Ultimate Guide to San Blas: Tips, Budget and Accommodation

🌴 In this ultimate guide, I reveal everything you absolutely need to know to make your trip to San Blas a success. After spending 3 years sailing on my sailboat through this magical archipelago, I know all its secrets and I am here to share them with you. Are you dreaming of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, incredible snorkeling sessions and discoveries? This guide is essential !

Here's what you'll find:

🚤 Transport : the best ways to get to San Blas and move efficiently from island to island.
💰 The prices : how to take full advantage without going over your budget.
🎒 What to bring : the essentials that you absolutely must not forget to travel light and without hassle.
📶 Internet : options to stay connected, even in the middle of this isolated paradise.
🏝️ Local tips : my tips for having a dream trip.

This guide is your best ally to make San Blas an unforgettable memory. 🌊🏝️🐠

1. Where to stay in San Blas: island huts or sailing experience on a sailboat?

The San Blas offer several accommodation options to suit different types of travelers. You can choose between staying in rustic local huts or booking a cabin aboard a private sailboat for an immersive experience.

 

Huts on the islands: local immersion and simplicity

If you are looking for an authentic wilderness experience, the bamboo huts built by the Guna are ideal.

🌿 Simplicity and rustic charm: The huts are often basic, with a bed and sometimes a mosquito net. Most have neither hot water nor constant electricity, which will delight lovers of total disconnection.

🍽️ Local meals included: Meals, prepared by locals, consist of fresh fish, lobsters and local seafood. The menu is generally fixed, with little possibility of adaptation.

🌍 Interaction with the Guna: Staying on an inhabited island allows you to discover the local culture and establish enriching exchanges with the Guna.

🛏️ Accommodation types available: shared dorms (6-10 people), private rooms, private beach huts or overwater huts with shared bathroom.

💰 Budget: From $155 USD per person for one night, including three meals and round-trip transportation from Panama City.

Ideal for: Adventurers looking for simplicity and authenticity. 🌿

 

Cabins on board a sailboat: comfort and freedom

For those looking for a more exclusive and comfortable experience, booking a cabin or a complete sailboat is a perfect option.

⛵ Freedom of navigation: Unlike huts, a stay on a sailboat allows you to sail from island to island at your own pace and discover isolated places.

🛋️ Modern comfort: The sailboats are well-equipped with private cabins, a kitchen and various amenities such as paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment.

🍴 Crew-prepared meals on board: Meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. If you have any dietary restrictions, the crew will be able to adapt the menu to your needs.

🌟 Personalized experience: The itinerary and activities can be adapted according to your wishes with the help of the captain.

💰 Budget: $180 to $350+ USD per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the type of sailboat (classic monohull or spacious catamaran). Rates include meals, moderate bar service, and onboard activities. Transportation between Panama City and the boat is not included.

Ideal for: Those looking for an experience of luxury, comfort and flexibility while exploring the hidden treasures of the San Blas. ✨

2. 🌤 Weather in San Blas: When to go?

The San Blas Islands enjoy a tropical climate throughout the year, with average temperatures around 25 to 30°C. However, there are more favorable times to visit and fully enjoy this paradise.

Dry season (December to April) : This is the ideal time to go. The skies are clear, the winds are constant (perfect for sailing), and rain is rare. Sailing conditions are optimal, and the beaches are bathed in sunshine.

Wet season (May to November): Expect occasional showers, often brief. However, the sea remains warm and the landscapes lush. This season is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

3. How to get to San Blas?

Most travelers begin their journey by arriving at Panama City International Airport (Tocumen). From there, you have two main options:

By car 🚗

You can book private or collective transportation with companies like Lam Tours , specialized in transfers from Panama City to the San Blas Islands. I recommend this company for their expertise, with more than 30 years of experience.

All their vehicles are 4x4s designed for 6 passengers plus the driver. They will pick you up from your hotel around 5am. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, crossing an asphalt road through the jungle, with the possibility of spotting wild animals like sloths.

Please note: space is limited in the 4x4, so try to travel light and avoid large suitcases.

