How Do I Get to the San Blas Islands?

The only way to visit the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) is by booking with a licensed tour operator — and Sea San Blas is proud to be one of them.

Because the region is autonomous and protected, independent travel is not allowed. Only approved operators are permitted to bring visitors into Guna Yala and access the islands by vehicle and boat.

Here’s how the journey works:

Pickup in Panama City – Most trips begin with a 4x4 transfer directly from your hotel or meeting point
Drive through the jungle mountains – The ride takes about 2.5 hours to reach the Guna border and port
Transfer to boat – After clearing the border, you’ll hop on a boat that takes you to your island
Arrive in paradise – Depending on the island, the boat ride is 30–60 minutes long

Sea San Blas handles everything for you — transportation, border fees, boat transfers, accommodations, and meals — so you don’t have to worry about the details.

Why it matters to book with a licensed operator:

Guna authorities strictly control access to preserve the culture and ecosystem
Licensed operators ensure guest safety and follow all local regulations
DIY travel or unauthorized guides are not allowed and could lead to entry denial

Updated on: 05/11/2025

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