The San Blas Archipelago: Paradise Beaches with the Gunas

First stop of our Panama road trip, the San Blas Islands are paradise on earth!

Why Visit the San Blas Islands?

The San Blas Archipelago is a true gem of Panama. Comprising over 360 islands, it offers postcard-perfect landscapes with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique immersion into the Guna Yala indigenous culture.

Additionally, the San Blas Islands are among the first places in the world at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels.

A natural wonder with a fragile ecosystem, San Blas is a jewel to discover—and protect.

How to Get to San Blas

From Panama City, the journey includes several steps:

Private 4×4 transport: Departure early morning (5:30 AM), around $150 round-trip per person
Entry fees: $23 to access the Guna Yala region
Boat (lancha): Around 2 hours of navigation to reach the outer islands (included in the $150)

We booked our 4×4 through LAMTOUR. They’re responsive, provide all the details, and are punctual.

However, the 4×4 ride can be cramped—we were 6 people squeezed in the back, and the driver was speeding like crazy. Not the most comfortable experience for the price.

Contacts:

LAMTOUR: lamtourspanama@gmail.com / +507 6706-2810
Alternative contact (cheaper, untested): +507 6948-7665 (Nicanor)

Our San Blas Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Snorkeling

We stayed at Hostel Posada 1984 (not great value for money: old, overpriced rooms). They charge $2/day to store luggage—even if you return to stay afterward.

Departure from the hostel at 5:30 AM, arrival around 8 AM. Then a 1.5-hour wait before boarding the lancha at 9:30 AM. We reached the sailboat around 11:30 AM (1.5–2 hours at sea). The ride can be bumpy.

We boarded the Alderaban sailboat hosted by our friends, Provence and Thomas.

Fantastic snorkeling in crystal-clear water with tropical fish. Fishing, dinner, and overnight near the first island (Green Island).

Day 2: Relaxation & Exploration

We explored the first island with volunteers who maintain it, plus Emoji Island.

2-hour sail toward Cayos Hollandeses and Banedup, an island with Wi-Fi, hammocks in the water, volleyball, and a restaurant.
Local textiles (Mola) available for purchase.
Chance to spot sea turtles.
Chill evening on the beach.

Jour 3 : Aventure et Immersion Culturelle

Morning sail to Waisaladup, with a mangrove bay stop between two islands.

Relaxing beach time and a traditional meal (fish & coconut rice) with the local Guna community—must notify them in advance.

Day 4: Authentic Experience

Visit to a Guna village on Nusadub (Rio Sidra): a peek into daily life.

Local market: handmade bracelet shopping.
Note: there are two villages on the island. Entry fees vary — left village: $0.50/person, right village: $2/person.

We left after learning this, as our main goal was fruit shopping.

Later that day, we bought 4 lobsters for $5 each from local fishermen and had a beach BBQ.

The next morning, we realized we had been eaten alive by chitras (sandflies)!

Day 5: More Snorkeling

Snorkeling on the coral reef — we saw stingrays and pufferfish.
Lunch on Disneydub, one last island before returning.
Evening: beers and molkky on the main island.

Day 6: Return to Panama City

The lancha picked us up at 7:20 AM — we arrived back by lunchtime.

That afternoon, we visited Casco Viejo before flying to Bocas del Toro the next day.

Back at Hostel Posada (luggage was $2/day). Our room wasn’t ready, so we just left our stuff and headed out.

Important Notes

Sharks may be spotted — stay calm and informed.
One reported crocodile attack in the past — avoid mangrove-heavy islands and don’t snorkel alone.

We didn’t feel unsafe—only joy!