San Blas Islands Guide: Best Time to Visit, How to Get There & More
White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and swaying palm trees: Panama’s San Blas Islands are a slice of paradise in the Caribbean Sea. We’ve already covered everything you need to know in our Ultimate Guide to the San Blas Islands and another post to help you decide which San Blas island is best? Now we’re looking at logistics. When is the best time to visit the San Blas Islands and how do you get to the San Blas Islands?
WHERE ARE THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
The San Blas Islands, also known as the Guna Yala Islands, are located off the northeastern coast of Panama. Stretching along the Caribbean coastline, this archipelago is part of the semi-autonomous Guna Yala region, one of several comarcas Indígenas in Panama.
While the San Blas Islands are technically part of Panama, the area is an autonomous Indigenous province owned and governed by the Guna people. You may also see the islands referred to as ‘Guna Yala’, meaning ‘Guna’s Land’ or ‘Land of the Guna’
For more information on the Guna Yala region, visit the official Panama Tourism website
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
So when is the best time to visit the San Blas Islands? Well, we’re firm believers that there’s no ‘best time’ to visit any destination. Different seasons offer different experiences, and what we’re looking for might not be what you’re planning! Travelling during the low-season can be equally as rewarding as travel during the main season. That said, we’ll share a bit about the San Blas climate and what to expect.
Panama, and the San Blas islands, have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but there are key seasonal differences to consider when planning your trip. The best time to visit the San Blas Islands is different for everyone. Here’s what to expect.
Dry Season (December to April) - Clear skies and calm weather
The dry season is the most popular time to visit San Blas, thanks to sunny days, calm waters, and minimal rainfall. This season offers:
- Clear skies and warm temperatures, perfect for lounging on the beach and snorkelling.
- Ideal sailing and island-hopping conditions. The seas are calmer, making boat travel smoother.
- Less humidity and fewer bugs. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are less of an issue.
You might feel like this is the best time to visit the San Blas Islands. However, with great weather comes higher demand. Accommodations and boat transfers can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Rainy Season (May to November) – Fewer Crowds, but More Rain
The rainy season brings more unpredictable weather, but it’s not necessarily a bad time to visit. Expect:
- Frequent but short rain showers. Mornings are often sunny, with rain in the afternoon or evening.
- Lush green landscapes; the islands are at their most vibrant.
- Fewer tourists… meaning more peaceful beaches and better deals on accommodations.
- Rougher seas. Boat rides can be bumpier, and snorkelling visibility may be reduced.
If you don’t mind occasional showers and want to avoid crowds, this could be the best time to visit the San Blas Islands for you.
Avoiding the Crowds
If you want the best of both worlds (good weather and fewer tourists) consider travelling in the shoulder months of late November or early May, when the transition between seasons means you can still get some dry-season perks without peak-season crowds.
HOW TO GET TO THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS?
Getting to San Blas takes a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it. Here’s how you can get to the San Blas Islands by boat, car, and plane.
From Panama City to San Blas by Car and Boat (Most Common Route)
The easiest and most popular way to visit the San Blas Islands is through an organised tour from Panama City. Most travellers choose this option to get to the San Blas Islands. You can find everything you need to book a tour here.
Whether you’re doing an organised tour or organising this yourself, driving to the San Blas Islands looks like this:
Step 1: Drive or Take a 4×4 Transfer to Cartí Port
The journey starts with a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Panama City to Cartí, the main departure point for the islands.
The road is rough and mountainous, so only 4×4 vehicles are allowed.
You can drive yourself (if you have a suitable vehicle) or book a shared or private 4×4 transfer through a tour company or your hotel.
Expect to pay $25-$40 per person for a shared transfer or $150-$200 for a private vehicle.
Step 2: Pay the Guna Yala Entrance Fee
At the Guna Yala checkpoint, visitors must pay an entrance fee:
$24 USD per person (foreigners)
$5 USD per person (Panamanians)
If driving yourself, there’s also a parking fee at Cartí ($2 – $5 USD per day).
