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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
This San Blas Islands day trip from Panama City offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable experience. Unlike standard beach excursions, you’ll explore four of the most iconic destinations in the archipelago — the shipwreck reef at Isla Perro Chico, the crystal-clear Natural Pool, the pristine shores of Isla Chichime, and the lively charm of Isla Diablo.
Along the way, you’ll not only swim in turquoise waters and snorkel among tropical fish but also enjoy a freshly prepared Guna-style lunch served right on the beach. With convenient hotel pick-up in 4x4 vehicles, a scenic drive through jungle mountains, and a guided boat transfer across the Caribbean Sea, every detail of the journey is taken care of.
This is more than just a beach day — it’s a chance to discover Panama’s island paradise, connect with the Guna culture, and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
✅ Important: Your tour is not confirmed until we have your WhatsApp number, hotel name, and room number. Without this information, we cannot pick you up. ✅ On the day of your tour, be ready in your hotel lobby between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. ✅ Transportation is shared with up to 6 guests per car, and the driver will follow the most efficient route to pick up all guests. ✅ Punctuality is crucial: If you are not at your designated pickup point and waiting in the lobby, you will lose your tour without a refund. ✅ The driver will attempt to contact you via WhatsApp, but cannot wait more than 10 minutes before continuing to the next stop. Most drivers speak Spanish only, so please plan accordingly.
Itinerary
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1Panama City
5:00–5:45 AM: Start your journey with pick-up from your hotel in licensed 4x4 vehicles. Settle in for a scenic 3-hour ride through the jungle-covered mountains, with a short stop along the way for restrooms and refreshments.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Arrival at the Port of San Blas 8:30–9:00 AM: Reach the port for check-in and boat arrangements. Though the process can feel busy, the Guna community manages it smoothly, ensuring all travelers are quickly organized. Afterward, step aboard your boat for a 30-minute ride across the Caribbean Sea to your first island destination. During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Isla Perro Chico (Shipwreck) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Begin your island-hopping adventure at Isla Perro Chico, one of San Blas’ most famous spots. Relax on its postcard-worthy beaches or swim in calm turquoise waters. Just offshore lies a shallow shipwreck, a top snorkeling site teeming with tropical fish. This easy, beginner-friendly snorkel makes for one of the best underwater photo ops in the region.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
The Natural Pool 12:00 – 12:30 PM Continue to the famous Natural Pool — a shallow sandbar in the middle of the sea. Wade through crystal-clear waist-deep waters, search for starfish on the sandy bottom, and soak in the surreal beauty of being surrounded by endless ocean views.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5San Blas Islands
Isla Chichime (Lunch Stop) 1:00 – 2:30 PM Arrive at Isla Chichime, considered one of the crown jewels of the San Blas Islands. Spend free time swimming, sunbathing, or exploring its long sandy shoreline. A freshly prepared island lunch of fish, chicken, or vegetarian options awaits in a rustic beachfront setting — a true taste of Guna culture.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
6San Blas Islands
Isla Diablo 2:45 – 3:30 PM Your final island visit is Isla Diablo, a small, lively paradise with swaying palms and inviting waters. Take a dip, capture your last San Blas memories, or simply relax on the beach before heading back.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
7San Blas Islands
Boat Ride Back to the Port 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Return to the mainland by boat. Depending on logistics, your journey may include short stops at other islands to pick up or drop off fellow travelers. These pauses often provide unique glimpses of Guna life and smaller community islands.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Panama City
Drive Back to Panama City 4:00 – 7:00 PM: Meet your 4x4 driver for the ride back through the jungle highlands. The return trip takes about 3–3.5 hours, with arrival in Panama City around 7:00 PM, depending on weather and traffic.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
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Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
- You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- Please be advised that San Blas is in the Guna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic. The Gunas will be providing all touristic services, such as meal preparations, car and boat transportations, lodging, and tour guiding. We are proud to be working with this friendly tribe and with each booking we give back to the community, supporting their customs and their traditional way of life. We kindly ask you to respect this beautiful culture and their simple way of life, leaving your expectations behind and learning about their innocent culture.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs, please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- Infants need to sit on laps
- The journey to San Blas involves a 2.5–3 hour car ride each way on winding mountain roads, followed by a 25–30 minute boat transfer that can be bumpy and wet depending on sea conditions. While some travelers find the drive and boat ride challenging, most agree the islands are well worth the effort. We do our best to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, but please understand that road and ocean conditions are beyond our control. We appreciate your patience and adventurous spirit!
- SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING: ️ What to Expect on a San Blas Day Tour Transportation 2.5–3 hr ride from Panama City in shared 4x4s (6 passengers). Extra seat available at added cost. Pick-up 5:00–5:30 am — drivers can’t wait more than 10 min. Port check-in may feel informal, but the Kuna run it smoothly. 20–40 min boat ride (can be wet/bumpy). Boats may stop at other islands for guests. ️ Island Experience Rustic facilities: limited shade, basic bathrooms. Beaches often shallow — walk out further to swim. Islands can be busy in high season. Relaxed pace, no fixed schedules. ️ Food & Drinks Fresh meals (fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones). One drink included (water, soda, or beer). Extra snacks/drinks available at port or on islands. Kuna Culture Only Kuna operate tours; most don’t speak English. Respect traditions: ask before photos, dress modestly in villages. Nature & Environment Plastic debris may wash ashore, though Kuna clean regularly. Sandflies/mosquitoes common in rainy season → bring repellent. Weather unpredictable; rain possible (no refunds). Health & Safety Limited medical care; emergencies require evacuation to Panama City at guest’s cost. Travel insurance strongly recommended: Final Note This is not a luxury tour — it’s about disconnecting, experiencing Kuna culture, and enjoying pristine Caribbean islands. Bring patience, flexibility, and respect for an unforgettable adventure.
- During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.
- While the check-in process in the port may feel busy and a little unstructured, the local Guna community has a well-established system, and all guests are taken care of.
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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