Flying to San Blas Just Got Cheaper

Amanda
Apr 28, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Private flight prices from Panama City to San Blas — faster, quieter, and more comfortable access to the islands

Great news for those seeking to enter the region of San Blas by air. Prices for private flight for 2 guest or 2 guests and a kid is now down to $700/way.

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Check out our latest post: San Blas Transfers: Comparison Table

Or read our post on Flights from Panama City to San Blas: Ultimate Guide for more valuable and recent information

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Is It Worth Flying to San Blas?

Flying to San Blas is worth it if you value comfort, time saved, and a seamless start to your sailing vacation. It is also the best way to enter the Comarca, as flights land far from the most touristic, Instagram-famous islands — allowing you to avoid crowds entirely from the very beginning of your journey.

Instead of spending 4–5 hours on a road transfer followed by a long boat ride, a private flight takes you from Panama City to the islands in about 40 minutes, landing just a short dinghy ride from your catamaran’s anchorage. You’ll also enjoy scenic aerial views of the archipelago before touching down only minutes from where your charter awaits.

This option is especially ideal for:

Couples or families who want to maximize time on the water
Travelers with limited vacation days
Guests preferring a stress-free, high-quality transfer

Flying to San Blas: How much does it cost?

New private flight prices to San Blas departing from Albrook local terminal PAC located in Panama City:

Prices shown are one way for the whole cost of the plane carrying the indicated guests, 8,5% tax not included:

Passengers	One-Way Price (USD)	Maximum Weight (Passengers + Luggage)
2 passengers	$700 / way	Up to 450 lbs
Up to 5 passengers	$900 / way	Up to 750 lbs
Up to 5 passengers	$1,350 / way	Up to 1,000 lbs
Up to 6 passengers	$1,550 / way	Up to 1,500 lbs
Up to 9 passengers (1 private aircraft: Large Turboprop)	$1,950 / way	Up to 1,900 lbs

Notes:

Prices are per aircraft, not per person
Flights depart from Albrook Airport (PAC), Panama City
Taxes not included
Mandatory $20/guest airport tax paid to the indigenous.

How Long Does Each Transfer Take?

Flying is dramatically faster than the alternate land + boat option.

Flight time: Approximately 40 minutes from Albrook Airport (PAC) to the San Blas airstrip, followed by a short 2-minute dinghy transfer directly to your catamaran, where your captain will be waiting. You’ll be on board and settled within an hour of departure — perfect for starting your adventure without delay.

Road + Water Transfer: ~4–5+ hours total for a 4×4 drive and subsequent boat ride. Road transfers do work and in fact we do have guests coming in on a daily basis using this type of transfer but there are certain reason why we have encouraged our charter clients to using and benefiting from air transfers to the San Blas Islands.

Where Do You Land?

Flights land at Corazon de Jesus Airstrip in the heart of the San Blas archipelago.

From there:

You’ll complete quick immigration and indigenous entry formalities.
A short dinghy ride (around 2 minutes) brings you directly to your catamaran — with no long water taxi transfers (+ no waiting time to board the water taxi), no crowded docks, and no border formalities and delays.

This proximity makes flying far more convenient and lets you begin exploring the islands almost instantly after landing.

Lagoon 52 premium catamaran charter anchored off a secluded paradise island in San Blas, just minutes from the landing strip for guests arriving by air.

Can You Mix Both — Fly in One Way and Drive Back to San Blas (or vice versa)?

Yes — you absolutely can mix transfer types when heading to or from the San Blas Islands. Many guests tailor their arrival and departure to fit their preferences, budget, schedule, or adventure style, and we’re happy to help coordinate either combination for your charter.

For example:

Some travelers fly into San Blas to save time and begin their sailing vacation sooner, then return by road transfer if they want a more scenic, relaxed journey back.
Others prefer to take the road in — enjoying the adventure of the overland journey and jungle landscapes — and fly home after their charter to minimize travel time on departure day.

Both options are completely legitimate and often chosen depending on what matters most to you:

Time vs. budget: Flying is faster but typically more expensive than road transfers, while road travel is more cost-effective but slower.
Comfort preferences: If you want to avoid early starts or long drives at the end of your trip, flying on the return can be especially appealing.
Experience style: Some guests enjoy the variety — an adventurous drive out and a relaxing flight back, or vice versa.

We’ll help you plan the best combination based on your itinerary, luggage needs, and overall travel goals so your journey to and from San Blas perfectly complements your sailing adventure.

Final Thoughts

Flying to San Blas is the most popular and most recommended way to reach the archipelago, offering unmatched speed, comfort, and a seamless arrival directly into the heart of the islands. That said, whether you choose to fly, drive, or combine both options, the key is selecting the transfer that best fits your time, budget, and travel style.

Many guests opt for a mixed approach — flying one way and returning by road — to balance convenience and experience. There is no single “right” option, only the one that aligns best with how you want your sailing vacation to begin and end.

With proper planning and the right guidance, your journey to San Blas becomes part of the experience itself, setting the tone for an unforgettable time exploring one of the Caribbean’s last truly unspoiled destinations.