Travel guide · Panama
San Blas Islands: what to see and when to go
The San Blas Islands, the Guna Yala archipelago, are some 365 islands off Panama's Caribbean coast, governed by the indigenous Guna people. Many are just sand, palm trees and a handful of cabins, with no roads, little electricity and some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.
What to see and do in the San Blas Islands
Island-hopping
Day boats to islands such as Isla Perro, Chichime or Isla Diablo for swimming and snorkelling.
The wreck at Isla Perro
A shallow shipwreck a few metres off the beach, covered in coral and fish.
Starfish sandbars
Natural pools in the open sea, knee-deep and full of starfish.
Guna culture
Molas, the women's layered textile panels, and daily life on the crowded inhabited islands.
Sailing to Colombia
Multi-day sailboat trips through the islands to Cartagena.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jan – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 hr, 15 min | ≈ €560 · See flights |
| New York | 5 hr | ≈ €300 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 6 hr, 45 min | ≈ €400 · See flights |
| Dubai | 18 hr, 15 min | ≈ €720 · See flights |
| Singapore | 24 hr, 45 min | ≈ €870 · See flights |
| Sydney | 18 hr, 45 min | ≈ €740 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €800 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Panama
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Good for
- sea · calm · nature
- How long to stay
- 3–5 days
- Where to stay
- Simple cabins on Guna-run islands, sold as packages with transport from Panama City, or a sailboat if you want to move from island to island.Find a place to stay in the San Blas Islands
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for San Blas Islands, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €560 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the San Blas Islands (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the San Blas Islands and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jan – Apr. Average highs range from 28° in January to 30° in June.
How many days do you need in the San Blas Islands?
3 to 5 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the San Blas Islands cost?
Accommodation runs at around €80 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €800 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 11 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in the San Blas Islands?
Simple cabins on Guna-run islands, sold as packages with transport from Panama City, or a sailboat if you want to move from island to island.