You will then arrive at the port of Carti, the embarkation point for the boats. The Lam Tours team will tell you which boat to take and will transfer you aboard a small motorboat that will take you directly either to your sailboat or to the island of your choice, depending on your reservation.

I recommend putting your electronics and valuables in a waterproof bag that you will keep with you during the boat ride, as it is possible to get splashed. You will arrive at your destination between 10am and noon, depending on the location of your island or boat.

For the return trip, you will be picked up between 6:30 and 7:30 am on the islands or on your sailboat, as the 4x4 vehicles leave from the port of Carti around 8:30 – 9:00 am. You will arrive in Panama City between 12:00 and 12:30 pm. If you have a flight that day, allow enough time for contingencies; a late afternoon or evening flight is ideal.

Price:

Public transport: $75 per person (6 years and older) for the outward journey, and the same amount for the return journey.

Private transport: If you prefer a 4x4 reserved just for you, rates are available on request.

You will have to pay the 4x4 driver directly in cash.

***Can I drive myself to the port of Carti to get to the San Blas Islands?

No, you cannot drive yourself to the port of Carti, as access is limited to vehicles authorized by the Guna community. The Guna community controls the roads leading to the port, and only authorized drivers (often local companies) can access it. So I recommend booking local transport.

 

By plane ✈️

If you prefer a quicker trip with impressive views of the San Blas, small planes serve some of the San Blas islets. Flights depart from the local Albrook Airport, located about a 30-minute taxi ride from Panama City International Airport (Tocumen). In addition to the spectacular view, this option offers flexible flight times, ideal for adapting your departure to your schedule.

Price:

Cessna 182 (3 seats): $600 USD per person

This is an ideal option for those who want to save time while enjoying a unique aerial spectacle over the turquoise waters of the San Blas.

Whether you choose to travel to the San Blas by road or air, all tourists must pay the $21 Guna Yala entry tax and the $2 port tax, payable upon arrival only.

4. Be prepared: no ATMs on the islands

It is essential to withdraw US dollars (USD) before your departure, ideally in your home country. Otherwise, you can do so in Panama City, but note that there is a limit of $250 per withdrawal. The San Blas Islands do not have ATMs or banks.

I advise you to bring enough cash to cover transportation costs, accommodation, meals and possible excursions.

5. Luggage: what to bring?

Space on boats, islands and during travel is often limited, so travel light. Ideally, opt for a small carry-on suitcase and a small backpack.

 

Here is a list of essentials not to forget:

 

👙 Lightweight, quick-drying clothing: Shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits , and a single long-sleeved shirt will suffice.

🩴 Easy to remove shoes: Sandals or flip-flops are ideal, as you will often be barefoot. The islands are small, so there are no long distances to walk.

☀️ Sun protection: Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved rashguard for swimming. Panama is almost on the equator, so the sun's rays are much stronger than in northern countries.

🦟 Mosquito repellent: Essential, especially for evenings near the jungle.

💧 Reusable water bottle: To limit the use of plastic bottles.

📱 To capture your memories: A phone in a waterproof bag and its charger, a GoPro type camera to immortalize your moments underwater or by the sea. Think about an external battery to recharge your electronic devices.

💊 Any necessary medication : Bring any medications you usually take or think you might need during your stay.

🛂 Your passport: It will be requested upon entry to Guna Yala territory.

 

👉 With these few essentials, you will be perfectly ready to enjoy every moment on the San Blas Islands, with complete peace of mind. 🌴😊

6. Internet: Your connection options

No matter which Internet option you choose, it is often reassuring, especially when you are far from home, to have access to Google Maps to visualize the route, translate conversations, get answers to your questions or communicate with your boat host, your point of contact or your family.

 

1️⃣ Starlink: Most sailboats are equipped with Starlink, so you can enjoy unlimited and very fast Wi-Fi once on board the boat.

2️⃣ Local SIM card to insert into your phone: You can get one at the kiosk outside Tocumen airport for around $30 week with unlimited data. They will even install it in your phone. Make sure it works before you leave the airport. Also, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with international SIM cards if you opt for this option.

