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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
This San Blas day trip from Panama City is designed for travelers who want to see the best of the islands in a single adventure. Start with a scenic drive through the jungle mountains, then board a boat to discover four postcard-perfect stops: the famous shipwreck at Isla Perro Chico, the clear Natural Pool, the wide sandy beaches of Isla Chichime, and the laid-back vibe of Isla Diablo.
Unlike other tours, this experience balances exploration with plenty of time to relax. Snorkel over colorful reefs, swim in calm turquoise waters, or simply enjoy a freshly cooked island lunch under the palms. With round-trip transport included, friendly local hosts, and carefully chosen island visits, this tour makes it easy to enjoy San Blas without the hassle of planning.
✅ Round-trip transport from Panama City included
✅ Lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian option)
It’s an ideal choice for families, couples, and anyone looking to escape the city and spend a day in Panama’s tropical paradise.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
If booking with transportation from Panama City: ✅ 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, so 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. If driving to San Blas on your own: ✅ Please contact our office for exact directions and instructions. ✅ Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to enter the territory. Regular SUVs (e.g., Hyundai Tucson or similar) are not permitted due to the rough roads.
The tour begins at the Port of Carti. Please contact our office for exact driving directions. Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to enter San Blas; standard cars or SUVs will not be permitted, and you will forfeit your tour if unable to enter.
Itinerary
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1Panama City
Pick-up in Panama City 5:00–5:45 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in licensed 4x4 vehicles. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through lush jungle highlands, with a short bathroom and snack stop along the way.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Arrival at the Port of San Blas 8:30–9:00 AM: Arrive at the port for check-in and boat assignments. The process may feel busy, but the Guna community runs it smoothly, ensuring all guests are taken care of. Then, board your boat for a 25–30 minute ride across the Caribbean Sea to your first island. 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: Start the day on Isla Perro Chico, a favorite San Blas island. Enjoy its wide sandy beach, relax under swaying palms, or snorkel over the shallow shipwreck teeming with tropical fish. Safe, shallow waters make it an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers and underwater photography.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4San Blas Islands
Natural Pool 12:00 – 12:30 PM: Continue to the famous Natural Pool, a sandbar in the middle of the ocean where the water only reaches your waist. Stroll through the crystal-clear shallows, look for starfish, and take in the surreal view of endless turquoise stretching in every direction.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5San Blas Islands
Isla Chichime (Lunch Stop) 1:00 – 2:30 PM: Arrive at Isla Chichime, often described as one of the most stunning islands in the archipelago. Swim, sunbathe, or explore the long sandy shoreline before enjoying a freshly prepared island lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) served in a rustic beachfront setting by your Guna hosts.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
6San Blas Islands
Isla Diablo 2:45 – 3:30 PM: End your island-hopping at Isla Diablo, a lively little island perfect for swimming and relaxing. Snap your final photos or take one last dip in the turquoise waters before heading back.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
7San Blas Islands
Boat Ride Back to the Port 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Return by boat to the mainland. Depending on the day’s logistics, your boat may briefly stop at other islands to pick up or drop off travelers, offering an authentic glimpse of everyday island life.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Panama City
Drive Back to Panama City 4:00 – 7:00 PM: Meet your 4x4 driver for the return journey through the jungle highlands. Expect to arrive in Panama City around 7:00 PM, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
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 GUNA 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
- PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR A 2.5 to 3 HOUR CAR JOURNEY EACH WAY OVER CURVY ROADS! THERE IS ALSO A 25-30 MINUTE BOAT RIDE TO YOUR FIRST ISLAND WHICH CAN GET QUITE BUMPY AND WET. We feel that the islands are worth the long drive, but some travelers have complained about the drive and the fast boat ride from and to the port. While we strive to provide our guests the best service and an unforgettable experience in San Blas, we are not responsible for road and ocean conditions, and we would like you to be aware of this fact :)
- The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
- AGAIN!!! Please be prepared for a 2.5 hour car journey each way (1 hour on a highway and about 1.5 hours through the mountains over curvy roads! Please do not leave bad reviews because of the road. We try to warn you ahead of time ;)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
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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 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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