One day: the introduction
A day trip is enough to say you've seen San Blas — beach, snorkeling, a traditional lunch. It's the right call if your time in Panama is limited.
Two or three days: the full experience
With two or three days you can combine different islands instead of just one, see both a sunset and a sunrise without the daytime crowds, and — something people underestimate — avoid repeating the nearly 3-hour 4x4 drive every time you want to get back to the islands.
More than three days: for repeat visitors
If you've already visited San Blas and want a deeper immersion, a multi-day private yacht or sailboat charter lets you move between the archipelago's most remote islands at your own pace, without a fixed tour itinerary.
Our honest recommendation
If it's your first time, start with a day trip or a single night. If you fall for it (most people do), you can plan a longer return trip — even a multi-day private charter the second time around.