Island life
Staying on a San Blas island: what to expect and how to choose
· 6 min read
There are no resorts in San Blas. The islands belong to Guna Yala, and the places where visitors sleep are run by Guna families, on islands that are sometimes little more than sand and palms. That is exactly the appeal — as long as you arrive knowing what kind of trip it is.
Simple by design
Expect a cabin built from local materials, a bed, and the sea a few steps away. Standards vary from one island to the next, so ask before you book rather than assume. The questions worth asking are the practical ones below — the answers differ from place to place, and nobody minds you asking.
- Is the bathroom private or shared, and what is the shower like?
- When is there electricity — at set hours, on solar, or not at all in the cabin?
- Which meals are included, and can they handle a vegetarian diet or an allergy if told in advance?
- Is drinking water provided, or should you bring your own?
Food and the rhythm of the day
Island stays are generally offered with meals, cooked by the family that hosts you and built around what the sea and the boats bring in. There is no street of restaurants to wander down, so whatever is included is what you eat. The day follows the sun: swimming and snorkelling in the morning, shade at midday, the light going gold in the late afternoon, and an early night.
Choosing an island
Think about three things. Distance: the boat from Cartí takes 30–45 minutes on our transfer, and islands further out mean more time on the water and more exposure to wind and swell. Size: a tiny island means total quiet and very little to do but swim; a larger one or a community island gives you a village to walk through. Company: some islands host only a handful of guests, others are livelier. There is no best island, only the one that matches your trip.
What you pay, and to whom
| Item | Amount | How it is paid |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer, one way | $79 per person | Online, when you book with us |
| Transfer, round trip | $149 per person | Online, when you book with us |
| Guna Yala entry tax | $22 per person, once per visit | Cash, at the comarca checkpoint |
| Cabin and meals | Set by the island family | Usually cash, on the island |
| Excursions and extras | Ask before you go | Cash |
The first three lines you can count before leaving home: a round trip plus the tax is $171 per person. For the rest, get the price of the cabin and of any excursion in writing before you go, and bring that amount in US dollars cash with a margin — there are no ATMs on the islands.
Want help with a cabin, the Cayos Holandeses excursion or a visit to a Guna community? Write to us with your dates and we will tell you what we can suggest.
Frequently asked questions
- Are meals included in San Blas island stays?
- Island stays are generally offered with meals, and the cabins we arrange come with meals included. Always check exactly which meals are covered when you book, since there is rarely anywhere else to eat.
- Is there electricity and Wi-Fi on the islands?
- Some lodges have power at set hours and some run on solar; connectivity varies and should not be counted on. Charge a power bank before leaving the city and treat the stay as time offline.
- How much cash should I bring to San Blas?
- At least $22 per person for the entry tax, plus the price of your cabin and excursions if they are paid on the island, plus a margin. Prices are set by each island, so ask in advance — and bring US dollars in small notes.
- Can you book my island accommodation?
- Possibly — write to us with your dates and the number of travellers. What we sell online is the transfer; for accommodation we tell you case by case what we can suggest.