There are several ways to explore the San Blas Islands from Panama. You can do a day tour from Panama City, but it involves 5–6 hours of travel each way, which may feel rushed. A better option is a multi-day stay on one of the islands, sleeping in simple cabañas or tents.

The most relaxing and adventurous way to experience San Blas is through a sailing tour with a captain. You'll sleep on deck in tents and sail to different islands each day, enjoying snorkeling, bounty beaches, and interaction with the Guna community.

Most tours depart from Panama City around 5 AM. After a 1–2 hour drive to Cartí (curvy road, bring motion sickness pills if needed), you switch to a small boat (about 1 hour) that takes you to the islands or your sailboat. Don’t forget your passport at the checkpoint!

Where you sleep
Accommodation varies by tour: tents on a boat deck, cabins on the islands, or even hammocks on the beach. Be sure to check what’s included before booking.

Costs (as of early 2025)

• Round-trip car: €60

• Round-trip boat transfer: €60

• Entrance fees: €22

• Sailing tour (incl. food, stay): ~€135/day

Hikes in El Valle de Antón

• India Dormida: The most famous hike in El Valle. A 1.5–2 hour climb through jungle and past waterfalls, ending with panoramic views from the top. Entry: $3, open 8:00–20:00.

• Cerro La Silla: A short but steep hike with incredible valley views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Perfect for a picnic at the top. Entry: $5, open 6:00–18:00.

• Cerro Cara Iguana: A 4-hour round trip with stunning views, especially at sunset. Free and ideal for any time of day.

Other things to do

• Waterfalls: Cool off after a hike at Chorro las Mozas ($2, you can swim) or visit Chorro el Macho (entry $3, swimming nearby costs extra $5).

• Butterfly Garden: Learn about Panama’s butterflies and see them up close, great for photography.

Food tips

• El Rincon Colombiana: Tasty and affordable local dishes.

• Restaurante L’Italiana: Great wood-fired pizza.

• Kare Coffee: Best cappuccino (and lime cake!) with garden views.

Surf all day

Let’s start with the obvious: surfing is the thing to do here. From sunrise to sunset, the beach is filled with both beginners and pro’s catching waves. You can rent a board for about $15–$20 a day, and if you’re new to it, there are plenty of surf schools offering group or private lessons. Tip: (face the ocean) beginners usually stick to the left side, while more advanced surfers head to the right. And even if surfing’s not your thing, it’s pure joy to watch with a cold drink in hand.

Flow & breathe

With the sound of the waves in the background, it’s the perfect setting for yoga and meditation. Studios and lodges like Selina and Eco Venao offer daily classes ranging from energizing vinyasa flows to deeply restorative yin. You’ll also find breathwork sessions and full-on retreats if you're ready to dive deeper.

Shop local

Between surf sessions, take a stroll through the village shops. Most are surf-inspired and carry cool bikinis, rash guards, and handmade jewelry. Some of the best stops? Merci Venao and Glorka. Small but stylish and full of local handcraft stuff.

Sunset beats

When the sun starts to set, Playa Venao shifts into party mode. Beach bars like Selina and El Sitio host live music, DJ sets, and themed events, often starting with mellow sunset vibes and building into full-on dance parties by midnight. Not a party animal? No worries, just book your stay a little further from the action, like at Selina River, for a quieter night’s sleep.

Things to do in Santa Catalina

Visit Coiba National Park
A trip to Santa Catalina isn’t complete without visiting Coiba, one of the largest protected marine areas in Central America. Once a penal colony, the island is now a haven for wildlife and stunning coral reefs. It’s a top spot for diving and snorkeling, with clear waters, turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. If you’d rather stay on land, you’ll still spot monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. We recommend taking a day tour that includes snorkeling stops, a visit to the Coiba museum, and lunch on a paradise island.

