What Not to Do in the San Blas Islands
- Feb 20, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Visiting the San Blas Islands
Coming to San Blas for non-stop partying, hard drinking and assuming that the San Blas islands are like the BVI’s, USVI’s or any of the other typical sailing locations in the Caribbean is a misunderstanding of what the archipelago has to offer.
Exposing the truth not told about the San Blas islands not only benefits our future guests and us, it also does a great favor to the Guna indigenous and their communities by bringing in the right type of conscious traveler that the region aims for.
Arriving with the wrong expectations can turn an extraordinary destination into the wrong experience.
Who San Blas Is (and Isn’t) For
San Blas is for travelers who value nature, silence, cultural respect, slow sailing, and meaningful experiences.
It is not for nightlife, heavy partying, rigid schedules, or cruise-style entertainment.
In older posts we discussed for example what islands not to visit in the San Blas, now we dive deeper into what the islands have to offer and what not to expect from your Panama sailing holiday.
We receive enquiries from all over the world on a daily basis, while some of these requests mention their intention to, for example, meet the local indigenous, visit the cays and make sure they get to snorkel in the right places, others mention directly of how much alcohol is included and how to provision more if they run out.
Do your research on what is there to do in the San Blas region before attempting to come. It will save you a lot of trouble. These islands are not for example what the big cruise line client aims for, there are great differences in the personalization, comfort of the trip and most importantly the quality of the experience and the memories you will take back.
The Guna Yala Region is definitely not a tourist trap. Believe us on that one. A tourist trap by definition is a place where locals would not attempt to go. Guna indigenous have lived in the islands for centuries, they love their land and they constantly care for it.
It goes without saying that we do not operate as a booze cruise, and the Guna Yala region, along with its humble residents in the local communities and pristine environment, do not need the disturbance and negative impacts that come with excessive partying in inappropriate locations. Having some wine, enjoying a couple of beers and having clean fun is not only permitted but absolutely recommended and included in the price of our catamaran sailing charters. Over drinking, not showing respect to the local indigenous and their ways and not having physical coordination is not tolerated on board.
The 10 Things Not to Do in the San Blas Islands
To truly enjoy San Blas, here’s what experienced travelers avoid:
Expect nightlife or clubbing
Bringing stress instead of letting it dissolve
Obsessing over rigid schedules and exact timings
Rushing from island to island — less is truly more
Assuming San Blas is unsafe or chaotic
Disrespecting local culture, crew, or fellow guests
Prioritizing phones over presence
Ignoring sun exposure, deck safety, or physical awareness
Expecting urban-level comfort at every moment
Dressing without consideration for the setting or culture
What You Can Expect Instead
San Blas offers a different kind of luxury — one defined by space, time, and authenticity.
Effortless snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, directly from your catamaran, over healthy coral reefs filled with tropical fish, turtles, rays, and calm nurse sharks
Secluded anchorages in the deep San Blas, sailing through the best of San Blas: Dutch Cays, Coco Bandero, and Cambombia, far from day-trip routes and crowded islands
Slow, unstructured days, shaped by nature rather than schedules, with time for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply doing nothing at all
Meaningful cultural encounters with the Guna people, visiting island communities and learning about a way of life preserved for centuries
Fresh, locally sourced seafood, often caught the same day and prepared onboard by your crew. All meals can be adapted to dietary restrictions and personal preferences.
True connection and presence, where phones fade away and moments with family or friends take center stage
Visiting the San Blas Islands offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty and rich culture of the Guna Yala region. By respecting local customs, preserving the environment, and being mindful of the community’s way of life, you can help maintain this paradise for future generations.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
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