí.

The drive normally takes approximately 2.5–3 hours and crosses winding mountain roads before reaching the Caribbean side of Guna Yala.

From the port, the boat ride to Yani Island takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on weather, sea conditions and passenger stops.

The boat ride can be wet or bumpy. Protect phones, passports, cameras and other valuables in a waterproof bag. Road and boat transfers are booked separately from the accommodation.

Yani Island Overnight Stay: Schedule and Approximate Times

The following schedule applies when using the shared transfers from Panama City:

• 5:00–5:45 a.m.: Pickup from your Panama City accommodation.
• Approximately 9:00 a.m.: Arrival at the Port of Cartí.
• Approximately 10:00 a.m.: Arrival on Isla Yansailadup.
• Departure day around 8:00 a.m.: Standard island departure.
• Approximately 1:00 p.m.: Expected Panama City arrival with standard departure and the shared road transfer.
• Approximately 3:00–3:30 p.m.: Optional late island departure when booked with Late Departure + Lunch.
• Approximately 7:00 p.m.: Expected Panama City arrival with late departure and the shared road transfer.

All times are approximate. Traffic, weather, sea conditions and local port operations may affect the schedule. If selecting late departure, confirm room or cabin checkout arrangements separately with island staff.

Children and Family Information for Yani Island

Transportation

Children aged four and older pay the regular transportation rate. Children aged three and younger may travel free when sitting on a parent's lap. The regular transportation charge applies if a separate seat is requested.

Accommodation

Children aged six and older pay the regular accommodation rate. If traveling with younger children, confirm the current child policy and cabin suitability before booking.

What to Bring for Your San Blas Island Stay

• Passport or Panamanian cédula.
• Cash for entrance fees, drinks and optional activities.
• Swimwear and a towel.
• Lightweight clothing.
• Hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing.
• Insect repellent.
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag.
• Camera or phone.
• Personal toiletries and required medication.
• Snacks, if desired.
• Portable power bank.

What to Expect at Yani Island Accommodation

Yani Island offers rustic San Blas accommodation with basic facilities and locally operated services. Prepare for limited utilities and flexible island logistics.

Accommodation

• There is no air conditioning.
• Electricity is limited and generally available during evening and nighttime hours.
• Reliable Wi-Fi is not available. Mobile data may work intermittently but cannot be guaranteed.
• Bathrooms and showers are shared for all accommodation categories, including overwater cabins.
• Water is a limited resource, so pressure and supply may vary.
• Rooms in the main building have partially open dividing walls, allowing sound to travel between rooms.

Local Service

Tao Travel 365 assists with your reservation and trip coordination. The island itself is operated by the local Yansailadup host family.

Service is informal, and not all island staff speak English. Patience, flexibility and clear communication help you make the most of your stay.

Food

Meals are simple and locally prepared. Typical dishes include fish or chicken with rice, salad and plantains. Advise us of dietary requests before traveling.

Transportation

The journey includes a winding 4x4 drive followed by a small-boat transfer. Travelers prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly. Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests.

Nature and Environment

• Weather can change quickly, and rain may occur at any time of year.
• Sandflies and mosquitoes can occur, particularly during wetter and less windy periods.
• Ocean currents occasionally bring natural material and plastic debris onto beaches. Local families clean regularly, but conditions can vary.

Health and Safety

Medical care in the San Blas Islands is extremely limited. Serious medical issues may require transportation back to the mainland or Panama City. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Yani Island and Isla Yansailadup FAQs

Is Yani Island the same as Isla Yansailadup?

Yes. Yani Island is the commonly used visitor name for Isla Yansailadup in the Lemon Cays area of San Blas, Panama.

Where is Yani Island?

Yani Island is located in the Lemon Cays area of the San Blas Islands in Guna Yala, Panama, approximately 35 minutes by boat from the Port of Cartí.

What types of accommodation are available?

Guests can choose from a shared room, private room, private oceanfront cabin or private overwater cabin.

Does Yani Island have San Blas overwater cabins?

Yes. Yani Island offers private cabins built above the Caribbean Sea, with wood floors, ocean views and a private outdoor area. This category is available for two or more guests.

Do the overwater cabins have private bathrooms?

No. All room and cabin categories use shared bathrooms and showers located on the island.

What should I expect when comparing San Blas hotels in Panama?

Yani Island provides rustic cabins and rooms with basic services. There is no air conditioning, electricity is limited, and bathrooms are shared.

Is there electricity and Wi-Fi?

Electricity is limited and generally available during evening and nighttime hours. Reliable Wi-Fi is not available. Mobile data may sometimes work but cannot be guaranteed.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included with your overnight accommodation. Drinks and optional lobster meals are additional.

Can I swim at Yansailadup?

Yes, when conditions permit. Water close to shore is very shallow, and guests seeking deeper water generally need to walk farther from the beach.

Can I rent a paddleboard?

SUP rentals may be available locally and are charged separately, subject to conditions and availability.

How long is the boat ride?

The boat transfer from the Port of Cartí normally takes approximately 35 minutes. Weather, sea conditions and passenger stops may affect travel time.

Is transportation from Panama City included?

No. Shared road transportation and round-trip boat transportation are booked separately from the accommodation rate. The Guna Yala entrance fee is also additional.

Can I leave the island later on departure day?

Late departure with lunch costs $15 per guest when available, with island departure around 3:00–3:30 p.m. Confirm room or cabin checkout arrangements separately with island staff.

Compare More San Blas Islands Accommodation

Every San Blas island offers a slightly different experience. If you are comparing San Blas hotels in Panama, explore our selection of San Blas Islands accommodations, including beach cabins, private rooms and other overnight stays throughout Guna Yala.

Compare the islands, bathroom facilities, cabin styles and locations to find accommodation that matches your travel preferences and budget.

Only Have One Day?

If you do not have time to stay overnight, experience the islands on our San Blas Day Tour from Panama City. Spend the day island hopping, swimming and snorkeling before returning to the city in the evening.

Accommodation Cancellation Policy

Please read our Accommodation Cancellation Policy before booking.