Step 3: Take a Boat from Cartí to Your Island
From Cartí port, a speedboat will take you to your chosen island.
Boat rides range from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the island.
Most accommodations or tour operators arrange the boat transfer for you — confirm this when booking.
⏳ Total Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
💰 Estimated Cost: $60-$120 per person (transport + boat)
This is what we did, and it worked well enough! Here are some thoughts about our experience and whether the organised tour to San Blas was worth the cost.
By Plane (Limited Availability)
There are small charter flights from Panama City to a few airstrips in the San Blas region, like El Porvenir and Corazón de Jesús. However:
Flights are expensive ($150 – $250 USD one way).
Limited availability—only a few flights per week.
Once you land, you still need a boat transfer to reach your island.
Not eco-friendly compared to other transport options.
⏳ Total Travel Time: ~1 hour (flight) + boat transfer
💰 Estimated Cost: $200 – $300+ USD
By Sailboat (From Colombia or Panama)
The San Blas archipelago borders on the ‘Darién Gap’, a rugged and largely impassable stretch of land between Panama and Colombia. There are no roads, which means sailing is the only way to get between North and South America without taking a flight.
Multi-Day Sailing Trip
If you’re coming from or going to Cartagena, Colombia, you can book a 4-5 day sailboat tour that stops in the San Blas Islands before reaching Panama.
The trip includes 2-3 days in San Blas before sailing across the Caribbean.
Costs range from $550-$700 per person, including food and accommodation.
⏳ Total Travel Time: 4-5 days
💰 Estimated Cost: $550-$700 per person
These multi-day island-hopping trips offer a unique way to see the region, spend some time on lesser-visited islands, and get away from the tourist trail. We met many people that said this multi-day sailing experience was the highlight of their trip. We’d love to go back and try it out when we have the time and budget!
FINAL TIPS FOR YOUR SAN BLAS ISLANDS TRIP
San Blas is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Central America, but it requires a bit of planning to get there at the right time. Whether you go during the dry season for the perfect beach days or in the rainy season for a quieter escape, this paradise won’t disappoint!
Here are our final tips for smooth travels:
Book in advance: Accommodations and transport can fill up quickly during the dry season.
Bring cash: There are no ATMs, and credit cards aren’t widely accepted.
Pack light: Boat transfers have weight limits, and rolling suitcases aren’t practical.
Respect the Guna Culture: The islands are home to the Guna people, so be mindful of their customs and ask before taking photos.
Don’t make our mistakes! Find out everything we’d do differently if we came back to San Blas!
BEFORE YOU GO… CHECK OUT THESE POSTS?
Does your path lead through Panama City? Here are 5 places to see the Panama Canal FOR FREE.
Heading North to Boquete? You won’t want to miss Panama’s secret jungle hostel?
Hopping on that boat to Colombia? Get all of our South America guides here!
Exploring the rest of Central America? You’ll want to check out our Chicken Bus guide (those buses are cra-zy!). Oh, and we have a ton of Central America guides for you here!
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FAQs
How many islands are in San Blas?
There are approximately 365 islands and cayes in the San Blas archipelago—enough for a different island visit every day of the year!
Can you fly directly to the San Blas Islands?
There are small charter flights from Panama City to select airstrips on some islands, but flights are limited and expensive. You’ll still need a boat transfer to reach your final destination.
What’s the best time of year to visit San Blas?
The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit, offering calm waters and sunny weather. However, the rainy season (May to November) offers fewer tourists and lush landscapes, making it a great alternative.
How do I get to San Blas from Panama City?
The most common route is a 2.5 to 3-hour 4×4 drive from Panama City to Cartí port, followed by a boat ride to your chosen island. You can also book organized tours that handle the entire journey.
Are there accommodations on the islands?
Yes, most islands offer basic accommodations, ranging from eco-lodges to more luxurious options. However, it’s best to book in advance, especially during the dry season.
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Alice
Alice is a UK travel blogger who advocates sustainable travel and being more eco-conscious on a budget. She loves coffee, her houseplants and summiting mountains.
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