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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
San Blas is one of the few untouched island archipelagos left in the world, home to the indigenous Guna people who continue to live simply and joyfully. This 2-day, 1-night adventure invites you to experience paradise in a private beach cabin, complete with fresh meals and a day trip to nearby islands.
What makes this tour truly unique is Isla Perro, famous for its shipwreck just steps from the beach. Snorkel among colorful reef fish around the sunken boat, relax on powdery white sand, and soak in the island’s laid-back atmosphere. Unlike crowded tourist spots, here you’ll enjoy the warm hospitality of a local Guna family, ensuring a welcoming and authentic experience.
With exclusive island access, stunning natural beauty, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, this San Blas getaway is an unforgettable escape to one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
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 adventure begins early in the morning with pick-up from your Panama City lodging (if choosing our optional roundtrip transportation). After a scenic drive through the jungle highlands, you’ll arrive at the San Blas port. Please note: the check-in process may feel busy or a little unstructured, but rest assured the Guna community has a well-organized system, and all guests are taken care of. Departure to the islands may take up to 30 minutes.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
A short boat ride brings you to Isla Perro, your island home for the night. Known for its stunning white-sand beach and famous shipwreck, Isla Perro is the perfect place to start your island escape. After settling into your private cabin with private bathroom, take the afternoon to swim, snorkel, and relax in paradise. The shipwreck just off the shore is a highlight—snorkel around it and discover colorful reef fish in crystal-clear waters. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by your Guna hosts and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Check-out from your private cabin is at 8:00 AM. You are welcome to store your luggage with island management while you continue to enjoy the island. After breakfast (fresh fruit, eggs, toast, and traditional ojaldre), take some free time to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel around the reef. Later in the day, embark on a boat excursion to two nearby islands, where you’ll have time to explore, relax, and capture stunning photos of San Blas’ natural beauty. After returning to Isla Perro for a freshly prepared lunch, prepare for your departure.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
Your boat will return you to the port around 3:00–3:30 PM, where your driver (if booked) will be waiting to take you back to Panama City, with arrival at your lodging by 6:30–7:00 PM.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival in San Blas & Isla Perro Experience
Departure & Island Tour
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
- 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
- Please DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
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
- 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
- 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)
- You are allowed to bring additional snacks/beverages and a cooler.
- 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 transportation, 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.
- 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 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 – SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ 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 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. However: 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, which is part of the authentic San Blas experience. ️ 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.
- 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.
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- There are no electrical outlets in the huts, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
- Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am and you should be back in Panama City between 6-7pm.
- 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.
- 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
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, 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.
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