San Blas Tours
San Blas Islands Tours in Panama | Our BEST Tours in 2024
For anyone traveling to Panama on vacation, a San Blas tour should be at the top of their list. Scattered over 100 square miles on the Caribbean coast of Panama, the 365 tiny coconut islands of the San Blas archipelago make up one of Central America's most intriguing destinations. Embark on a San Blas Islands tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of these pristine landscapes. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an adventurous sailing experience, San Blas offers something for every traveler. Explore the azure waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life on a San Blas sailing experience. Book your San Blas tour with us today for an unforgettable journey.
Our Tao Travel 365 team has traveled the whole archipelago on a sailboat over the past 10 years and we have assembled some of the best San Blas tours for our guests.
San Blas is truly a paradise as anyone would imagine it, with colorful coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks and tropical palm dotted islets wherever one sets his gaze. Add a few wooden, thatched cabins and fine, powdery white sand, and you will have your perfect Robinson Crusoe paradise getaway.
Planning your vacation to San Blas might require a little more preparation, but luckily we have you covered with our useful guide and our friendly customer service team helping you navigate this fascinating area.
Why choose San Blas for your next adventure
San Blas beckons as a captivating destination for your next adventure. Escape to a breathtaking archipelago of 365 islands, just 2.5 to 3 hours away from Panama City, each boasting untouched beauty, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Beyond the postcard-perfect scenery, San Blas offers an immersive cultural experience, where the indigenous Guna Yala people preserve their traditions and history.
Escape the mainstream and find solace in the secluded paradise that San Blas provides with a San Blas Islands tour. San Blas is one of the few places in the world that is still unspoiled by mass tourism. Embark on island-hopping adventures, discovering hidden coves, deserted beaches, and vibrant coral gardens.
The proximity to the iconic Panama Canal adds a unique dimension to your journey, allowing you to combine natural wonders with modern marvels. Dive into the clear waters for an incredible snorkeling experience, encountering a diverse array of marine life.
In San Blas, you'll find an escape from the digital world, with many islands lacking internet and electricity, fostering a true connection with nature. The warmth and hospitality of the Guna people add a personal touch to your adventure, creating lasting memories. As you explore sustainable tourism practices in San Blas, you contribute to the preservation of this extraordinary destination. And as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea, casting its hues on the horizon, you'll witness a breathtaking spectacle that encapsulates the magic of San Blas—a destination that promises an adventure like no other.
Our top 4 San Blas Day Tours: An Overview
Catering to the needs and preferences of our guests we have carefully crafted various San Blas tours, ranging from same-day tours to multi-day tours with a wide variety of San Blas Island cabins and San Blas Sailboat charters. We also customize packages for our guests with island-hopping packages.
Our favorite San Blas Day Tour
Our San Blas Day Tour – Enjoy freedom in the islands option is definitely our most favorite San Blas tour. Get ready for a long but rewarding day! The tour starts early in the morning at 5:00am with a 2.5 hour drive to the port, visiting 3 islands, including the famous shipwreck island Isla Perro and the Natural Pool. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and ample of beach time on Isla Perro. At 3:30pm we return back to Panama City arriving in the evening by 7:00pm. Of all our Panama San Blas Tours, this one is our most comprehensive option for those who are on a limited timeframe during their vacation.
Isla Yansailadup San Blas Tour
Visiting San Blas is a once in a lifetime experience. We highly recommend to those embarking on a San Blas tour to stay at least one night in the island paradise. Our favorite and most popular island is Isla Yansailadup, San Blas, centrally located in the Lemon Cays. Featuring recently built Over-Water Cabins and private bedrooms, this island has received some of the best reviews from our guests.
Beach Day in San Blas
Some travelers prefer to spend a relaxing day lounging on a white sand beach under the swaying palm trees on a paradise island. Similar to our San Blas Day tour, the Beach Day in San Blas starts at 5:00am and returns by 7:00pm. Guests spend the day on the shipwreck island Isla Perro, which boasts one of the nicest white sand beaches, turquoise waters and of course snorkeling on the shipwreck reef.
Sailing Charter in San Blas
San Blas boasts over 365 islands with only 49 islands being inhabited. To truly experience the remoteness of the archipelago and to visit the pristine, uninhabited islands, we recommend our Lagoon 57 catamaran. Captained by the experienced South African Captain Charly and his wife Luz, guests will enjoy tasty meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach toys and a cozy cabin with private bathroom.
