Top 5 Islands Not To Visit in San Blas

Discover which Islands to Avoid in San Blas this Year

Some of the over 365 islands in the San Blas region experience overtourism, especially during high season, weekends, and national holidays. Islands to avoid are: Isla Perro, Franklin's, Isla Robenson, Isla Perro Chico, Banedub, Pelican island and at times Chichime.

Refreshed for 2025: This updated guide includes new insights and curated recommendations to help you avoid the most crowded islands in San Blas and explore its more exclusive, authentic side—ideal for private catamaran adventures and meaningful family getaways.

Isla Perro on a busy day: a stark contrast to the serene, exclusive islands we prioritize for our guests in San Blas.

San Blas was once an elusive paradise—difficult to reach, rarely visited, and shielded by its natural isolation. This seclusion preserved the Guna’s rich culture and way of life for decades. The journey, marked by rough dirt roads and unpredictable weather, was an adventure in itself.

However, with the advent of a paved road and a small runway, tourism began surging. Islands like Cayo Limón (the Lemon Cays) are now under pressure from local day-trippers, especially on weekends and holidays.

This shift not only changed the travel experience but also set the stage for stricter local regulations and a move towards more curated, exclusive sailing routes.

What Changed in 2025 in San Blas?

In 2025, the rise in local weekend tourism has been particularly noticeable. Easily accessible islands like Isla Perro and Pelican are now frequent stops for day tours, amplified by social media attention. These formerly serene spots can feel overrun, especially during holidays and high season.

In response, Guna communities have tightened access and reinforced environmental protections. Several popular islands now have stricter visitor rules aimed at preserving culture and nature. But here’s what sets San Blas apart from typical overrun destinations: the region is not governed by outside interests—it's protected by the Congreso General Guna, the highest authority of the Guna people.

This unique autonomy means:

• Only authorized, licensed operators may provide sailing and water taxi services

• Large cruise ships and hotel chains remain fully banned from the region

• Cabin developments and shoreline structures are capped and regulated

• All tourism projects must undergo community vetting and approval

So while parts of San Blas feel the effects of overtourism, the Guna continue to enforce meaningful safeguards that preserve the soul of the archipelago.

As a result, our private catamaran charters have adapted, sailing farther east into untouched island groups like the Dutch Cays, Coco Bandero, and Cambombia. These are the places where San Blas still feels like a secret—where your family can snorkel vibrant reefs, connect with Guna culture, and wake up to nothing but turquoise water and palm silhouettes.

In 2025, our curated routes are more refined than ever, offering guests a deeper level of peace, privacy, and authenticity—far removed from the day-tour chaos of the more crowded islands.

Welcome to the San Blas we sail to—exclusive, peaceful islands where privacy and paradise are yours alone.

How We Identify the Most Authentic Islands to Visit (and Avoid the Islands Not To Visit in San Blas)

Which of the San Blas Islands are the best? It depends of what you are looking for, but not to be ignored are those islands within Dutch Cays, Coco Bandero Cays and Cambombia area. And that is where our catamaran sailing holidays take place.

Here’s how we determine which San Blas islands remain truly authentic and worth visiting:

• We assess how much the local Guna community has adapted their daily life to tourism.

• Key signs of overcrowding include fishermen stopping their work, grandmothers no longer weaving molas, and children disappearing from the island.

• Loud music and a party vibe often indicate the loss of the island’s genuine charm.

Our main goal in our sailing charters in San Blas is to provide an unique and glorious vacation in the most idyllic of the San Blas islands.

Coco Bandero Cays...

What are the best islands in San Blas?

1. Cambombia

2. BBQ Island (also known as Turtle Island)

3. Bapurgana

4. Coco Bandero Cays

5. Maqui (Maoqui) Island in the Dutch Cays

   
   

Charming Bapurgana island.

Cambombia island: Fresh lobster from local fishermen, our catamaran tied to palm trees (weather permitting), and beach volleyball fun for all.

Maqui or Maoqui, in Dutch Cays, a must-visit island in San Blas.

The Pool, a hidden gem in the eastern Dutch Cays...

Where We Take Our Guests: Hidden San Blas — Exclusivity for Your Family

For discerning families seeking privacy and luxury, we sail to secluded islands—not the typical overcrowded ones you’ll find on lists of islands not to visit in San Blas. Here, tranquility reigns—no loud music, no crowds, just pure peace. Imagine snorkeling vibrant reefs just steps from your yacht, enjoying personalized meals prepared by your personal chef under a starlit sky.

Our routes include exclusive spots off the beaten path, unreachable by typical day tours, ensuring an intimate connection with nature. Plus, we offer authentic cultural experiences with the Guna community—real moments, never staged—making your San Blas journey truly unforgettable.

You may also want to read our post What Not to Do in the San Blas Islands or our post "From Paradise to Disappointment: Ranking the Best and Worst Islands in San Blas"

Book Your Exclusive San Blas Charter

Skip the resorts—experience a private, family-tailored catamaran in San Blas.

Limited exclusive spots available for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025. Secure your dream getaway today!

Visit Catamaran Adventures San Blas for info on San Blas sailing and our special ways and standards of the best San Blas tours.