Guna Yala, Panama
San Blas Islands
365 islands. One of the last untouched Caribbean paradises.
The Destination
A Caribbean Paradise Awaits
San Blas is a breathtaking archipelago on Panama's Caribbean coast, home to over 365 islands and the vibrant Guna Yala indigenous community. Famous for its turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and untouched landscapes, San Blas is the ultimate destination for sailing enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking for a serene escape. No high-rise hotels, no cruise ship crowds, no commercialized beaches. Every trip supports the indigenous economy through fair entry fees.
Choose Your Experience
Three Ways to Explore San Blas
Charter Fleet
Choose Your Vessel
Classic
Sailboats
37-49 ft
$220
per person / night
- Shared or private options
- Captain & crew included
- All meals onboard
Most Popular
Private
Catamarans
40-44 ft, A/C
$500
per person / night
- Air conditioning
- Private cabins
- Full crew & chef
Luxury
Premium Fleet
48-62 ft, Starlink WiFi
$750
per person / night
- Starlink WiFi
- Luxury amenities
- Premium dining
Getting There
Two Ways to Reach San Blas
Route 1
4x4 Jeep + Water Taxi
Depart 5:00 AM from Panama City. 2.5-3 hour scenic drive through the mountains, then a 30-60 minute water taxi to your island destination.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Departure: 5:00 AM
Price: $135 shared
Required: Original passport
Route 2
Charter Flight
25-minute scenic flight from Albrook Airport directly to the San Blas airstrip. Quick, comfortable, and with stunning aerial views of the archipelago.
Duration: 25 minutes
From: Albrook Airport
Price: On request
Required: Original passport
Entry tax: $22 cash (Guna Yala territory). Original passport required.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
Recommended
Dry Season
December - April
Calm seas, clear skies, ideal sailing winds. Peak months are February and March. Best for first-time visitors and sailing charters.
Value Season
Green Season
May - November
Occasional rain and rougher seas, but lower prices and fewer crowds. Lush green landscapes and dramatic skies. Great for budget-conscious travelers.
Before You Go
Good to Know
Location
Off Panama's northeast coast in the Caribbean Sea. With more than 360 islands and cays spread across crystal-blue waters, it is one of the most unspoiled destinations in Central America.
The Guna People
The Guna Yala people have preserved their traditions for centuries. Visiting San Blas offers a chance to experience their colorful attire, traditional mola textile handicrafts, and welcoming hospitality.
Climate
San Blas enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The dry season (December to April) offers sunny skies, while the wet season (May to November) brings lush landscapes and afternoon showers.
Trusted by Travelers
One of the last untouched island paradises in the Caribbean. AMPA made everything seamless from start to finish.
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Why Visit San Blas with AMPA Tours
The San Blas archipelago (officially Guna Yala) is one of the last untouched island paradises in the Caribbean. Unlike resort-heavy destinations like Cancun or Punta Cana, San Blas remains protected by the indigenous Guna people, who have governed these islands for centuries. There are no high-rise hotels, no cruise ship crowds, and no commercialized beaches.
AMPA Tours has operated sailing charters and tours in San Blas since 2023, working directly with Guna communities and licensed local captains. Every trip supports the indigenous economy through fair entry fees, locally sourced meals, and Guna-guided island visits.
How to Experience San Blas
Private Catamaran Charters
The most popular way to explore San Blas. Live aboard a crewed catamaran for 2 to 7 nights, sailing between remote islands at your own pace. All charters are all-inclusive: captain, cook, meals, drinks (including alcohol), snorkeling gear, and Guna Yala entry fees. Fleet ranges from 37 to 62 feet with vessels for every budget.
$220
per person / night
Classic sailboats
37-49 ft
$500
per person / night
Private catamarans
40-44 ft with A/C
$750
per person / night
Luxury fleet
48-62 ft, Starlink WiFi
View Our Charter Fleet
San Blas Day Tour
Visit 3 islands in a single day from Panama City. Includes round-trip 4x4 transport, water taxi, island hopping, fresh seafood lunch, snorkeling, and all Guna entry fees. The all-inclusive price is $148 per person with pickup from your Panama City hotel at 5:00 AM and return by 6:00-8:00 PM.
Island Cabin Stays
Sleep on a San Blas island in a traditional cabin managed by Guna families. Options range from rustic shared cabins on Misdup Island to premium over-the-water bungalows at Cayos Holandeses. All stays include three meals per day of fresh seafood, island tours, and snorkeling. Prices start from $210 per person per night including transport from Panama City.
Getting to San Blas from Panama City
San Blas is accessible from Panama City by two routes:
- 4x4 Jeep + Water Taxi - The standard route. Depart Panama City at 5:00 AM, drive 2.5 to 3 hours through the mountains of the Continental Divide to Port Tupile Dibin, then take a 30-60 minute water taxi to your island or catamaran. Round-trip shared transport costs $135 per person.
- Charter Flight - Fly from Albrook Airport to one of the small San Blas airstrips in just 25 minutes. More expensive but saves time. AMPA Tours can arrange flights on request.
A valid original passport is required at the Guna Yala border checkpoint. Photocopies are not accepted. Every visitor must also pay a $22 Guna entry tax in cash at the checkpoint.
Best Time to Visit San Blas
The dry season from December to April offers the best conditions: calm seas, clear skies, and ideal trade winds for sailing. February and March are the peak months with the warmest water temperatures and best underwater visibility for snorkeling.
The green season (May to November) brings occasional rain showers and rougher seas, but also lower prices, fewer boats, and lush green island vegetation. Many experienced sailors prefer this period for its quieter anchorages and dramatic skies.
What Makes San Blas Unique
- 365 islands - One for every day of the year, with only 49 inhabited by Guna communities
- Indigenous governance - Guna Yala is an autonomous territory with its own laws and traditions
- No mass tourism - No hotels, no resorts, no cruise ships. Just islands, sea, and sky
- World-class snorkeling - Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 30 meters, coral gardens, and tropical fish
- Authentic culture - Visit Guna villages, see traditional mola textile art, and learn about one of the Americas' most self-sufficient indigenous communities
- Starfish beaches - Shallow sandbars with natural starfish populations (look but don't touch)
Book Your San Blas Adventure
AMPA Tours offers custom quotes within 2 hours. Tell us your dates, group size, and preferences, and we will recommend the perfect San Blas experience for you.
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