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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Spend the night on San Blas’ famous Shipwreck Island (Isla Perro), one of the most iconic spots in the San Blas archipelago. Just steps from your private room lies the sunken shipwreck, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful reef fish—making it one of the best snorkeling locations in Panama.
Unlike short day trips, this 2-Day, 1-Night San Blas getaway allows you to fully soak up island life. Wake up to the sound of the waves, relax on white-sand beaches, kayak around the island, or swim to nearby Isla Diablo.
Your stay includes freshly prepared meals and an included boat tour to other nearby islands and the natural pool, where you can snorkel among starfish in shallow crystal-clear waters.
With a private room, delicious meals, snorkeling, and your local Guna hosts, this is the perfect way to experience both the beauty and culture of San Blas in a short but unforgettable escape.
What's Included
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
If booking with transportation from Panama City: ✅ To confirm your tour, you must provide your WhatsApp number, hotel name, and room number. Without this information, your pickup cannot be arranged and your booking will not be confirmed. ✅ Pickup takes place between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby during this time. ✅ Transportation is shared (up to 6 guests per vehicle). Drivers plan the most efficient pickup route, so your cooperation with being on time is essential. ✅ If you are not present at your designated pickup point, you will forfeit your tour without refund. ✅ Drivers will attempt to reach you via WhatsApp, but cannot wait more than 10 minutes before continuing to the next pickup in order to remain on schedule for all guests. If driving on your own to San Blas: ✅ Please contact our office in advance for detailed driving directions and instructions. ✅ Important: Only 4x4 vehicles are permitted to enter the Guna Yala territory. Regular SUVs (e.g. Hyundai Tucson or similar) are not allowed, as they are considered too small and unsuitable for the challenging road conditions. Guests arriving in non-4x4 vehicles will be denied entry.
The tour 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
Your San Blas adventure begins with either an early morning pickup in Panama City between 5:00 and 5:45 AM (if booked with transportation) or a self-drive to the port of Cartí by 8:30 AM, where only 4x4 vehicles are permitted. The port may feel busy and informal at first, but the Guna guides have all logistics handled, ensuring a smooth process. From there, enjoy a 20–40 minute boat ride to Isla Perro, which may include brief stops at other islands to pick up or drop off travelers—offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Upon arrival, check into your private room and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the island, snorkeling (mask & snorkel can be rented on the island) the famous shipwreck just off the beach, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring the island at your leisure. As the sun sets, relax with dinner prepared by your Guna hosts before settling into your beachfront cabin for the night.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
After breakfast, check-out is at 8:00 AM, with luggage storage available. Around 10:00 AM, embark on your included boat tour, visiting two nearby islands and the famous San Blas natural pool, where you can wade through shallow waters and spot colorful starfish. At around 3:30PM say good-bye to San Blas and head back to Cartí. Guests who booked transportation will return to Panama City by early evening, while self-driving guests can continue their journey at their own pace.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival & Isla Perro
Boat Tour & Departure
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
- Please DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
- 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
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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
- Please DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
- 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
- You are allowed to bring additional snacks/beverages and a cooler.
- Our 4x4 transportation has insurance for the car and each passenger inside (maximum 6 passengers per car)
- 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!
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- 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 :)
- ️ What to Expect in San Blas - Please read before Booking!!! Accommodation ❌ No A/C; limited electricity (available only 6:00 pm–6:00 am). ❌ No WiFi (local SIM may work, not guaranteed). Bathrooms are basic & shared; showers may have slight salt content. Water is precious; supply may be limited or inconsistent. ️ Beds and sheets may be worn or uncomfortable. ♻️ What looks like “clutter” is often reused items by Kuna families — please respect their way of life. ️ Food Meals freshly prepared in local kitchens. Simple dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones. Additional food, drinks, and snacks can be purchased before departure. Transportation Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City on curvy mountain roads; shared 4x4 SUVs (6 passengers). Extra seat = extra cost. Pick-up: 5:00–5:30 am — be ready on time (drivers cannot wait more than 10 minutes). ✅ Port check-in: Can feel busy or informal, but the Kuna community maintains an organized system and ensures all guests are cared for. Boat ride: 20–40 min; can be bumpy and wet. Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life. Kuna Culture Only Kuna may work in San Blas. Most do not 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 during rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring insect 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).\ Final Note 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 they are kind and welcoming. With the right mindset, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of one of the most stunning places on Earth.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- 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.
- 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.
- Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.
- 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
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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