Discover the 50 main San Blas Islands you can actually visit in Guna Yala
San Blas Archipelago: Islands to Visit and What to Do
370 Islands
60 Unhabited Islands
3 zones Catamarans Charter
San Blas Itineraries
365Islands to visit
San Blas Archipelago Itineraries
The San Blas Islands are famous for their “365 islands” : but here’s the truth: only a small number are accessible, named, and worth visiting.
Of the more than 365 islands in the San Blas Archipelago, only 49 of them are inhabited. Fun fact about the San Blas Archipelago: Each island has three different names :a Spanish name, a Kuna name, and an English name. Some islands have also the exact same name. What can be confusing when you are not with a guide or if you don’t have a captain to explain you where you are.
This guide gives you:
- The 50 real islands used in sailing itineraries
- What to expect in each zone
- Where to go depending on your trip length
If you’re planning a trip, this is what actually matters.
Understanding San Blas: It’s About Zones, Not Numbers of islands
Forget the idea of visiting 365 islands.
Sailing in San Blas works by zones:
- Cayos Limones → easy access, short and day trip
- Coco Bandero → 2 days trip postcard paradise (paddleboard paradise)
- Cayos Holandeses → premium sailing, 3 days trip (coral reefs, and authentic way of life)
A normal 3 days trip = 6 to 12 islands max
Cayos Limones (Closest & Most Popular) Zone 1
Best for short stays (at catamaran San Blas this zone is only for the start of the charter, we love to take you in the deep and real San Blas)
Top islands zone 1:
- Isla Perro – snorkeling with shipwreck
- Isla Diablo – classic beach
- Isla Chichime – sailing hub
- Isla Yansailadup – local culture
- Isla Banedup
- Isla Fragata
- Isla Waisaladup
- Isla Nugnudub
Why go: easy, accessible, good for 1 or 2 day trips
Vibe: lively, social
Coco Bandero (The Dream Caribbean) Zone 2
White sand, shallow turquoise water : this is the image people expect.
Top islands:
- Coco Bandero Cays (swiming with sharks)
- Isla Aguja
- Isla Pelicano
- Isla Diablo Chico
- Isla Diablo Grande
- Isla Timbiqui
- Isla Anzuelo
Why go: postcard landscapes, paddleboard paradise
Vibe: paradise, quiet
Cayos Holandeses (Best Sailing Area) Zone 2 and 3
Clearer water, fewer boats, more exclusive.
Top islands:
- Cayos Holandeses (absolutely gorgeous)
- Isla BBQ – floating bar
- Isla Tortuga
- Isla Verde
- Isla Barracuda
- Isla Pinos
- Isla Guna Yala Cay
Why go: most authentic San Blas
Vibe: premium, less crowded
How many days : At Catamaran San Blas we take you there in all our 3 days trip charter, private or shared
Ready to Explore San Blas?
We organize:
Private catamaran charters
Shared cabin experiences
Tailor-made island hopping routes
Tell us your dates, and we’ll recommend the perfect itinerary across the best islands of San Blas. we can of course also organize your transfer from Panama city to the Catamaran by air or land
whatsapp us : +50767713851 since we own our catamarans, no middle man here, you can talk directly with your captain
Islands hopping boat tour to San Blas Archipelago
Signing up for an island-hopping boat tour is a sure way to hit the best spots in the San Blas Archipelago. Tours range from single-day adventures to multi-day trips. Your guide will take you from island to island, where you’ll have the chance to hike the jungle, paddleboard, snorkel, and see a different way of life.
Kayaking The San Blas Archipelago
Kayaking is a popular activity in the San Blas archipelago and a great way to get around. You can rent kayaks and have a local guide you from island to island. Similar to the boat tours, you’ll have single and multi-day options. Choosing to kayak the area is an excellent way to experience the archipelago.
The Ultimate Way to Experience the San Blas Archipelago
When it comes to having the ultimate experience in the San Blas Archipelago, there’s no better way to do it than chartering a catamaran. Your captain will take you around the region’s loveliest destinations. You’ll have the comfort of a spacious vessel, a private cook, and endless opportunities to enjoy yourself– what more can you ask for? Click here for more information on Catamaran charters in the San Blas Islands. Enjoy your trip!
