San Blas is a destination that requires advance planning. Unlike other places where you can improvise upon arrival, in San Blas everything must be coordinated in advance. From hotel pick-ups in Panama City to boat departures from one of the three official ports, every logistical detail must be confirmed before your trip.
That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your San Blas Adventure
At Abisua Travel Guna Yala, we are a licensed local tour operator approved by the Guna community. Our mission is to provide you with a safe, authentic, and hassle-free experience in the beautiful islands of San Blas, Panama.
We know every corner of this paradise and are fully committed to responsible tourism, offering culturally respectful experiences that are 100% Guna-operated.
How San Blas Islands Panama Works
The San Blas Islands—locally known as Guna Yala—are much more than beautiful beaches. They are the home of the Guna people, one of the few indigenous communities in the world that has managed to preserve its culture, language, and autonomy.
Guna Yala is governed under its own system of self-rule, which means the Guna Yala Comarca has its own laws, separate from those of Panama. It’s important to respect their authority once inside the region.
San Blas, also known as Guna Yala, is a stunning natural paradise made up of 365 Caribbean islands, 49 of which are home to indigenous Guna communities. These inhabited islands do not offer traditional tourist services like hotels, as they are
focused on preserving their ancestral way of life. On the other hand, 32 islands are open to tourism, offering rustic beachfront cabins—perfect for travelers looking for an authentic experience close to nature and Guna culture. Many of these islands also feature local restaurants for day tour visitors and overnight guests.
To operate legally, these islands must meet basic requirements such as clean sanitary facilities, as required by the local Guna authorities, who oversee responsible and safe tourism practices.
The rest of the archipelago consists of untouched, virgin islands with no infrastructure, accessible only by catamaran or sailboat—ideal for those seeking to explore pristine, off-the-grid destinations.
When you visit San Blas, you are entering Guna Territory
This means:
- All islands are private and charge an entry fee (usually included in the tour).
- You’ll enjoy traditional meals prepared by Guna families🥥🍽️
- You’ll stay in rustic island cabins🛖
- Traditional cabins: Stick walls, thatched roofs, and sandy floors.
- Wooden cabins: Wood floors and walls, thatched or zinc roofs.
- Cabins in San Blas are basic and rustic.
- Most cabins have shared rustic bathrooms.
- The islands are small— You can walk around them in 15–30 minutes.
- All islands are very quiet (except on holidays).
- You’ll be welcomed by community members who know the archipelago like no one else.
- You’ll learn about their deep connection with nature, simple living, and mutual respect.
- If you’re looking for a party vibe, we recommend Franklin Island, where you can enjoy bonfires under the stars, music, dancing, and rum at night.
- If you prefer more comfort, opt for ourcatamaran tours.
This is not a commercial tourist destination. It is an authentic cultural experience on sacred land, where visitors are welcome—as long as they respect the environment.
Travel Requirements, Laws, Logistics and Facts You Need to Know Before Traveling to San Blas
- Usually, tours include hotel pickup and return in Panama City.
- Shared 4×4 vehicles: 6 passengers for comfort.
- Only 4×4 vehicles are allowed into San Blas.
- Travel time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Panama City.
- Tours usually start at 5:00 a.m.
- You can travel later with our Private Package.
- San Blas opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m.
- There are 2 checkpoints at the entrance to San Blas:
- National Police Checkpoint: They check your documents (Panamanian ID or a passport with a valid Panama entry stamp).
- Comarcal Checkpoint: Entry is paid in cash and they check that your vehicle is 4×4.
- USD 7.00 for nationals
- USD 22.00 for foreigners
- If you drive your own car, you’ll also pay:
- Entry toll: USD 15.00
- Parking at the port: USD 3.00
- There are 3 ports in Guna Yala.
- Boats only transport tourists with confirmed reservations due to limited space.
- For overnight stays, boats are assigned to each lodging and wait exclusively for their guests.
- Boat tour departure times are between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
- Best way to enjoy San Blas in one day:
- Join a tour that visits 3 different islands.
- We recommend our day-pass package, which takes you to the 3 best islands.
- Boat ride duration:30–45 minutes
- The tour lasts about 5 hours.
- Return from islands:3:00 p.m.
- Port closes at 5:00 p.m.(no vehicles or boats allowed in or out after that)
- In Guna Yala, only Guna-operated tour companies are officially authorized to provide services within the region.
- The local Guna government supervises these operators to ensure both visitor safety and quality service.
- Non-Guna operators are not allowed to operate in the territory. These are often referred to as pirate operators because they work illegally, without permits and outside the legal framework of the comarca. Since they are not part of the community and are not registered with local authorities, the Guna government cannot sanction them or be held responsible for anything that may happen to their clients.
- The tour operator is responsible for the tourists and must stay alert at all times. Otherwise, they may receive a verbal warning, fine, or lose their operating license.
- In San Blas the entry of Pets is not allowed
Payment Methods and Booking Safety
During high season, most islands fill up quickly and require advance payment by cash or bank transfer. Most islands do not accept credit cards.
With Abisua Travel Guna Yala, you can pay safely:
- By credit card(bank fee applies)
- By local bank transfer(no extra charges)
Important: Always verify who you are paying in advance to avoid scams.
Travel Respectfully in Guna Yala
- 📷 Ask for permission before photographing people or communities
- 🌿 Do not collect shells or coral—nature is sacred
- ⭐ Do not touch starfish
- 💬 Learn a few Guna words:
- Deguite= Hello / How are you?
- Neugambi= Good / Are you okay? / I’m fine!
- Nuedi= Thanks / Good / I’m good!
- 👣 Leave no trace; the islands are sacred spaces for their inhabitants
- San Blas does not have an efficient waste collection system. We recommend that you bring your trash back with you or choose canned beverages, which can be recycled on the islands. Help keep Guna Yala clean and sustainable.
Ready to Experience San Blas the Right Way?
We offer tours designed to balance relaxation, adventure, and cultural respect. All our experiences are created in collaboration with Guna families, ensuring that your visit has a direct positive impact on the community.
👉 Book your San Blas Island tour now
👉 Contact us on WhatsApp
👉 Check out Why planning ahead is essential for your San Blas Trip
Discover San Blas. Connect with the Culture. Travel with Intention.
Whether you visit for a day or stay for several nights, your trip to San Blas can be much more than just a beach getaway. When you understand the land, its people, and its history, your journey becomes a part of you.
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