The San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands, or Guna Yala, are a slice of unspoilt Caribbean paradise off Panama's northern coast, an archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands, many just a scrap of white sand topped with a few palms, scattered across shimmering turquoise seas. What makes them special is that they are the autonomous homeland of the indigenous Guna people, who govern the region themselves, preserve their traditions and culture, and welcome visitors to their simple island cabins and boat trips in a genuinely off-grid experience.

What you actually see

• The palm-topped islands - the tiny white-sand islands in turquoise seas.
• The Guna culture - the traditions and molas textiles of the Guna people.
• Island-hopping and snorkelling - the boat trips between the islands.
• The simple cabin stays - the basic island lodgings over the water.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest weather and calmest seas; the region is remote and off-grid, so visits are simple and rustic year-round, with the dry season the most reliable for boat trips and clear water.

Honest expectations

It is genuinely remote and rustic: reached by a rough four-wheel-drive journey and a boat or a small flight, with basic, simple accommodation, little electricity, and simple food. It is governed by the Guna, who charge community fees and set the rules, so respect their culture and authority. It is a wonderfully unspoilt, off-grid experience rather than a resort, which is exactly its appeal.

Nearby

The mainland jungle and Panama City are the gateway; the coast stretches toward Colombia.