From Paradise to Disappointment: Ranking the Best and Worst Islands in San Blas
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
San Blas is often described as one of the last untouched paradises in the Caribbean. And in many parts of the archipelago, that description is completely justified.
But here's something visitors don't always realize before arriving:
Not every San Blas experience is the same. You can spend the day on a busy island surrounded by day-trippers and boats, or wake up anchored beside a tiny palm-covered cay with nobody else around. Both experiences can happen in San Blas, sometimes only a few hours apart.
After more than a decade operating catamaran charters exclusively in San Blas, we have learned that choosing where you go is almost as important as choosing the boat itself.
So which are the best islands in San Blas? Which famous islands are overrated? And where should you go if what you're really looking for is that deserted-island experience?
A quick peak on social media and online reviews show a variety of mixed experiences by different types of travelers. How can this be possible, isn’t San Blas supposed to be the last remaining Paradise in the Caribbean?
The term "Paradise" can be defined in many ways depending on the background and interests of the traveler. If you think the San Blas in any way similar to the BVI or the Bahamas, think again.
There are no crowded bars ashore, no bling and no social opportunities apart from those with the crew and our indigenous friends, sailing the San Blas islands opens the doors to unspoiled natural beauty in an out of this world context.
What Paradise is for some, for others can be an excruciating adventure plagued with disappointments and why not, a rip off.
The Most Accessible Islands: Beautiful but Often Busier
These are islands closer to the shore that have easier access for day tourists and therefore are the most visited by local Panamanians and day tourists.
Loud music blasting 24 hours and crowds are the norm in some of these islands that are in the way of regular water taxis.
Isla Perro or Dog island
This island has for years been one of the most famous islands in San Blas. The principal attraction is the old wreck besides it. Gets overcrowded with Panamanian locals easily.
Our verdict: 6/10
Chichime
Chichime remains one of the beautiful classic San Blas stops. White sand, coconut palms and clear Caribbean water make it immediately recognizable as San Blas. Because of its location, you're more likely to encounter other boats here than farther east, but under the right conditions it can still be an excellent stop, specially during the low season. Tends to get overcrowded during hish season. Numerous huts welcome tourists mostly from Panama.
Our verdict: 8.5/10
Iguana island
Definitely a beautiful place and somewhat of a postal perfect island but again, crowds and development of the cabañas (huts) for tourists, mostly backpackers, can be in the way for most of us seeking a true natural environment.
Our verdict: 6/10
Pelican Island
Athough still in the route of regular water taxis, has the benefit of being one of the furthest islands from shore in Cayo Limon and that contributes to even clearer water. This island has been made known by the third season of "Money Heist", the most famous Netflix series of all time and that has contributed to bringing in even more tourists.
Our verdict: 8/10
Luckily the islands affected by over tourism are only a few and with 365 islands to choose from, it is easy to venture into the wild and unexplored parts of the San Blas.
The Outer Cays: Where San Blas Gets Really Special
Best islands in San Blas in this zone are obviously those not only far away from the road entrance and tourists coming in with a road transfer. Less tourists means more untouched nature and equilibrium. The East of the region with the hundreds of little islands are now an easy access from Panama City if you take a 40 minute private leaving from PAC airport in Panama City and landing in Corazon de Jesus.
Coco Bandero Cays
Now we're getting into our favorite territory.
For many of our guests, Coco Bandero is where San Blas starts looking exactly like the place they imagined before arriving.
Tiny tropical islands.
Turquoise water.
Reefs.
Palm trees.
Very little development.
And, quite often, very few other people.
Coco Bandero is far enough away from the busiest day-tour circuit to feel dramatically different, yet it remains practical to include in a multi-night catamaran itinerary.
The area is particularly good for families because you can combine beach time, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and simply playing in the water without constantly moving the boat.
It is also one of those places where doing very little suddenly becomes the best activity of the day.
Our verdict: 9.5/10
Cambombia Island.
Around Cambombia and farther east, San Blas becomes even more interesting.
This is where rigid lists of "10 islands you must visit" become less useful.
Some of our favorite places aren't famous at all.
And we'd like to keep some of them that way.
They look at the conditions and the guests.
Do you want to snorkel?
Find an empty beach?
Spend the afternoon paddleboarding?
Visit a Guna community?
Stay somewhere completely isolated?
The answer determines where we go next.
Our verdict for the Cambombia area: 9/10
Buporgana island also named Bedsidup
A few hundred meters away. You have not seen anything like this! Snorkeling or kayaking to the many reefs nearby, spotting dotted eagle rays and hanging out with the friendly locals are a must. No loud music here.
Our verdict for the Cambombia area: 9.8/10
Dutch Cays
And just when you thought it doesn’t get any better than this, our captain points to BBQ island and the Pool, both located in the Dutch Cays, that is, the closest you can get to the exterior sea.
We sometimes describe it as: Paradise within Paradise.
Protected water, mangroves, tiny islands and an extraordinary palette of blues make this one of those places where photographs struggle to communicate what you're actually seeing.
Nearby anchorages allow you to spend days exploring rather than simply visiting one island and leaving again.
Our verdict: 10/10
Maoqui island
Meet Jose’s family, he is our Guna indigenous deckhand on board the Salina 48 mambo Diablo and Lagoon 52 Matilda Mia Prepare for an unparalleled cultural immersion!
Our verdict: 10/10
Island Ranking
How Long Do You Need to Reach the Best Islands?
This matters enormously.
2–3 nights
You can have a fantastic San Blas experience, but don't try to see everything.
We prefer selecting a smaller area and enjoying it properly instead of spending half the trip moving from island to island.
4–5 nights
This is where the itinerary becomes much more flexible.
You can explore farther, spend more time around Coco Bandero and combine beaches, reefs and Guna communities without constantly watching the clock.
7 nights or more
Now San Blas really opens up.
Longer charters give us the freedom to explore the Dutch Cays and more remote parts of the archipelago while still maintaining the relaxed pace that a Caribbean vacation deserves.
Our rule is simple: more nights shouldn't mean more rushing. They should mean more freedom.
While some islands enchant with their pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and cultural richness, others may fall short due to over-tourism or lack of amenities. By understanding the unique characteristics of each island, visitors can tailor their adventures to match their preferences and expectations.
Ultimately, San Blas remains a captivating destination, where even the less impressive islands contribute to the overall charm and diversity of this beautiful archipelago. Whether you seek serene solitude or vibrant local culture, San Blas has something for every traveler, making it a must-visit on your Panama itinerary.
Get informed: San Blas islands sailing charters
I'm planning my next trip and am considering San Blas. It has always struck me its beauty and pristine nature. This info is really helpful. I wouldn't want to end up in a crowded and loud place. I'm really looking forward to finding tranquility, secluded beaches, and interacting with the locals to have the whole San Blas experience. Is Cayo Limon out of the question then?