San Blas
(Guna Yala)
Are 365 Paradise Islands with pure white sand, crystal clear, turquoise waters and swaying palms – One for every day of the Year.
1st December - 30th September 2027
The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a beautiful archipelago of approximately 365 islands, of which only about 49 islands have residents living on them. Covering an area of around 1860 acres, Guna Yala is primarily covered by tropical forests and beautiful beaches. This is an ideal location for those who enjoy nature and privacy.
The San Blas Islands offer a unique blend of pristine beaches, untouched beauty, and rich indigenous heritage. Whether you want to relax on secluded shores, snorkel in turquoise waters, or learn about the fascinating Guna Yala culture, San Blas is one of Panama’s most incredible and unspoilt destinations.
The indigenous Guna people, have maintained an independent culture and language for hundreds of years, remaining largely unaffected by external changes. It is one of the very few self-governing areas in Panama, with its own government and legal system. The indigenous Guna people have a rich culture, including traditional weaving (Molas) done by the Guna woman, using the hand-sewing technique of reverse appliqué. The Molas depict realistic and abstract designs of flowers, sea animals and birds, and popular culture.
These islands are owned by the Guna Indians, who have their own laws and use them to keep mass tourism at bay. You won’t find giant resorts or big cruise ships here. In fact most of the smaller islands have no electricity, no running water and no WiFi reception, so the Guna Indians live a simple way of life, offering only very basic facilities for a land-based stay. In other words, the San Blas Islands are an untouched paradise not to be missed, but definitely more luxurious when chosing to enjoy your time there, based afloat.
One of the famous products of San Blas is fresh seafood, with over 70% of food coming from the sea, providing a unique culinary experience for visitors. The San Blas Islands are a little-known paradise, renowned for their pristine white sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, because access to the islands is limited, and mass tourism is largely absent, contributing to their unspoiled beauty.
You can get more information about The San Blas Archipelago (Guna Yala) here or watch how a well known YouTube Cruising Family enjoyed these Islands here. Because there is no better way to explore the extraordinary Guna Yala, than from a luxury yacht.
How to get to San Blas
Airport
Tocumen International Airport
(PTY) in Panama City
Airlines
American Airlines
Air Europa
Air France
Condor
Copa Airlines
Delta Airlines
Iberia
KLM
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Flights From
Miami
Madrid
Paris
Frankfurt
USA, Caribbean
Atlanta
Madrid
Amsterdam
Istanbul,
USA
From Panama City To Sea Pearl In San Blas
Transportation from Panama City is done with the LAM TOURS agency, the only authorized transfer company in the area: lamtourspanama.com
- The cost of the round trip per person is $150 (4×4 car + local motor boat) and is not included in our charter fee.
- There is an entrance fee to the Guna Yala indigenous region of $22 (in Cash) for non-residents, where you will have to show your passport.
- When planning the trip, you will be picked up at around 5.30 to 6 a.m. from your Panama City hotel, in a 4×4 vehicle and driven through the Guna Yala jungle to the Port of Carti. This will be a 2 to 3.5 hour trip, depending on hold-ups at customs at the entrance to the comarca.
- You must book your water taxi in advance, with LAM TOURS. The schedule is 8am departure. Once in the Port of Carti your open water taxi will take you to the island where Sea Pearl will be waiting for you.
- Check In – to Sea Pearl is between 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Check Out – Early Option is in the morning, between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. after breakfast, in time to take the LAM TOURS return transportation back to Panama City. You will arrive in Carti around 8:00 a.m. and the 4×4 vehicle will drop you off in Panama City around 11:30 a.m.
- Check Out – Afternoon Option the open water taxi will pick you up around 3pm from Sea Pearl and you will arrive in Panama City around 7:30pm.
The alternative transport to get to Sea Pearl, is by private plane. The flights leaving Panama City albrook Airport, to Corazon de Jesús take just 30 minutes.
The cost of a private flight by plane or helicopter is significantly more than the LAM TOURS option, but depending on the date and the size of the group, the prices can vary quite a lot. We can help you book your flight to Corazon de Jesus.
Things to know about your transfer
- The second part of the 4×4 road trip is over quite rough terrain, so if you suffer from motion sickness, you may need to take some motion sickness medication.
- Along the road, you will stop at a supermarket for breakfast and to stock up on snacks.
- For ease of access at the check-point, make sure to keep your paperwork, passport and cash in a separate small bag from your wrapped luggage.
- In Guna Yala, there is no bank or cash machine, so your credit card will be almost useless. Please remember to bring cash if you want to stop at a beach-hut bar or buy souvenirs, beautiful molas from the Guna women or a piece of Guna art. The local currency is USD$.
- The open water taxi will cause sea spray that can soak you and your luggage, so please wear a spray jacket. If your luggage is not waterproof, make sure to wrap it in a trash bag or several layers of cling film.
Wind: 4mph S
Humidity: 84%
Pressure: 29.83"Hg
UV index: 0
88°F / 79°F
86°F / 79°F
86°F / 79°F
86°F / 79°F
Discover the Unique & Unspoilt Beauty of Guna Yala with Us.
