Believe it or not, there are still untouched islands around the world. The San Blas archipelago is a near-deserted paradise only a 45-minute plane ride from Panama City and can only really be seen by boat. Dotted by coconut palms, swaying hammocks and pristine nature and culture, the San Blas islands make for a magical experience.
Experience all that Central America’s untouched cruising ground has to offer.
Exotic ecology
The 350 San Blas islands are home to an array of marine life and healthy coral reefs. Snorkelers and divers can enjoy clear water and close encounters with marine wildlife such as starfish and turtles around the remote Cayos Holandeses, or have a poke around a shipwreck off of Isla Perro.
The temperature around San Blas varies little throughout the year, ranging from 82ºF – 95ºF and the water temperature rarely drops below 77ºF. Panama offers year-round sailing thanks to its geographical location, warm waters and healthy marine life.
Friendly hosts
The San Blas islands are home to the Guna people, the first indigenous group in Latin America to gain near autonomy from the Panamanian government. The Guna govern their land with strict rules that limit tourism, modernization of traditional customs and even picking coconuts from trees unless asked.
Around 1,000 Kuna live on Crab Island in a cluster of huts surrounded by lush gardens. You can buy traditional goods in the center of the village, such as the famous ‘molas’ fabric sewn, embroidered and worn by the Kuna women. If you want to take photos, the Kuna appreciate a friendly request first.
Untouched beaches
Due to the untouched nature of the San Blas islands, the sailing scenery and social activities are blissful and uncrowded.
Isla Robeson is one of the more well-known beaches for its warm sand and cobalt blue waters. This island doesn’t have a lot of activities, but it takes first prize for heavenly scenery. The beaches on Chichimei are deserted and you can always find a strip of sand that is empty for enjoyment.
For nightlife seekers, Isla Banedub’s bar and campfire attracts sailboat tourists. It’s a fun place for barbecues, beach parties or a relaxing evening of stargazing. Senidup island also offers a lively party atmosphere in addition to clean facilities and a volleyball court on the beach.
Proximity to Panama City
If you can get yourself away from utter relaxation on the San Blas islands, we recommend a day in Panama City either at the beginning or the leg of your vacation for a fusion of history and modernity, tropical rainforest ziplining and top-rated eateries.
When visiting Panama City, the Panama Canal is a must-see and one of the most significant accomplishments in Panama’s history. The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is an excellent facility for nature-lovers, and with advance reservations, groups can set up private night tours.
For lunch, savor freshly caught seafood with the locals at the local fish market. Cap off your day with a dinner reservation at the Atlantic & Pacific Co. Restaurant and request to sit on the balcony for a view of the marina.
Check out our destination page for travel permissions and browse our Panama fleet.
The best time to visit San Blas is between December and April when the waters and winds are calm and ideal for sailing. We offer all-inclusive crewed and have by the cabin charters from our base in San Blas coming soon. Please note that bareboat charters are not available for this destination.
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Learn more
To start planning your island-hopping vacation around San Blas, contact our team and they will help you organize your exclusive Panamanian getaway. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 855.650.8902.
