San Blas, Panama - Travel Guide

The San Blas Islands offer a pristine, unspoiled paradise with crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil escape and an authentic cultural experience with the indigenous Guna people.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

Kuna YalaGuna YalaCaribbeanCentral Americaarchipelagoislandsindigenouspristine beachescoral reefssailingsnorkelingcultureCaysHolandes CaysCoco Bandero CaysChichime CaysCartiEl Porvenir

🇵🇦 Country Information: Panama

CapitalPanama City

CurrencyPanamanian balboa (B/.)

LanguageSpanish , English (especially in Colón and Bocas del Toro), Indigenous languages

Phone Code+507

Electricity110V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common for good service
Restaurants: 10
15% of the bill
Taxis: Round up the fare or 10% for good service
Tour Guides: 10
20% of the tour cost
Hotel Staff: A few dollars for porters and housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; however, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller businesses and rural areas
Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in smaller towns and markets
It's better to bring a mix of cash (USD, as it's the official currency) and use credit cards
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Greetings: A handshake is common
Close friends and family may greet with a kiss on the cheek
Dress Code: Panamanians generally dress well; casual but neat attire is appropriate
Public Behavior: Avoid overly loud conversations or public displays of affection
Eating: It's polite to keep hands visible while eating (not in your lap)
Punctuality: While business meetings tend to be punctual, social gatherings may be more relaxed

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Panama has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including decriminalizing same-sex relations. However, same-sex marriage is not yet recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transportation
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are part of the military

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

San Blas is a coastal area within Panama, characterized by an equatorial climate with year-round high temperatures and a pronounced wet season.

Climate Zone: Equatorial Monsoon

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov
Monsoon season: May
Jan (heavy rainfall)
Extreme heat: Mar
May

Getting There

Fly into Panama City (PTY), then 4x4 transfer to Carti (approx
2
5
3 hours, $30
50), followed by a boat transfer to the islands (approx
30
60 mins, $25
40)
Some tour operators offer all
inclusive transport from Panama City

Getting Around

Water taxis and small boats are the primary mode of transport between islands
No ride
sharing apps are available within the San Blas islands themselves

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine recommended for Panama
Malaria prophylaxis may be considered depending on specific travel plans, consult a doctor
Motion sickness remedies for boat transfers
Probiotics may be helpful
Avoid tap water

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited and connectivity can be unreliable due to the remote nature of the islands
Local Panamanian providers (e
g
, +Movil, Digicel, Tigo) might offer limited coverage, but general eSIM providers like Airalo or Nomad may not have strong service
It's best to check with providers beforehand or rely on local SIM cards if absolutely necessary

Local Cuisine

Fresh Lobster must_try

Lobster is a highlight of the San Blas Islands cuisine, often sourced fresh from the sandbanks and served with traditional coconut rice. The lobsters

Red Snapper regional_speciality

Caught fresh daily by local Guna fishermen, the Red Snapper served here is often quite large, sometimes enough to be shared by 2-3 people. It is a fun

Coconut Rice (Arroz con guandú in Panama) regional_speciality

This popular side dish in the region, known locally as arroz con guandú in wider Panama, is often made with coconut water, giving it a rich flavor. It

Coco Loco alcohol

A favorite drink among tourists and locals, this beverage starts with a fresh coconut retrieved from a nearby palm tree. The drink likely includes alc

Fresh Tropical Fruit breakfast

Breakfasts are balanced and typically include fresh tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, and mango, served with a view of the ocean. These fruit

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

San Blas Island Accommodation (Cabana/Hut) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Accommodation on the small islands is limited and often sells out, especially during peak season, forcing last-minute visitors to stay on the mainland.

3-Day/2-Night Tour Package (including transport and meals) tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

These packages include the mandatory land and water transport, which is coordinated by tour operators and has limited daily capacity.

4x4 Land Transport from Panama City Transport

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Independent travel requires reserving a seat in a shared 4x4 vehicle to the port, which has limited seats and fixed daily schedules.

Fun Facts

1. The San Blas archipelago is composed of 378 islands, but only 49 are inhabited by the native Kuna Indians.
2. The destination is an autonomous territory of Panama, formally called Guna Yala, which translates directly to “Land of the Kuna,” who govern the area with minimal national interference.
3. The Chichime Cay, a small island within San Blas, was the real-life screensaver island for Windows XP and Vista.
4. The Kuna, who inhabit the islands, are a matriarchal society, and when couples marry, the groom moves into the home of his wife's parents.

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