What to expect on your San Blas tours
San Blas is one of the few true remaining island paradise locations in the world. Many people have never heard about it, which shows how truly unique and special a visit to San Blas is. The islands are not easily accessed, which requires an early departure from Panama City and a 30-minute boat ride. Logistics amongst the drivers and captains may seem chaotic and unorganized, island accommodations are very basic with a lack of amenities - however, the sheer beauty of the white sandy beaches stretching into turquoise waters with the charm of the island will make up for any rudimentary services. In our experience, we find that those who arrive without expectations and let themselves go with the flow return with unforgettable memories.
Best places to see in San Blas
San Blas, Panama, is a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness, offering a myriad of sights to behold. With 365 islands dotting the archipelago, each presents a unique charm of pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, making island-hopping a mesmerizing adventure.
When visiting the islands, immerse yourself in the indigenous Guna culture by getting to know the local Gunas exploring their way of life and handicrafts.
A San Blas tour to the Holandes Cays beckons with exceptional snorkeling experiences, revealing a kaleidoscope of marine life amid crystal-clear waters. Natural swimming pools, like the one near Yansailadup Island, offer mesmerizing moments while standing waist-deep on a sunken, sandy island in the middle of the ocean.
Perro Chico Island, with its sunken boat full of colorful fish, invites exploration and snorkeling adventures. The San Blas mountains provide breathtaking panoramic backdrop during the magical sunset hours.
Some islands offer SUP paddle boards or kayaks for rent, which are perfect for exploring the surrounding neighboring islands in the Lemon Cays.
Lastly, one of our favorite and most unique places to visit is Cambombia Island, which is currently only accessible by sailboat or with one of our day trips from Miryadup Island.
Local Traditions in San Blas
Comprising one of the largest tribal groups in Panama, the Guna people work hard to protect their Comarca from unwanted westernization. Remember this as you travel through the region – be kind and respectful. We suggest that our guests make an effort to learn about the Guna way of life by interacting with the locals, starting with the driver picking them up from your hotel. Knowing even a few basic words will most likely be rewarded with an openhearted smile (“nuedi” is thank you, “igi benuga” is "How are you"). The Guna are also known to throw a good party: amongst many festivities are the 4-day “Flowering” ceremonies held for each girl transcending into puberty, the Nogagope, a traditional dance celebration on Isla Tigre, or the February 25 party celebrating the Guna Revolution of 1925.
Despite centuries of struggle with larger cultures, the Guna have retained many of their ancient traditions, which also include the art of Mola making, the creation of colorful quilted panels with tiny stitching on many layers of fabric. Molas are considered to be an integral part of the Guna culture and represent an important part of their identity. Molas have also become popular among travelers who purchase these elaborate art pieces and use them as decor, framed on walls or sewn onto throw pillows.
The Climate in San Blas
San Blas, Panama, enjoys a tropical maritime climate that is characterized by consistent warmth and high humidity throughout the year. The region experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season (December to April):
During the dry season, San Blas basks in relatively drier and sunnier weather. This period, extending from December to April, is considered the peak tourist season. Visitors can anticipate clear skies, gentle breezes, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C). These months are ideal for water activities, snorkeling, and exploring the pristine islands without the interruption of heavy rainfall.
Wet Season (May to November):
The wet season in San Blas, spanning from May to November, is characterized by increased rainfall and higher humidity. While showers are more frequent during these months, they are often short-lived and followed by sunny intervals. The lush landscapes flourish during this period, creating vibrant greenery across the islands. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C), providing a tropical backdrop for those who don't mind occasional rain showers.
How to prepare for the San Blas tour
Planning Ahead
First and foremost, leave your mainland expectations behind - visiting San Blas and staying on an island is a unique and most likely unforgettable experience. Most accommodations are thatched huts with sand or wood floors. Some cabins have private bathrooms, while others may only have shared bathrooms. The decor is very basic and usually consists of beds, a desk, mosquito nets and fans. Some islands pump their groundwater into tanks that divert fresh, unheated water to the bathrooms and showers. Other islands have to import fresh water in huge barrels on a daily basis. We kindly ask our guests to be conscious of their water usage and respect the time, cost and effort each island undertakes in order to provide sanitary comforts for our guests.
