Things to do in San Blas Islands

1. Two days and one night sailing the San Blas Islands

Two days on a Bavaria 35 sailboat — explore beaches, snorkel coral reefs, and engage with Guna Yala culture in an authentic setting.

2. San Blas Islands 2D/1N private beach cabin with meals and boat tour

Two days, one night on Isla Miryadup — private cabin with ocean views, meals included, and a complimentary boat tour to nearby islands.

3. San Blas day trip to Cayos Limones and Natural Pool

Full-day trip with 4x4 transport from Panama City, boat ride to Cayos Limones, and island exploration in Guna Yala.

“Everything was flawless. I contacted them via WhatsApp for the reservation and received a prompt response. The transportation was extremely punctual, and the trip to the island went seamlessly. I was truly impressed; the waters are the most beautiful I've ever seen and incomparable to others I've visited.”— orianar598

4. San Blas Islands day tour by sailboat

A full day sailing trip at San Blas Islands, including lunch, snorkeling, and cultural encounters with local Kuna people.

“The tour exceeded our expectations. They handled all the bookings, which was a great help. Transport picked us up at our hotel and brought us to our sailboat. Our guide Diego was exceptional; he took us to fantastic snorkeling spots, sailing, and island hopping, and treated us to a delicious fresh lobster lunch. This experience deserves a perfect score.”— G5715OAjenniferm

5. Two-day, two-night sailing trip in San Blas Islands

Two days, two nights on a sailboat — explore San Blas Islands with local meals, snorkeling, and secluded beaches.

“The San Blas islands are stunning and culturally rich, making them a lovely place to visit. Being on the boat, swaying gently with the hammock while enjoying the sunset and taking great photos was a highlight. However, I suggest bringing your own water, drinks, snacks, and a beach towel, as well as your snorkeling gear. The boat's snorkeling equipment was inadequate, with only one mask and snorkel connector, and fins that didn't fit properly—one got swept away by the current, complicating my attempts to put it back on. Don't expect daily sailing; island hopping is done via dinghy. It’s customary to pay $2 to visit each island. Ensure you understand what’s included in your package and get clear communication regarding transportation from the hotel to the port and the boat. I was only given the pick-up time, with no information about the boat name, which made me uneasy. Once at the port, I had to wait for the boats to arrive, and when asked the boat’s name, I was left guessing. I was the captain's first guest, and the organization was lacking. The food options were limited and mostly fried, with only water and tea available. The desalinator was broken, leading to restricted water usage. The boat needed thorough cleaning and maintenance. I was charged $836, while the listed all-inclusive price was $700, and I waited three days for confirmation before my card was billed. Would I return? I would consider coming back, but I would look for another company, as I wish I had known I was the first guest for this captain/host. The experience felt unorganized and poorly managed.”— kathrined88

6. Four-day San Blas Islands trip with Holandeses Cays visit

Four days and three nights in rustic beach cabins — snorkelling, guided boat tours, and local cuisine in the tranquil San Blas archipelago.

“Our experience began poorly with six guests piled into an SUV, leaving no room for our luggage. The driver placed our bags on the roof, and when it rained, everything got soaked. If they had limited the number of passengers to five, we would have had enough space for our belongings. The scenic beauty of the San Blas islands is undeniable, especially from the boat. However, the islands are not as idyllic as portrayed. We spent three nights on Yani island, which is overdeveloped and lacks environmental protections. Experts warn that these islands could vanish in the coming decades due to erosion and mismanagement. Yani, a mere two acres, may be among the first to go. Looking at the rows of tents, I felt like I was viewing a homeless encampment rather than a tranquil paradise. We occupied a private room that was more of a stall, featuring low walls and minimal amenities—just a bed. The sheets were old and tore easily, constantly slipping off the corners. Without a mattress pad, we often found ourselves on the bare mattress, which appeared not to have been cleaned. Additionally, we didn't observe staff changing sheets for new guests, nor did they sweep beneath the beds. There were no comfortable seating options outside—a couple of cheap hammocks, one broken, was all that was available. The bathroom situation was disappointing. Only one of three toilets worked properly, and the trash bins overflowed with used toilet paper. The two functional showers provided water that was bubbling and smelly, likely coming from a poorly maintained cistern full of seawater. Why not err towards collecting rainwater instead? While meals were usually acceptable, the portions were small, so bringing snacks is advisable if you're hungry. The tour promised two daytime excursions, but one to a remote island has been discontinued, although it still appears in the descriptions. The available excursion lasted a mere two hours, which left us mostly confined to Yani island during our three-day stay. We felt that one or two nights would have sufficed instead. I'm puzzled by the high cost of this tour. While I understand transportation fees, the accommodations seemed inadequate, and the locally sourced food (fish and plantains) would be inexpensive to prepare. It seems there is a significant profit margin here, with little concern for guests' living conditions. I anticipated rustic but found neglect instead.”— carlbenk

7. Two-day sailing charter in the San Blas Islands

Two days and nights aboard a chartered sailboat — private islands, beach BBQs, snorkeling, and fresh meals prepared by the crew.

“Be extremely cautious with this company. After being picked up at 5:15 AM in a cramped all-terrain vehicle with six others and our luggage, we took around three hours to reach the port. There was no wifi, no cell service, and no access to ATMs or credit cards. I was advised to bring cash for all transportation and entrance fees, totaling over $500, which was unexpected considering I thought everything was included in the cost. The sailing experience did not match what was initially described, and the boat was too small for our group. My island accommodation was minimal—just a thin sheet over a mattress, with no other comforts. I ended up stranded at a remote part of the lodge during a tropical storm, which forced me to leave the following day. While I can cope with basic living conditions, the comfort level was unacceptable given the price. After leaving, I realized that I had already paid for some services and sought a refund. My attempts to express my dissatisfaction with the service and conditions were met with indifference. After proving my case, I did receive a partial refund of $178, but I was left frustrated by the experience.”— JoMcB1972

8. Cultural and beach day in San Blas Islands

A full day exploring the San Blas Islands — traditional mola-making, relaxing at Pelican Island, and snorkelling at a natural pool.

“The driver was excellent, and the experience was enjoyable. It is a lengthy day, but certainly worth it. I highly recommend this trip. Thank you for a fun day!”— Franklin_R