Surf
Santa Catalina is known for consistent waves year-round, with Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero being the main surf spots. Whether you're a beginner or advanced surfer, there’s something for you, plus plenty of surf schools for lessons and board rentals. Just don’t expect a hardcore surf scene like in Playa Venao, it’s a bit more laid-back here.

Beach day at Oasis
Looking to chill? Head to the beach bar Oasis, where you can relax on sunbeds with umbrellas (minimum spend of €7). It’s a great spot to escape the hot sand and enjoy a cocktail. They also host occasional beach parties.

Where to eat

• Manifest Collective – A relaxed food court with several eateries:

  • Panawok: Customize your own noodle bowl, big portions and tasty!

  • Apizza: Stone oven pizzas (not mind-blowing, but does the job).

  • Santo Taco: Looked delicious, even though we didn’t try it ourselves.

• Panachocolat – Great coffee and sweet treats at the village’s main crossroads.

• Grill – Simple and affordable burgers with fries, around €8–9.

• Surfers Point – Lovely garden café for açai bowls and smoothies, run by super friendly owners.

Where to stay

• Bambuda Santa Catalina – Possibly the most beautiful Bambuda location in Panama. Great rooms, rotating dinner menu, and a dreamy pool with a swim-up bar. Slightly outside the main village, so be ready for a walk.

• Bodhi – A social, budget-friendly option with a backpacker vibe. Breakfast is included, and it's close to restaurants and cafes.

• Oasis & Surf Camp – Right on the beach. Perfect if you want to wake up with your toes in the sand.

La Pianista
La Pianista is one of our favorite hikes in Boquete. It’s a moderate/long trail that takes you through beautiful cloud forests and coffee plantations. As you climb, you'll get views of the valley and surrounding mountains. It’s not a easy hike, but it’s totally doable, and the landscape makes it more than worth the effort.

The Pipeline Trail
For something a bit more easy, the Pipeline Trail is a great choice. This one follows an old pipeline through thick jungle. The sound of rushing water and the occasional wildlife sighting make this hike feel extra rewarding. You’ll end up at a waterfall and you might even spot a quetzal.

The Lost Waterfalls
If you're up for a bit of an adventure, the Lost Waterfalls trail is a must. It's a bit more rugged, with some hiking over rocks, but you'll be rewarded with three amazing waterfalls. The second one is especially stunning, and if you're feeling brave, you can even swim in the cool pools beneath them. It’s a perfect way to cool off after a good hike.

Food, drinks and accommodation

• Breakfast: Bambuda Castle

• Lunch: Otto Gastronomia Italiana

• Coffee: Buckle Tip Coffee Studio

• Dinner: RetroGusto Restaurant & Bar

• Accommodation: Bambuda Castle

Island hopping

One of the best ways to explore Bocas is by jumping on a boat and checking out the different islands. Isla Colón is the busiest and has the most going on, but make sure to visit Isla Bastimentos for more nature and chill vibes. Red Frog Beach is worth a visit. If you want to see the red frogs, you have to look well between the bushes, they are very hard to spot since they are so small.

Snorkeling & diving
The water around Bocas is crystal clear and full of marine life. Head out on a snorkeling tour to spots like Coral Cay or Hospital Point. Think bright corals, tropical fish, and if you're lucky, some rays or nurse sharks. Prefer going deeper? There are a few dive shops in Bocas Town that’ll take you out for an underwater adventure.

Sunset drinks & nightlife
After a day in the sun, there’s no better way to end it than with a drink by the water. Head to spots like Bibi’s on the Beach or the Floating Bar for sunset cocktails. When the night kicks in, Bocas Town comes alive. There’s live music, beachfront bars, and the occasional party that goes well past midnight (Aqua Lounge is a classic if you're in the mood).

Surf or take a lesson
If you’re into surfing, or want to give it a go, there are some solid breaks around Bocas. Playa Paunch and Bluff Beach are popular with more experienced surfers, but there are also beginner-friendly spots. Just ask around in town, and someone will point you in the right direction (or hook you up with a board and a lesson).