San Blas Islands

Nice relaxing on beaches day trip from Panama City but involves long drives. Took 4hrs from 5:15am pick up to get onto the islands (inc water taxi + breakfast stop) $100 includes transport + lunch

San Blas Islands are absolutely breathtaking. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white-sand islands, and an untouched natural beauty that feels truly unique. A perfect escape for relaxation, nature, and disconnecting from everything. One of the most beautiful places in Panama. Highly recommended.

I visited the San Blas Islands expecting a peaceful, natural escape, but the experience was far more difficult and disappointing than advertised. The trip itself is exhausting, with a very rough journey by road and boat. Once there, the lack of organization is clear: extremely basic facilities, limited hygiene, visible trash in some areas, and constant extra charges that are not explained upfront. Everything feels improvised rather than thoughtfully planned. What bothered me most was how unprepared the tours are to deal with discomfort, bad weather, or unexpected situations. It’s not a relaxing destination it’s physically and mentally draining. San Blas may work for very adventurous travelers who accept discomfort and uncertainty, but for most people looking for a calm and enjoyable trip, I would not recommend it.

Must go and stay! So happy we did it! Stayed 4 nights and took tours to different islands

I do not recommend visiting the San Blas Islands, especially for families, children, pregnant women, or anyone who values basic safety and infrastructure. While the islands may look beautiful in photos, the reality is very different. There is no proper infrastructure, trash everywhere, no safety standards, and no basic protection for visitors. Transportation by boat is extremely rough and risky, and there is little to no concern for passenger safety. Life jackets were in poor condition, there were no clear safety briefings, and no contingency plans when passengers felt unsafe. The area is controlled locally, which means there is no real accountability, no effective regulation, and no professional tourism standards. If something goes wrong, you are essentially on your own. Our experience was stressful and frightening rather than enjoyable. Instead of relaxing, we spent the entire time worried about safety and just hoping to return safely. San Blas may be marketed as a “paradise,” but without minimum safety, structure, and responsibility, it is not a destination I would ever recommend.

I loved these Islands. We did a one day boat tour from one island to another and ir was mesmerizing. The crystal blue water, the weather and the food was amazing. Would absolutely recommend. The trips are around 14h long (through windy roads) so it is quite a long day but so worth it.

Beautiful islands, warm and clear sea! A must-visit if you’re in the area. A day trip from Panama City is a bit tiring, but totally worth it. If you want to stay for the night and are travelling in peak season, make reservations well in advance. A great place to buy local souvenirs made by the indigenous people.

The San Blas Islands are stunning, with one of the most beautiful and clean beaches I’ve ever seen. The tour was well-organized, with hotel pickup at 5 a.m., a 3-hour drive to the bay, and a 20–30 minute boat ride to the islands. However, the food was awful fried fish and chicken cooked in old oil, and a seafood mix that was far from appetizing. Drinks on the islands are pricey; so if you plan to go, I highly recommend bringing your own food to avoid this issue.. At $120 per person, the beaches are worth it, but the food is a letdown.