How Big Are the San Blas Islands? The Perfect and Easy Sailing Escape for Families
- Matt
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Discover San Blas: Panama’s hidden gem of 365 paradise islands, calm waters, and safe family anchorages.
When families think about sailing in the Caribbean, the usual names come up — the BVI, Bahamas, or St. Martin. But for those seeking true privacy, authenticity, and effortless island-hopping, the San Blas Islands of Panama are unmatched.
Unspoiled, protected, and far from the crowds, this archipelago offers a premium sailing experience designed for ease and comfort. From flexible, exclusive itineraries and attentive crew service to personalized meals, safe anchorages, and seamless logistics, families can relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories without a single worry. With our all-inclusive catamaran charters, you won’t have to worry about a thing — we take care of everything so you can fully enjoy the wonders of San Blas.
How Big Are the San Blas Islands?
San Blas is vast yet intimate.
365 islands — untouched jewels of stunning natural beauty, with only about 50 inhabited by the ancestral and welcoming Guna people.
Stretching along more than 200 miles of Panama’s Caribbean coast.
Unlike the BVI, it’s not one tight cluster — it’s a scattered paradise that feels endless.
For families, this means new islands every day without long passages. It’s the perfect playground for stress-free island-hopping.
What makes it unique:
Privacy guaranteed: Even in high season, you can easily anchor off a deserted island with no one else around.
Diversity of landscapes: Some islands are lush with coconut palms, others are beautiful sandbanks surrounded by turquoise water.
Exclusive sailing zone: While the archipelago spans over 200 miles, our itineraries focus on a 20-mile reef-protected area with calm seas and total safety — ideal for families.
Cultural richness: Within this vast archipelago, some islands are home to the Guna Yala people, offering families a rare blend of natural beauty and authentic indigenous culture.
Why Sailing Here Is So Easy for Families
Short Distances: Most anchorages are about 30 minutes apart, with a maximum of 1.5 hours on longer itineraries to the breathtaking Dutch Cays — San Blas’ outermost, secluded zone.
Protected Waters: Sheltered by reefs, calm and safe for children.
Smooth Sailing: Unlike other Caribbean destinations, we navigate a 20-mile protected zone, safely away from open seas and disruptive weather systems.
Safe & Exclusive: Zero crime, protected by the Guna Yala community with strict tourism laws.
Activities for All Ages: Top snorkeling, kayaking, beach picnics, paddleboarding — all inside protected lagoons.
Year-Round Season: Thanks to Panama’s unique geography, San Blas is located outside the Atlantic hurricane belt.
How San Blas Compares to Other Popular Caribbean Destinations
British Virgin Islands (BVI): Easy sailing with well-marked routes and calm waters, but marinas and anchorages can be crowded, and islands are more developed, offering less privacy.
Bahamas: Stunning turquoise waters and picturesque islands, but longer passages between destinations make daily island-hopping less practical, especially for families with young children.
St. Martin / Grenadines: Beautiful and culturally rich, but sailing often involves rougher seas and more advanced navigation skills, making it less beginner- or family-friendly.
San Blas Islands: An authentic Caribbean paradise of true pristine nature, untouched by modern infrastructure, where families can enjoy calm, reef-protected waters, safe anchorages, and stunning, secluded islands. Fully managed by an attentive crew, every detail is taken care of so you can relax and savor the adventure in a completely safe and serene environment — a rare sanctuary in today’s Caribbean.
Family-Friendly Advantage
Desert-Island Magic: Kids and adults alike will love exploring uninhabited islands, building sandcastles, and discovering hidden lagoons. Each day brings a new adventure without long sailing passages, making it perfect for families.
Cultural Enrichment: Optional visits to Guna villages, such as Tigre Island—home to many Guna children—offer families a unique chance to immerse themselves in authentic indigenous culture. It’s an opportunity for your kids to learn about different ways of life, witness traditional crafts, and gain a deeper understanding of community values and customs, fostering curiosity, respect, and cultural awareness from an early age.
Safe, Calm Waters: The islands lie within a reef-protected zone, ensuring calm anchorages ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding — even for younger children. The region’s low crime rate offers peace of mind for families.
Luxury & Comfort: Our fully crewed catamarans feature spacious cabins, water toys, and personalized meals for everyone on board. We also offer fully equipped catamarans with air conditioning. Your professional crew provides attentive service while respecting your privacy, handling all logistics so your family can relax and focus on enjoyment. Explore our full catamaran fleet and find the perfect yacht for your adventure.
Fun Activities: From beach picnics and snorkeling excursions to evening stargazing, every day can be tailored to suit family preferences and energy levels.
Flexible Itineraries: While our routes are carefully curated to include the most exclusive islands of the archipelago, itineraries can be fully adjusted. Families are welcome to suggest which islands to visit, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable sailing experience.
San Blas combines adventure, cultural immersion, safety, and exceptional comfort, giving families a unique Caribbean experience that’s both exciting and stress-free.
Practical Tips for Families
Best Time: San Blas is ideal year-round, with dry season from December to April offering sunny days and calm seas, and and the serene low season from May to November providing lush landscapes and fewer crowds — still completely safe, as hurricanes do not affect the area.
Getting Here: You have two options. Fly into Panama City, then take a scenic private air transfer directly to the islands (just a 2-minute dinghy ride to your catamaran), or a land transfer + water taxi for a more leisurely arrival.
What to Expect: Forget marinas and crowded resorts. You’ll enjoy spacious, fully equipped catamarans, attentive service, and all logistics handled from start to finish. Even first-time sailing families can relax immediately, knowing safety, comfort, and fun are all taken care of.
Packing & Preparation: Bring light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
Why San Blas Is the Perfect Sailing Escape
The San Blas Islands are vast, calm, safe, and untouched—a true Caribbean paradise. Wondering how big the San Blas Islands really are? With 365 scattered islands stretching over 200 miles of Panama’s Caribbean coast, families can discover a new island every day without long passages. San Blas offers the perfect balance of effortless sailing, premium comfort, and absolute privacy, all wrapped in authentic Caribbean charm.
Whether it’s relaxing on secluded beaches, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or enjoying tailored family adventures, every detail is taken care of so you can fully immerse in the magic of the islands.
Ready to plan your San Blas family escape? Explore our exclusive itineraries and let us take care of everything — so you and your loved ones simply enjoy the journey.
Comments