THE DREAMY WORLD OF ISLAS SAN BLAS
Google search “Panama’s best islands” and I am willing to bet the top result will be Islas San Blas. This remote tropical paradise gives the deserted island vibes that so many people crave. The archipelago is made up of 365 stunningly beautiful islands that dot the central Caribbean coast of Panama. The territory or Comarca is governed by the Guna Yala indigenous community who take great care in preserving the natural beauty of their land and traditions. Their economy prospers by way of tourism, artisanal works and fishing. Whether you spend one day or a few, you will be mesmerized by the surreal and dreamy world of Islas San Blas.
GETTING THERE
Getting to San Blas is part of the adventure. Whether you take a private plane, rent a 4×4 or travel with a tour, there are many ways to travel to these beautiful islands.
You can find numerous tour companies through viator or tripadvisor that can get you where you want to go. Most day trips by land leave Panama City around 5:30am to arrive at the docks around 8am. The road out to the islands has a reputation for being terrible. People like me, who suffer from motion sickness, need to know that it’s not really the most fun trip. It is, however, one hundred percent worthwhile. If you decide to go on your own, make sure you are driving a 4×4 or you will not be allowed to proceed at the Guna Yala Comarca checkpoint. On our last trip, we spent quite a bit of time pulled over on the side of the road going through the owner’s manual of our hybrid Rav4 just to prove that our car was roadworthy.
I’m going to assume that the majority of people will arrive at Islas San Blas as part of a tour, but it is also possible to do the entire trip on your own if you’re a local with a 4×4. Most of the captains there at the docks are more than happy to pick up new passengers to add to their tour group or provide private transportation for the day. I have done both and been very happy.
You can also reach Guna Yala by domestic flight with Air Panama from Marcos A Gelabert International Airport. A one way ticket ranges from $100-$150.
THE ITINERARY
The standard tour itinerary takes travelers to a variety of different locations during the day: a couple of different islands as well as La Piscina Natural. Each locale offers up a little something different. First we hit Isla Diablo, where we ordered our lunch for later in the morning from the restaurant that’s there on the shore. Then, we picked a lovely spot under a palm tree and headed out for some snorkeling in the warm waters. We saw a few fish and coral formations. It wasn’t the most spectacular snorkeling I’ve ever done, but the water feels amazing and the scenery is to die for.
After we had our yummy lunch of grilled chicken, slaw and rice, we headed to La Piscina Natural. Walking around the shallow waters searching for starfish and other sea creatures with our young Guna guide, felt so other-worldy and far-removed from my life in America. The little island there must be the tiniest in all the seven seas. It was really cute and a must for selfie lovers.
Perro Chico is the quintessential Caribbean island with perfect palm trees, tiny bungalows for spending a night and a cool shipwreck to explore just off the shore. It also has one of the loveliest beaches I’ve ever seen with sugary sand and crystalline water. I spent my time going back and forth between snorkeling over the remains of the Colombian ship and soaking up the rays with an adult beverage or two.
3 POPULAR TOURS FROM CIUDAD DE PANAMA
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BEYOND THE BEACH
If you are looking for something more, there are tour operators that offer unique and authentic cultural experiences. One highly recommended tour is Local In PTY with Victor Peretz, who specializes in “creating memorable experiences for conscious and curious travelers.” Victor is one of the coolest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting–in my entire life. He is fun, uber-intelligent, and genuine. Victor constantly looks for ways to innovate in his tourism business and improve life on the islands, all while working children’s organizations he created here in PTY as well as in Islas San Blas. He is very attentive to his clients, always making sure they have the best time and learn about the Guna community and traditions. Local In PTY offers a variety of itineraries from day trips to multiple night packages with varied ways to reach the destination islands.
EVERYDAY LIFE
On my second trip to Islas San Blas, I was very fortunate to get a peek at everyday school life on the islands with the Kuna Yala Expedition. It was humbling to see the kids who were so happy to be there learning in their very rudimentary classrooms. The school has 156 students that come to study by way of canoe arriving early in the morning to finish their session before it gets too hot as the classrooms do not have fans or air conditioning. The littlest ones were playing bingo, working on family trees and learning their multiplication tables. Before we moved on to enjoy beach time, we met local women who offer beautiful, handmade molas, bags and jewelry. I treasure their pieces: they’re the best memory of a wonderful place.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are many tour operators that provide varied services to the islands. Read the fine print carefully. I have seen some tourists reach the docks only to be left to find their own boat for the day at an additional cost.
It is important to bring cash for the trip to make sure you have enough money for souvenirs and any extra food and drinks you might want during the course of the day. Furthermore If you are not part of a tour group and are planning on making the trip to Guna Yala on your own, as a foreigner you will need your passport and $20pp. Residents and Panamanians pay $5.
In the end, my days in the dreamy world of Islas San Blas have been pretty perfect: authentic learning experiences with locals, relaxing in a paradise and making memories to last a lifetime.
Have you been fortunate enough to visit the dreamy world of Islas San Blas? What’s something new that you discovered? Comment below.