3️⃣ Electronic SIM card (eSIM): Airalo 's Global Card , operating in 136 countries, is available for $13.50 CAD with 1GB data valid for 7 days . Ideal for your journey between the airport and the boat with Starlink. You can install it before leaving your country, as it requires a Wi-Fi connection during installation.

o Promo code for new customers:
NEWTOAIRALO15 – 15% discount (valid until December 31, 2026)
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o Promo code for existing customers:
AIRALOESIM10 – 10% discount (valid until December 31, 2026)
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👉 Once you arrive at your destination, you have a choice: disconnect and fully enjoy your stay 🌴 , or stay connected to share your adventure, explore social networks or even work remotely. 🌐

 

7. Take full advantage of the activities offered

The San Blas are a natural playground offering a multitude of activities:

🤿 Snorkeling: Explore coral reefs teeming with marine life. Make sure you have a mask, fins and snorkel to dive into this fascinating world. 🐠🌊

🎣 Fishing: Ask the locals or your captain to organize a fishing trip. Note that the Lobster fishing is prohibited from March 1 to June 30 to protect their breeding season and ensure the sustainability of populations. 🎣

🏝️ Deserted island excursions: Each island has its own personality, and some are completely uninhabited. Enjoy the heavenly beaches to stock up on vitamin C, relax in the shade with a good book or simply unwind to the sound of the waves. 🌴📚

🌴 Inhabited Island Tours: Discover several popular islands with volleyball nets, bars serving cocktails or local beer, Instagrammable photo spots, breathtaking beaches, and the chance to meet other travelers from all over the world. 🏐🍹🌅

👥 Meeting with the Guna Yala: Immerse yourself in their unique culture by visiting their villages and even their schools on the larger islands. An enriching experience that will immerse you in their traditions. 🌺👣

 

👉 Whether you are a lover of relaxation, adventure or cultural encounters, the San Blas promise you an unforgettable stay where each day will be full of discoveries. 🌊✨

8. What you need to know about local culture

💡 Kuna Yala (or Guna Yala, according to the official spelling adopted by the community) is sometimes used to refer to the autonomous region inhabited by the Kuna/Guna people, while San Blas refers to the archipelago of paradise islands located in this region, and Kuna is the historical term for the indigenous people, although modern usage often favors Guna.

The San Blas Islands are inhabited by the indigenous Guna Yala community, who have preserved their traditional way of life.

 

Here are some tips for interacting with respect and kindness:

1️⃣ Ask permission before taking pictures of locals. 📸

2️⃣ Be respectful of local customs, especially regarding dress. Although beaches are casual, some areas may require more covering attire.

3️⃣ If you can, support the local economy by buying handmade souvenirs such as the famous molas (hand-embroidered fabrics) or handmade bracelets.

🚫 Do not give money directly to children, as this may encourage some parents to see them as a source of income instead of sending them to school. 🎓

 

Languages ​​spoken

The Kuna people primarily speak the Kuna language (or Dulegaya, meaning "language of the people"). It is an indigenous language belonging to the Chibchan language family. However, Spanish is also commonly used when communicating with visitors and Panamanian authorities.

 

Gifts for the Kunas

It's up to you whether you bring gifts or not, but know that they live with the bare minimum. Simple, inexpensive items can have a positive impact on their daily lives:

• Summer clothes in good condition that you no longer wear 👗👕
• Basic necessities: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, laundry soap, etc. 🪥🧼
• Illustrated magazines or books (in any language) 📖
• School supplies: pencils, drawing or coloring books for children ✏️ 📒
• Old cell phones with charger , if they still work 📱🔌

👉 These small, simple gestures will make their day and will be greatly appreciated by the community. 🌿

Live an unforgettable adventure in San Blas

The San Blas Islands are not just a holiday destination, they offer you a true immersion in wild nature, authentic culture and tropical serenity. Whether you choose to relax on white sand beaches, explore the underwater wealth by snorkeling or share special moments with the Guna Yala, every moment will be a unique and memorable experience.

I am here to support you every step of the way, from planning to realizing your stay. With my experience, I can organize a worry-free adventure for you, where every detail is carefully taken care of , so that you can focus on what matters: fully enjoying this tropical paradise. 🌴 ✨

👉 Contact me today for any questions or to organize your stay in San Blas! 🌊