Top 3 water & beach 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. 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

3. 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