When people say tropical island..this is what they mean. It is beautiful and the local people are lovely. However its important to note a few things. If you do a day trip you won't be given exact timings for how long you'll be on each island..at one we was waiting with backpacks on for a boat which never showed for 40 mins..its time that could have been used to relax or explore. The road is horrendous. Several cars had to pull over for people to be sick infront of us. The lack of communication meant that there was no time for water or toilet breaks before rushing of the boat into a vehicle for the drive back..luckily I took the initiative to at least change out of my wet bikini into dry clothes at the last island so I wouldn't be travelling back in sticky wet sandy clothes for several hours. Personally if I was going again I would stay at least one night as the journey is long and intense and there is little time to fully switch off and enjoy. However now I've been and seen them I probably wouldn't do the journey again. Lovely islands but not that dissimilar to islands in the Philippines and Thailand that are more accessible. Worth it for the first time though.

This area hasn’t really been discovered by tourism yet. The Kuna people run the area so you have to bring your passport. It’s like entering another country! The water is like nothing you’ve ever seen! The snorkeling was fantastic and the people were very friendly. If you ever go to Panama put the San Blas islands on your list to see!

These were some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen in all of my travels across the world. The sand was white and water was blue and clear. HOWEVER the journey to get here was intense. It was a 2 hour ride to get to the reservation with one hour being extremely bumpy and scary going up high in the mountains. We then took a 1 hour boat ride which was TERRIFYING and uncomfortable. We slammed into the seat of the boat over and over. My head was hurting, my knee, it was very scary and uncomfortable.

We were recommended the San Blas Islands by pretty much everyone we met and took the plunge. We opted for the day trip as we were told the accommodation on the islands was fairly basic due to the tribe that call the islands home. We were picked up from our Panama City hotel around 5.30am and drove 3 hrs by 4x4 to the small village on the coast where we took the 40min boat ride to the islands. Lunch was served on the island, a basic prawn and rice dish with soft drink or water. Had around 2 hrs on the last island for beach and snorkeling, then headed back by boat to the mainland around 3.30pm, followed by the 3hr plus drive back to Panama City. An interesting day out if you are in Panama but very happy we did not stay overnight.

Wonderful experience. We went on a Tuesday so not too many people there, just for one day. Amazing blue and warm waters. Only 4x4’s can manage the road which is hard, full of curves and goes up and down. Is a 3 hour drive so you need to go around 5:30am. By 9:30 am we were already on the boat that takes you to the islands. By 3 o’clock you need to be back on the car. Is an indigenous reservoir with their own laws so they open at 7 am and close at 5 pm. You will be checked at 2 or 3 points of security so do not forget your passport. Accommodations were very rustic so not to many people there sleeping. Is expensive to get there but is worth the money. Entry to the “comuna”, lunch, boat rides, snacks and other fees were included in the price we paid. If you want to see something different and typical from Panama, then San Blas Islands (GunaYala) is the place to go. I would not recommend this trip for families with small children. The road makes you stomach sick.

A MUST do if you’re visiting Panamá. The islands are absolutely gorgeous . I’ve visited several San Blas islands with Guna Yala Explorer and have not been disappointed yet. They are very professional, accommodating and the trip is always smooth with them form early morning pickup, ride to the port when you catch the speed boat , visit to several islands and lunch included. My favorite island to eat lunch is isla hierba. Take a few extra dollars for water and pack snacks and if you’d like to add something to your lunch you can do so as well such as lobster or your choice.

I went and stayed the night with my friend at walidup island on over the water cabanas. The views are amazing and the island was well kept. We did the tour of the islands during the day it was a fantastic day and night would suggest. However, I camp normally and I would say this was a bit below my comfort level. There was power from 8-6 which was nice because it had power and lights. I would say to bring a net to sleep in the bugs are BAD.