PA
San Blas Islands
Hundreds of palm-fringed islands governed by the indigenous Guna people
Hundreds of palm-fringed islands governed by the indigenous Guna people
Most visitors sleep in basic cane huts or cabins on a small island, with meals of fish, rice and plantain included. Electricity and internet are limited.
Bring cash; there are no ATMs on the islands.
Photo: Ayaita, CC BY 3.0
Island-hopping trips stop at islands such as Isla Perro, with a shipwreck to snorkel, and natural pools of shallow water on sandbanks.
Each island usually charges a small landing fee.
Photo: Ayaita, CC BY 3.0
Guna women sew molas, colourful layered textile panels, and many still wear them in traditional dress. Buying directly from the maker supports the community.
Ask before taking photos; some people charge a small fee.
Photo: Kent MacElwee, CC BY 2.0
Sailing boats offer multi-day trips around the islands, and some continue to Cartagena in Colombia over about five days.
Choose a licensed captain with good safety reviews.
Photo: Alex Proimos, CC BY 2.0
Meals are usually included with island stays: fresh fish, rice, plantains and coconut. Lobster and crab may be offered in season.
Bring snacks and drinking water; choice on the islands is limited.
Most visitors take a 4×4 shuttle from Panama City to the port of Cartí, about 2.5–3 hours, including a steep, winding final road. Boats then take 20–40 minutes to the islands.
Small planes also fly from Panama City to airstrips in Guna Yala. Passports are checked at the territory checkpoint, where an entry fee of roughly US$20–25 is paid in cash.
Panama uses the US dollar. In Guna Yala you will need cash for fees, boats and crafts.
Prices are approximate; packages vary in what they include.
Islands and sea.
Drive to Cartí and take a boat to your island; swim and relax.
Visit Isla Perro, the natural pools and other islands.
Visit an inhabited island to see village life and buy molas, then return.
Bring enough US dollars in small notes.
Ask before photographing people and follow community rules.
Bring a power bank; electricity is limited.
Boat rides can be rough in the windy dry season.
Quick answers for planning time in San Blas (Guna Yala).
The Guna people, in the autonomous territory of Guna Yala.
Roughly US$20–25 per person, paid in cash, plus small island fees.
By 4×4 from Panama City to Cartí (about 2.5–3 hours), then by boat.
Only limited power, often from generators or solar.
December to April, the dry season.
Boat operators, guesthouses and guides often take bookings by message.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Panama travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.