San Blas

Isla Verde – Guna Yala, Panama

Did you know that parts of the Netflix series Money Heist were filmed here?

Just one hour by boat from Nargana Airport lies Isla Verde, one of the most peaceful islands along the usual sailing routes in San Blas. It is a place to slow down, relax in a hammock under the shade of the palm trees, and enjoy a quiet evening around a beach bonfire beneath a clear, star-filled sky.

The anchorage is known for its calm waters. The surrounding coral reef acts as a natural barrier, creating a protected area suitable both for children and for those new to snorkeling who are looking for a safe first experience in the marine environment.

To the south of Isla Verde lies a small island that served as a filming location for the Netflix series Money Heist. It is a recognizable setting for fans of the show and is often a stop for photographs.

Coco Bandero – Guna Yala, Panama

Fun fact: Nurse sharks are commonly found in Coco Bandero. They are a calm, slow-moving species that usually rests on the seabed during the day. In this area, it is common to see them approach boats, especially near the stern, attracted by activity in the water.

Coco Bandero is one of the most emblematic groups of islands in the San Blas archipelago, Panama. Made up of three islands and a small islet, this spot appears on the cover of the main nautical pilot guide used by the sailing boats in the area, written by Eric Bauhaus.

It is an authentic Caribbean scene: crystal-clear waters with turquoise tones that change throughout the day, small white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, and a natural setting that invites you to enjoy this special anchorage among the four islands.

In Coco Bandero, the presence of nurse sharks is common. Known for their calm behavior, they often approach the stern of the boat, allowing close observation and a very special experience both from on board and while snorkeling.

Chichime Cays – Guna Yala, Panama

One of the few areas in the San Blas archipelago where surfing is possible.

Chichimé is one of our favorite places within the San Blas archipelago, Panama. Made up of two white-sand islands, the Cayos Chichimé stand out for their lively atmosphere and the variety of options both on land and at sea.

On both Chichimé Grande and Chichimé Pequeño, it is common to find bars, small restaurants, and picnic areas spread across the islands, managed by the Guna community. These simple facilities blend naturally into the surroundings and serve as regular meeting points for sailors and visitors.

Chichimé is also an especially attractive spot for sea lovers. On calm days, the reef comes alive with marine life and becomes one of the most interesting areas for snorkeling in San Blas.

For those who surf, these islands offer a rare experience within the archipelago. When conditions are right, waves break over the reef in a very distinctive setting, marked by the presence of a large ferry stranded just a few meters away, a characteristic sight of Chichimé.

Fun fact: Near the Cayos Chichimé, a large ferry can be seen stranded on the reef. Known locally as the “San Blas Ferry,” it never operated as a regular service and became grounded in the area, where it still remains today as a visible landmark from the sea.

Narganá y Corazón de Jesús – Guna Yala, Panamá

Fun fact: Guna villages are concentrated on very small islands, which makes community life especially intense. Streets, schools, sports courts, and shared spaces are all part of a closely connected daily life, where almost everything happens just a few meters apart.

If you wish to immerse yourself in Guna culture and experience everyday local life, visiting a village is an essential part of the San Blas experience. Narganá and Corazón de Jesús stand out as two of the most picturesque villages in the archipelago, connected by the Friendship Bridge.

These places allow you to experience the vitality of one of the most densely populated areas by square meter. The atmosphere is filled with the joy of local residents and the constant presence of Latin music in the background. Daily life unfolds through familiar scenes: children returning from school wearing their traditional mola uniforms, young people training on sports courts for upcoming competitions, and cats moving freely through the streets as part of the everyday landscape.

A visit to the Guna Congress, a traditional-style building, offers insight into how the community gathers to discuss and make decisions about the future of the village, providing a direct view of its customs and social organization. Explore the variety of local restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Guna cuisine, and let a simple ice cream become an unforgettable treat. Narganá is also the main aerial gateway to the Guna Yala region, with a runway that almost blends into the surrounding Darién jungle.

From here, it is possible to venture into the natural surroundings by ascending the Diablo River on a calm dinghy ride, a peaceful way to explore the jungle and discover one of the spots where local families often cool off and spend their weekends.

Salardup – Guna Yala, Panama

Fun fact: Although in Dule, the language of the Guna people, Salardup means “island of the starfish,” today these are seen less frequently in its waters, a reminder of how the marine environment changes over time.

Salardup takes its name from the Guna language and means “island of the starfish.” This island marks the natural transition between the western and eastern islands along the usual sailing route through San Blas.

Surrounded by reefs that mark the end of the inner coral ring, Salardup lies among small palm-covered islands. In front of the anchorage, a stretch of light sand concentrates much of the island’s daily activity.

On land, the family who owns the island keeps a collection of shells gathered over time, reflecting the marine richness of the waters surrounding this part of Guna Yala.

The relationship with the family is simple and close. Toward the end of the day, it is not unusual for a bonfire to be lit on the beach, creating a quiet moment to share conversations and watch the island settle into the rhythm of the evening.