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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Escape to the San Blas Islands on a 3-day/2-night getaway in a private over-water bungalow. Home to the Guna people, this remote archipelago offers a rare chance to unplug and experience authentic island life close to nature.
Wake to waves beneath your cabin, step straight into turquoise water for a morning swim, and linger over Caribbean views from your terrace. Your stay includes freshly prepared daily meals and a guided boat tour to nearby islands and the famous natural pools—perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and beach time.
Prefer a seamless start? Add optional 4x4 transport from Panama City (max 6 guests per vehicle), with full insurance for vehicles, boats, and guests.
Throughout your stay, expect attentive local hosts, reliable boats with sunshades, and 24/7 support. This boutique experience blends the magic of San Blas with the comfort and privacy of an over-water bungalow—ideal for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a relaxed island escape with a touch of adventure.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
If booking with transportation from Panama City: Please note: Your tour is not confirmed until you provide us with your WhatsApp number, hotel name, and room number. Without this information, we will be unable to arrange your pickup. On the day of your tour, be ready in your hotel lobby between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. Transportation is shared (up to 6 guests per vehicle), and routes are planned to collect everyone efficiently. To avoid delays, it’s very important that you are on time. If you are not present at your designated pickup point, the tour will depart without you and no refund will be issued. Our drivers will do their best to contact you via WhatsApp, but they can only wait a maximum of 10 minutes before moving on to ensure timely service for all guests. If driving yourself to San Blas: Please contact our office for detailed driving directions and instructions. Important: Only true 4x4 vehicles are permitted to enter Guna territory. Standard SUVs (e.g., Hyundai Tucson or similar) are not allowed, as they are too small and unsuitable for the challenging mountain roads. Many travelers have been turned away for arriving in non-4x4 vehicles, so please plan accordingly.
The starts in the port of Carti. Contact our office for exact driving directions and instructions. Plan to arrive no later than 8:30am. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed entry into San Blas territory. All other cars and SUVs will not be allowed to enter the territory and you will lose your tour.
Itinerary
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1San Blas Islands
If booking with transportation, your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Panama City between 5:00–5:45 AM. Guests arranging their own transport should meet directly at the port by 8:30 AM. After check-in at the port, you’ll board a lancha (boat) for a scenic 20–40 minute ride across the turquoise waters. Boat transfers may stop briefly at other islands to drop off or pick up travelers, offering you a glimpse into authentic Guna island life.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
2San Blas Islands
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed at your private over-water bungalow before setting off on an island boat tour to explore some of San Blas’s most stunning highlights. Visit pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and discover the famous natural swimming pools surrounded by starfish. After a full day of exploring, return to your bungalow in the late afternoon. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and fall asleep to the soothing sound of the sea beneath your cabin.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Wake to the glow of sunrise over the sea and enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views. This day is yours to embrace the slow rhythm of San Blas—swim in crystal-clear waters, or take a walk along pristine beaches. You may also choose to interact with the local Guna community and learn about their traditions and way of life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, featuring freshly cooked meals made with local ingredients. End the day stargazing from your private terrace, where the night sky shines brighter than anywhere in the city.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
Check out from your cabin is at 2:00pm. Spend your last few hours on Isla Guasirdup before leaving the island at 3:00pm to head back to Panama City.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Panama City Pickup or Port Meeting → Arrival in San Blas
Island Day
Check-out and Island Boat Tour → Return to Panama City
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You are allowed to bring additional snacks/beverages and a cooler.
- Please DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
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Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You are allowed to bring additional snacks/beverages and a cooler.
- Please DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
- Our 4x4 transportation has insurance for the car and each passenger inside (maximum 6 passengers per car)
- The boat transfer from the port to the islands may be bumpy with some sea spray. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication. You may also get wet, so please bring some water protection for your luggage and yourself
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- The usage of drones has been made illegal in the islands of San Blas. Heavy fines have been imposed on those who ignore the law. Please don’t do it!
- 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.
- Aside from using generators for electricity, there are no amenities and utilities as you are used to from the city. Electricity only available between 6pm and 6am. Food is basic, yet freshly prepared such as fresh fried fish, mixed seafood, chicken or lobster (at extra charge) with salad, rice or plantains.
- We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
- 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 :)
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING San Blas is one of the most beautiful and untouched island paradises in the world — turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and the unique culture of the Kuna people. At the same time, San Blas is very rustic. Think of it more as a cultural adventure / camping trip on a tropical island, rather than a luxury holiday. ➡️ If you expect 5-star comfort, we recommend our other tours in Panama. ✅ If you come with an open mind, you’ll discover an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experience far from mass tourism. Our Service vs. Local Service We provide excellent service during your booking process and will assist you before and during your trip. But please note: We do not own or operate the islands. Once you arrive, all services are provided by the local Kuna community, and quality may differ from what you’re used to. Service may feel slow or unorganized — this is part of the San Blas experience. ️ What to Expect in San Blas Accommodation ❌ No A/C, limited electricity ❌ No WiFi (local SIM may work, not guaranteed) Bathrooms are basic & often shared, sometimes not very clean Shower water may have a slight salt content, as it is sourced locally on the island ♻️ Kuna families reuse materials — may look like “clutter” but it’s their way of life ️ Food Meals freshly prepared in local kitchens Expect simple dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones Transportation Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City (curvy mountain roads) Shared 4x4 SUVs (6 passengers). Extra seat = extra cost Pick-up 5:00–5:30am — be ready on time (drivers cannot wait more than 10 mins) Port check-in can feel busy, but the Guna community keeps it organized and all guests are cared for. Boat ride: 20–40 min, can be wet and bumpy depending on ocean conditions; transfers may stop at other islands. Kuna Culture Only Kuna may work in San Blas Most don’t speak English; service is simple, not hotel-style Respect, patience, and a smile go a long way Nature & Environment Ocean currents bring plastic debris (Kuna clean regularly) Sandflies common in rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring repellent Weather is unpredictable — rain possible anytime (no refunds for rain) Health & Safety Very limited medical care on the islands Serious issues require evacuation to Panama City (guest covers cost) Travel insurance is strongly recommended San Blas is not luxury — it’s about disconnecting, embracing a unique culture, and enjoying paradise. Come with patience, flexibility, and respect. The Kuna may be reserved, but are kind and welcoming. With the right mindset, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of one of the most stunning places on Earth.
- 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.
- 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.
- There are no electrical outlets in the huts, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
- Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.
- The check-in process at the port can feel busy and informal, but the Guna community has an organized system and all guests are well taken care of. During the boat ride, your lancha may make brief stops at nearby islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.
- 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
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- 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 will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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