Ranking San Blas Islands
Exploring the Best and Worst of San Blas
Ranking San Blas islands: With over a decade of expertise, we have spotted the must-visit destinations and islands to avoid. To give you an idea, Morodub (the Pool) and the Instagram famous Dog Island with its sunken ship, apart from being in the San Blas archipelago, don’t really have anything else in common. Find out why.
It’s interesting to see that travelers have such diverse experiences when it comes to San Blas. But, isn’t it known as the last untouched paradise in the Caribbean?
Paradise can have different meanings for different people, depending on their background and preferences. If you believe that San Blas is similar to the BVI or the Bahamas, you might want to reconsider. That is, there are no busy bars on land, no bling-bling, and limited social interactions outside of the crew and our indigenous friends. Sailing through the San Blas islands offers a chance to experience untouched natural beauty in a unique setting. What may be Paradise for some could be a challenging journey filled with letdowns and, perhaps, even a scam for others.
5 factors to take into account
1.Your chosen travel company.
3. Different transfer options from Panama City. The road trip is approximately 5 hours, while the plane ride is only 40 minutes.
4. The islands you plan to visit (we’ll discuss this later) and why your choice of transfer is important- Whether you prefer a land-based hotel or a yacht/catamaran for your stay.
5. Whether you prefer a land-based hotel or a yacht/catamaran for your stay.
Zone 1
The islands situated near the shore or Zone 1 are highly favored by day tourists because of their easy accessibility. Consequently, these islands attract a large number of local Panamanians and day tourists. However, it’s important to mention that certain islands along the regular water taxi route are known for their constant loud music and bustling crowds, which can last for 24 hours.
Dog Island, or Isla Perro, has been a well-known spot in San Blas for quite some time. The main highlight is the historic wreck nearby.
Franklin’s and Isla Robeson, situated near the coast, are not recommended during weekends and special events due to the large crowds and loud music.
Iguana Island is undeniably picturesque, almost like something out of a postcard. Nevertheless, the increasing number of tourist huts, catering mostly to backpackers, can sometimes disrupt the tranquil natural setting we crave.
Pelican island, in spite of being on the route of regular water taxis, it stands out as one of the more secluded spots in Cayo Limon offering unmatched pristine waters. Its claim to fame in the hit series “Money Heist” has drawn in a surge of tourists, making it a must-visit destination.
The good news is that only a small number of islands have been negatively impacted by over tourism. With a staggering 365 islands to explore, you have plenty of options to delve into the untamed and uncharted territories of the breathtaking San Blas.
Zone 2
The top islands in Zone 2 of San Blas are definitely the ones that are located far from the road entrance and away from the tourists who arrive by road. With fewer tourists, you can experience more untouched nature and a sense of balance. The eastern part of the region, with its numerous small islands, is now easily accessible from Panama City. You can take a 40-minute private flight from PAC airport in Panama City and land in Corazon de Jesus.
Coco Bandero Cays is a fantastic place to observe dolphins and nurse sharks, just a 30-minute sail from the airport. These islands are not only convenient but also breathtaking, with vibrant reefs teeming with life and very few visitors.
The Cambombia Island area is close by, and Bapurgana island is just a short distance away. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination that will leave you in awe! Be sure to try snorkeling or kayaking to the nearby shore, where you can spot dotted eagle rays and enjoy the company of the hospitable locals. This is a tranquil place where loud music is not welcome.
The BBQ island and the Pool, situated in the Dutch Cays, are the closest you can get to the open sea. Surrounded by shallow clear waters and mangroves, this place is truly paradise within paradise.
Maoqui island is something else. On board our Salina 48 mambo Diablo, our Guna indigenous deckhand, Jose, will introduce us to his wonderful family. Get ready for an incredible cultural experience!
