THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS
The San Blas Islands are the paradise islands of Panama which belong to the Gunas, open to tourism for around thirty years. To visit them, we booked with Panama Travel Unlimited.
The agency picks us up from our accommodation in Panama City very early in the morning because we have a 3-hour drive ahead of us! The last part of the road’s very winding and not really paved. Then we wait as a group to board a small motorboat. It’s a 1h20 boat ride. The landscapes are magnificent! We see all the islets passing by around us. There are around 365 islands, of which around 49 are inhabited. We are going to Yani Island. A super beautiful little island! Transparent water, turquoise blue, white sand, coconut trees, a few houses, super nice locals. We have about 1.5 hours free on the island to enjoy it. It’s incredible! I really liked this little paradise far from everything.
Then they serve us a typical lunch, fish with rice and salad. Then we go to a natural swimming pool. A very clear water. They lend us masks and snorkels to see the few fish and starfish. After about thirty minutes, we go to Dog Island which has a boat wreck. That’s wonderful! We see so many fish! And honestly, seeing a wreck in the water has always fascinated me. I find it super beautiful! On the island there’s something to relax, a volleyball court, and a bar/restaurant. We enjoy it for about 1h30. Then, return home, 4h15 journey to return to our accommodation.
Price of the excursion with guide, transport, food: US$115*
Entrance fee to the San Blas Islands: US$22*
It’s true that the San Blas Islands are just magnificent! Transparent water, small islands everywhere, full of coconut trees. It’s hard to believe.
THE PRACTICAL MAP OF THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO VISIT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
There are so many islands you can visit! A day is not a lot considering the travel time, but if you don’t have a lot of budget, it can be enough to at least see this little corner of paradise of the San Blas Islands. If you have the budget, why not stay there for 3 days and 2 nights to completely disconnect and enjoy this incredible place!
WHEN TO GO TO THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
Temperatures are roughly the same throughout the year. But it’s recommended to come during the dry season to maximize your chances of good weather, between January and April.
| JANUARY | It’s the start of the dry season. |
| FEBRUARY | Conditions are similar to the previous month. |
| MARCH | Rainy days are rare. |
| APRIL | It’s the end of the dry season. |
| MAY | The month of transition to the rainy season. |
| JUNE | Rainy days are increasing. |
| JULY | Just like the month of June. |
| AUGUST | In the heart of the rainy season. |
| SEPTEMBER | There can be many rainy days. |
| OCTOBER | Conditions are similar to September. |
| NOVEMBER | Precipitation begins to decrease little by little. |
| DECEMBER | It’s the end of the rainy season, the rainy days are decreasing. |
WHAT BUDGET TO EXPECT TO VISIT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
The budget below is for a day trip to the San Blas Islands:
- Food: Lunch’s included in the excursion. It’s possible to buy drinks or other items on the San Blas Islands.
- Transport: The agency picks you up from your accommodation and drops you off at the same location.
- Activities: The excursion to the San Blas Islands costs US$115* with entry at US$22*.
- Others: Pack something if you want to buy something on the islands or tip the guides.
In total, plan a budget of US$150* for a day trip to the San Blas Islands.
MY TRAVEL TIPS TO VISIT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS
- Compare the different agencies and their offers before making your choice.
- If you have a little budget, why not stay there for 2 or 3 days.
- Passport is required to go there.
*Prices are as December 2022.