We highly recommend you to not only visit the San Blas islands but to also stay overnight on one of the many islands open for tourism. Staying on the San Blas islands is a unique but spectacular experience most likely unlike anything else you have done before. And if you are prepared absolutely worth it!
Imagine sitting on the beach at night and watching the night sky against the silhouettes of the palm trees above you, so clear and full of stars, and watching the waves coming in, your toes buried in the still warm sand… Imagine falling asleep to the sound of these waves just a few feet away from you, laying in a thatched cabin with your skin still glowing from the sun of the day… Imagine waking up the next day, hearing the wind softly brushing through the palm trees and an occasional clunk from a coconut falling into the sand… welcome to paradise, welcome to the San Blas Islands!
Where to stay in San Blas? Which are the best islands in San Blas? A difficult question – after all, there are over 365 islands here. Luckily, the choice is made a bit easier: only a few of these islands are actually inhabited and open for tourism. We have carefully selected a handful of our favorite islands for you, offering a selection of islands with beautiful beaches and snorkeling possibilities for everyone’s budget and travel style.
As communication with the islands can be a bit difficult and unreliable (often times only in the local language Kuna), we take care of arranging everything to make your stay on the San Blas islands possible. You choose the island and we put together a package that covers pickup from your hotel in Panama City all the way to the island, the accommodation, meals during your time on the island and an afternoon tour to other, nearby islands. Standard packages are for 2-days/1-night or for 3-days/2-nights but let us know if you’d like to stay for additional nights.
A hidden gem – Isla Kuanidup is a tiny piece of San Blas Paradise. Not on everyone’s radar and one of the tiniest islands, a few wooden cabins under palm trees and on a beautiful beach with shallow turquoise waters. This picture-perfect tiny San Blas island is the kind of sun-drenched utopia you dream of. Book this island if you are looking for that perfect photo in a quiet paradise.
One of the most beautiful islands in San Blas. A picture-perfect coconut island with a white sand beach spanning all around the island and a colorful coral reef, this island might rival your wildest island fantasies. Simple, palm-thatched private cabins with shared bathrooms that add to the feeling of thoroughly disconnecting from the hectic day-to-day world. Perfect for families, a group of friends or couples looking for some days in pure paradise bliss.
One of the most popular islands in San Blas due to it’s upscale bungalows over the water (with shared and private bathrooms), something unique in the San Blas islands. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and nearby coral reefs, this island invites you to dream the day away! Run by a local Kuna family, this island is especially popular with couples and travelers, that are looking for a quiet vacation. Make sure to book early!
A tiny island straight out of a dream – coconut covered, beach all around, snorkel possibilities. Offers private cabins (uspcale wooden & traditional simple cabins) and dorm rooms (traditional simple cabins), both with shared bathrooms. Loved by young, adventurous crowds as much as by couples or families. Managed by a group of young and enthusiastic Kunas and their families.
For the action-lovers: Miriyadup island is perfect if you are into water sports. Here you can go stand-up paddling or kayak to some of the nearby islands, play volleyball in the water or snorkel the nearby coral reefs. The island is run by a young Kuna family with great service and attention to detail and hosts a couple of well-designed private cabins and shared dorms (both with shared bathrooms) on the beach with a patio and hammock to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Perfect for families, groups of friends or couples.
Don’t have the time to stay overnight on the San Blas islands or didn’t find the right accommodation? No worries, you can still experience the highlights of the San Blas Islands with our acclaimed Day Tour.