We like to compare a stay in San Blas with “camping-like” conditions and we suggest visitors of all San Blas island tours to prepare and pack accordingly. Tao Travel 365 handles all the logistics and organizes your stay. We send a very detailed San Blas disclaimer to all of our guests and we encourage everyone to read it before the start of your journey.
What to pack for the San Blas trip
Packing for a stay in San Blas is pretty simple. All visitors to San Blas have to bring their original passports. You will be crossing a border into the autonomous territory of Guna Yala.
For day tour guests, we recommend bringing bathing suits, bio-degradable sunscreen, hats, cameras, and cash for the $22 Guna Yala entrance fee and for souvenirs. Those staying overnight in San Blas, in addition to the aforementioned items should also bring their own hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo and creams. We also suggest bringing your own towels and insect repellant for sandflies. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. However, drinks have to be purchased separately. Visitors are welcome to bring their own coolers with additional snacks and drinks. Please remember to pack light. Aside from bathing suits, T-shirts and shorts you won’t need much clothing in San Blas. Most hotels in Panama City will gladly store your luggage until you return from your visit to San Blas. Lastly, those who are prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly and bring anti-motion sickness medications.
Health and Safety Tips for San Blas
While San Blas is relatively free of any diseases, we recommend that you check the latest travel advisories and health guidelines and stay informed about any specific precautions related to the ongoing global situation. Prioritize vaccinations and consult with a healthcare professional to address any health concerns. As the region is prone to mosquitoes and sandflies (locally referred to as “chitras”), use insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Practice caution with food and water, opting for bottled or purified water to prevent waterborne illnesses. Protect yourself from the tropical sun with high SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Respect local customs, especially when interacting with the indigenous Guna community, and seek permission before taking photos. Stay hydrated in the warm climate, and have emergency contacts readily available. Consider comprehensive travel insurance, and be cautious with outdoor activities, ensuring you're prepared. Remember that San Blas is located in a very remote area and health services are not easily reached. By proactively addressing health and safety considerations, you'll be able to fully appreciate the beauty and cultural richness of San Blas while minimizing potential risks.
FAQs about San Blas
How long is the boat ride from the San Blas port?
The boat ride varies, depending on the tour you booked and what islands cabin or sailboat you chose to stay in. Below is a rough estimate of boat ride times:
- Day tour – 25 minutes
- Cabins – between 15 to 45 minutes
- Sailing charter – between 30 to 60 minutes
How far is the drive from Panama City to San Blas?
The drive from Panama City to the port of San Blas is around 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
How many passengers fit into each shared car transportation?
We have large 4×4 SUVs (i.e. Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado) that fit 6 passengers – One person in the front seat, three in the middle row and two on the back row.
When is the best time to visit San Blas?
The high season in San Blas starts in December and lasts through April.
However, during the “wet season” from May through November guests get to enjoy the islands with less wind and calm days, despite the occasional rain showers.
Can I pay with credit cards in San Blas?
Unfortunately no. San Blas is very remote and does not have any electronic payment options. Only cash is accepted.
How many days do you need in San Blas Islands?
We recommend our guests to stay at least one night in San Blas, preferably two or three to enjoy the islands, meet the Kuna and slow down with the island life.
How much does San Blas Islands cost?
All of our tours include food and 1 drink during meal times. The Guna Yala fee of $22 is paid in cash at the border crossing. We suggest our guests to plan bringing around $15 to $20 per day in cash, which covers extra drinks and small souvenirs.
Is there cell phone service in San Blas?
Depending on your carrier and the location where you are in San Blas, you may pick up some phone signal. From our experience, the best Panamanian cell phone providers with the best signal in San Blas are Digicel and Tigo.
Conclusion
San Blas is without a doubt an experience that no one should miss. Whether you decide to visit San Blas for the day with a San Blas Islands tour, stay in one of the beach cabins, or venture to the remote outer islands with a sailboat charter, we are excited to have you visit this beautiful and lesser-known part of the world. Our friendly team at Tao Travel 365 will gladly assist you in making the right choices and plan your vacation based on your budget and preferences.
Read more about the first-hand experience of one of our sailing charter adventures in our blog section.
