Two Days in the San Blas Islands: A Caribbean Paradise I’ll Never Forget

Before you dive in, I want to be transparent: this article includes affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Rest assured, the article includes my genuine advice and it won’t cost you anything extra. Your support is greatly appreciated. Happy reading!

The Journey from Panama City to the San Blas Islands

The SUV picked me up from my accommodation in Casco Viejo. I was the last to be picked up so the vehicle was full. Thankfully, the seat left was in the back and not the third row (you’ll know why I was grateful later).

Grocery Stop

Our next stop was a grocery store where we could buy whatever snacks or drinks we want for our stay of two days in the San Blas Islands. While meals are included in the tour, snacks and drinks would cost extra and it’s also very limited. So I stocked up on water and some snacks and also grabbed some breakfast and coffee because it was a super early wake up call.

After the grocery stop we drove for about an hour and made one more stop at a gas station. Here we could use the restroom and grab anything else from the convenient store we had forgotten in Panama City.

Border Crossing | Guna Yala

The drive from the convenient store to the border for the Guna Yala region wasn’t long. There was already a lineup of SUVs carrying tourists, but everyone has to stop here to pay a fee ($22 for foreigners) and show our passports. The tour advised of all these details.

The drive from the border crossing to the boats was W I L D!

I remember reading that the drive from Panama City to San Blas was rough and as we were waiting at the border crossing I thought “that wasn’t that bad.” Well, that thought came too soon! The drive from the border crossing to the boats was W I L D! I don’t normally get carsick, but I was starting to feel a touch queezy in the backseat. This is why I was so grateful not to be in the third row of the SUV!

The tours do warn about this drive, but it’s worth noting that if you get carsick, be sure to ask for the front seat! These drivers do this journey twice a day and they will whip around those corners like it’s nothing!

Port of the San Blas Islands

Port might be overstating things. The area we were dropped off included a small building and an awning to wait in the shade. There were plenty of people around both waiting and working. I waited in the shade until my name was called and then we were ushered to the boat.

The boat was long with rows built in and we were each handed a life jacket. Our first stop was where the majority of the Guna people live. This was fascinating as the small island is so packed! It’s hard to imagine life on that tiny island because it’s so different to our way of life.

They picked up food and supplies to take to the outer islands and soon we were off! We stopped at a few different islands, dropping people off at each one. It wasn’t long into the boat ride where my bum became numb! The bench seat was SO HARD and uncomfortable and the boat journey was just getting started.

About forty-five minutes or so from the mainland and I finally arrived to Chichime! The journey from Panama City started at 5:30AM and I finally stepped onto Chichime around 11AM!

Day 1 | Exursions

Lunch was served soon after arriving and the excursion for the day started soon after we finished. We met in the dining area and followed the boatmen to the boat.

As we headed to our first stop, we passed numerous tiny islands. Most of which you’d easily overlook if not for the palm trees standing tall. The two main sources of income for the people of Guna Yala are tourism and coconuts! Considering their hundreds of islands are lined with palm trees, it’s not surprising.

Sandbar

We eventually made it to our first stop, a sandbar in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. With no significant sized land in sight, you feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean. We were given the freedom to get out and wander around the sandbar for a while. There were other boats, but it didn’t feel crowded.

The sandbar was massive and even had a fallen tree trunk on it! After spending about thirty minutes, we climbed back into the boat to head to the next stop.

Isla Perro

We arrived to Isla Perro, where we stayed for a couple hours. There was an area to snorkel, volleyball on the beach, and picnic tables around. This island was small, but I enjoyed snorkeling and then exploring the island.

In the end, I enjoyed relaxing and watching the volleyball game that developed of tourists versus the Guna. I’m not sure if the rules were decided on beforehand because it seems like the Guna thought they were winning but weren’t? The Guna men and women are a good head shorter than me and I’m 5’9. Regardless of who won, I love how sport brings people together!

Back to Chichime

After spending a couple hours on Isla Perro, we headed back to Chichime. Dinnertime was approaching as well as sunset.

After dinner, it was dark already, but there were lights around to help navigate. With this more primitive setting, I enjoyed unplugging, reading and getting to bed early after the long day!

