San Blas islands : 3 amazing places where to stay!
Are there hotels in the San Blas Islands? Where to stay in the San Blas Islands?
First the first where to stay before going to san blas islands?
In the San Blas Islands, you won’t find hotels or large resorts.
There are three main ways to stay:
Beach cabins (cabañas): the most budget-friendly option, but very very basic (shared bathrooms, limited comfort).
Camping: not available everywhere only 1 island and very basic service
Sailboats and catamarans: the most comfortable option, with private cabins, all meals included, and the ability to visit multiple islands.
Each option fits a different budget, but if you want comfort and a better overall experience, staying on a boat is the best choice.
Price of the transfer from panama city to San Blas islands
150usd/pers round trip is the price for land transportation with the water taxi included to your boat.
You ll need also to add 23usd for kunas tax at the entrance of the commarca.
San Blas islands accomodation options
Camping
Masargandup island, simple services and setup
We suggest if you like nature and want to relax to take a cabana, there is diffrent standing of cabanas, we can help you to find the good cabana depending what you want to experience but be aware that is simple accomodation, don’t expect much
Charter boats to San Blas islands are available all year long. you can choose a monohull or a catamaran, we recomand El Gitano del Mar catamaran
You did the transportation, and here you are finally. San Blas islands! Welcome in paradise!
Once in san blas you will discover that it was true, San Blas islands are virgin, no hotel to sleep, no bank or ATM, your credit card is now just a piece of plastic, and internet is like the electricity something rare. Don’t panic, a panel of accomodations are still open to you.
Camping
Some islands accept camping. You come with your own canvas and you cook for yourself and use the sea as bathroom
That s the cheapest way to visit sanblas
Not all the islands accept this type of campin but some do.
Other sanblas islands also propose camping area with shower and toilet, food services. Some islands supply the canvas and mattress
Prices are really differents from one island to the other one.
Private cabanas
Cabañas in the San Blas Islands are simple, beachfront huts run by local Guna families. They’re the most budget-friendly way to stay, but comfort is basic; expect shared bathrooms, limited electricity, and a very rustic setup.
Some of the nicest options are in areas like Cayo Holandeses, where you still get beautiful beaches and clear water. If you’d like, we can organize your cabana stay directly with trusted locals to make things easy.
A great option for balancing budget and comfort is a 6-day trip with 3 days on a catamaran and 3 days in a cabana, giving you the full San Blas experience at a more affordable price.
Catamaran Charter
A cabin charter aboard Gitano del Mar combines comfort, freedom, and a social atmosphere at a more accessible price.
Each guest enjoys a private cabin with its own bathroom and shower, giving real privacy and comfort even while sharing the boat. Onboard, everything is taken care of: fresh meals prepared daily, snacks, drinks, open bar including alcool and cocktails, snorkeling gear, 4 paddleboards, and a professional crew to handle navigation and service. The boat is also equipped with Starlink internet, so you can stay connected even in the middle of the San Blas Islands. Life on board is relaxed and easy—wake up in front of turquoise water, swim directly from the boat, explore different islands every day, and enjoy sunsets with a small group of like-minded travelers. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and social experience.