Day 2 | Late Checkout

Even though I’m not a morning person, I was up for the sunrise! I made my way to a hammock and watched the sun peak over the horizon. Until breakfast was served, I enjoyed taking photos or relaxing in the hammock.

About mid morning, I saw one of our Guna hosts getting a fresh coconut for another tourist. I immediately pulled out the cash needed to also get a fresh coconut! Absolutely delicious!

For those checking out at the normal time, they left after breakfast, but I paid $20 extra for a late checkout and I’m so glad I did! Had I chose to stay two nights, the normal morning checkout would have been fine. However, with only one night on the island, I paid the extra fee which would have mostly been for lunch.

This allowed me to really relax and explore Chichime. I swam in the ocean, relaxed on a hammock, and walked around the island! It was perfect and I’m so glad I gave myself those extra hours of relaxing in this remote paradise.

The Return Journey

I knew what I was in for with the return journey. This time when I got on the boat, I sat on one of my bags to add some extra padding. The seats are tremendously hard and uncomfortable. We made less stops on the return boat journey and soon we were back at the port.

While this whole experience didn’t feel organized, it actually was!

There seemed to be confusion as to which SUV I would be getting into for my return to Panama City. While this whole experience didn’t feel organized, it actually was! However, this return home portion felt the most unorganized because I was wondering if I’d get a ride back!

I had requested a late checkout when I booked and was told to have cash for the island itself, which I did. However, it seemed to throw things off even though I requested it when booking. Despite the feeling that I might get left behind, I wasn’t and they got me safely to my accommodations in Panama City!

When I did arrive to enjoy the rest of my 3 days in Panama City, Panama, I took a hot shower and appreciated that simple pleasure that much more.

What to Know Before You Go

Guna People

The Guna people have preserved their language, customs, and way of life despite centuries of outside influence. Their territory includes a narrow strip of mainland and the San Blas Islands. There are over 350 palm-fringed islands scattered across turquoise waters, many of which are uninhabited and stunningly pristine.

While Guna Yala is part of Panama in a sense, it’s technically governed by the Guna people independently, and visitors are entering not just a scenic destination but a sovereign Indigenous nation with its own laws, leadership, and cultural protocols.

Tourism in Guna Yala is managed almost entirely by the local communities, meaning your experience—whether you’re island-hopping, staying in a beachside cabana, or eating freshly caught seafood—is directly supporting the Guna people. This unique arrangement makes Guna Yala one of the few places in the world where Indigenous-led tourism thrives.

My Impression of the Guna People

The main island where the Guna people live was surprising to see. I’ve never seen anything like it. When we had just set off on the boat on our first day, I saw a Guna man in a long wooden boat, fishing. I don’t have photos, as it’s requested that you ask before taking any photos of the locals, but it was cool to see!

On Chichime, the locals were patient, though we didn’t speak the same language, we managed. The Guna have their own language but do know Spanish. I know only a little Spanish, but they were very patient and somehow understood me. I wonder how long before they are multilingual?

As a whole, I don’t think any of the Guna people are tall. At 5’9, I was a head taller or more than all of them. While short in stature, they are strong and make most of their money from tourism or coconuts.

Not Luxury

While this is paradise, the San Blas Islands are NOT luxurious. It’s basically camping. The accommodations range from rustic waterfront cabin to a tent on the beach.

The Guna people have a simple way of life and while they have made accommodations to fit what tourists would expect, it’s simple and rustic.

Go with an open mind and gain some insight into a new culture all the while enjoying paradise. Just don’t expect even a mid range hotel experience.

Bring Snacks, Water, and Sea Sickness Pills

They took us to the grocery as the first stop on the way, because it’s important to bring snacks, water, cash, and anything else you might need! These islands are in the middle of nowhere and you won’t have access to a grocery, ATM or pharmacy!

Also, consider taking motion sickness pills! Even if the ocean is calm, you might need it for the car ride once you cross the border into Guna Yala! I always forget motion sickness pills and thankfully I was okay, but if that car ride had lasted any longer or if I was in the third row, those pills would have been needed!

Follow the Rules

They should tell you this, but don’t take photos of Guna people without permission. Treat them with respect and remember you are in their home. Also, picking coconuts isn’t allowed either, and knowing it’s one of their main sources of income, it makes sense.

While they have their tourism, it’s a different experience than you’d have elsewhere. Don’t assume something is okay to do. Ask first.

My Experience with the Accommodations

Chichime had a dock and as we pulled up I was excited to explore this tiny piece of paradise! We were given a quick orientation before being shown to our rooms.

Dorms

I booked the dorms since I was traveling solo and thankfully there weren’t many of us in there. The floor of the hut is sand. The beds were a foam type mattress on a platform. Since the dorms weren’t full, I could put my backpack on a neighboring bed, which is nice considering the floor is sand.

Bathrooms and Showers

I had heard of a toilet in the San Blas Islands that was an outhouse suspended over the ocean. After seeing that image, I was very nervous about the bathroom setup, but thankfully the bathrooms in Chichime were toilets similar to what you’d find at a campsite.

The showers weren’t great. The water pressure was non-existent and as one would expect, the water was desalinated so just a small step up from the ocean water. I tried to shower and then decided it was pointless. Since I was only there for one night, I chose to embrace the camping vibe.

Meals

The area we experienced orientation is also the dining area. All three meals are served there and they give you the times for each meal when you arrive.

The food was okay. I didn’t hate it, but I definitely wasn’t impressed. I just considered it part of the experience and chose to enjoy it. The meals are prepared the by the Guna people who live on the island. It felt like a family hosting in a sense, which I liked.

Sometimes the people from the sailboats will come on shore for a meal. I met a lady from Arizona who was assisting a sailboat owner in sailing through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific Ocean!

Overall, the meals didn’t impress during my two days in the San Blas Islands, but I wasn’t in paradise for a culinary experience.

Is Two Days in the San Blas Islands Enough?

Yes, but it also depends on what you want out of your visit. I chose two days and one night because I’m not great at roughing it, but I knew I wanted more than a day trip. The overnight trip with a late checkout ended up being perfect, though two nights wouldn’t have been bad, but I’m not sure I could have handled more than two nights.

If you can split your time between multiple islands, then it could be more fun, and staying longer would make sense! Another reason staying longer would work well for you is if you want to truly unplug and relax!

This is an experience I remember fondly and the “hardships” of the experience actually gave it richness.

This is an experience I remember fondly and the “hardships” of the experience actually gave it richness. I loved getting to unplug. I loved the insight I got into another culture. And I absolutely loved getting to see these dreamy turquoise waters and mostly untouched islands!

Booking a Tour for the San Blas Islands

I booked with San Blas Dreams online, but there are numerous options available. Once booked, I received a confirmation email outlining how much I paid upon booking and what will be owed in CASH upon arriving.

A specified amount in cash was to be given to the driver who picked me, and the remaining amount was to be given to the accommodations on the island. They also mentioned $22 would be required at the border for the standard border crossing fee.

I sent a couple emails to confirm details and always received a response! Overall, I’m happy I chose one night with a late checkout giving me two days in the San Blas Islands. However, you can choose a shorter or longer stay.

Here are a few tours to consider, but you can book directly with an agency if you prefer.

Consider the accommodations offered as they do range from camping in a tent to a cabin. If you stay two nights, see if they offer two different excursions as I think on Chichime there was only one type of excursion.

If the accommodations don’t sound appealing, sailing is an option or a day trip! There are even sailing trips from Colombia to San Blas Islands or vice versa if you’re really wanting a sailing adventure!

Two Days in the San Blas Islands

Easily one of my favorite trips! It combined exposure to a new culture and paradise! The journey wasn’t easy, but it only made the entire experience that much more memorable! While Barbados—my birthplace—will always be my favorite, the remote nature of this destination makes it a true off-the-grid paradise adventure.

I hope you do visit the San Blas Islands, but with the appropriate expectations so you can really enjoy your time! The journey and stay are not for the faint of heart or anyone seeking luxury. However, it is an untouched paradise that gives that off the grid, castaway feeling without actually being stranded on a deserted island!

I hope you have the best time in the San Blas Islands for whatever length of stay is right for you!