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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Discover the beauty of San Blas by staying in a private over-water cabin on Isla Yansailadup, one of the most stunning islands in the Lemon Keys. This paradise island is surrounded by top San Blas highlights, including the famous Natural Pool, Isla Perro with its iconic shipwreck snorkeling spot, and Isla Chichime.
What sets this experience apart is the island’s welcoming Kuna family hosts, known for serving fresh, homemade meals and keeping the beaches clean and inviting. Guests consistently rate this island as one of the best in San Blas thanks to its central location, friendly atmosphere, and excellent service.
Your stay includes a San Blas boat tour, giving you the chance to explore nearby islands and swim in crystal-clear waters. Relax in your private over-water cabin, just steps from the sea, while shared bathrooms remain conveniently close by.
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. If you’ve booked the optional transportation service, a 4x4 SUV (max. 6 passengers) will pick you up directly from your Panama City hotel. Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive through lush jungle hills until you reach the port of Cartí. At the port, your Guna guides will manage all logistics for you. While the area can feel busy and chaotic, the process is well-organized, and you’ll be guided smoothly onto your boat transfer. Depending on logistics, the boat may make short stops at other islands before reaching your destination.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Arrive at Isla Yansailadup, one of the most picturesque islands in the Lemon Keys, and check into your private over-water cabin. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, strolling around the island, or enjoying the calm, shallow waters. Kayaks are available for use if you’d like to paddle and explore nearby islets. In the evening, savor a freshly prepared dinner before drifting off to sleep surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the sea.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Check out by 8:00am and enjoy your last morning on the island. Lunch is served at 12pm. Island management will happily store your luggage for you.
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
By 1:00pm we will pick you up to go on an island boat tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool. Swim in this beautiful pool and stand waist deep in the middle of the ocean! This is a once in a lifetime experience! At 3:00pm you will return to the port of Carti.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Panama City
If choosing our optional round trip transportation service, your driver will be waiting for you to safely return you to Panama City, arriving at your lodging by 7:00pm.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival in San Blas & Check-In
Check-out at 8am. Beach Day & San Blas Boat Tour
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
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Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- Driver will make a stop in a supermarket so you could buy snacks/drinks. (If choosing our optional round trip transportation service)
- 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) (If choosing our optional round trip transportation service)
- 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. 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.
- 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 ;)
- Important Information for Guests Staying on Yansailadup Island: Welcome to Yansailadup Island! To ensure your stay is enjoyable, we’d like to share some key details about the services and guidelines on our island: Arrival at the Port: Upon arrival at the port, please be patient as we await all guests to finalize the entry list. Once ready, your hosts, will guide you on your journey to the island. Services Provided: The Yansailadup Island family will manage essential aspects of your stay, including: Boat transportation, Accommodation, Meal preparation, Tours (if included in your booking), Tour Information, Please note the following about our tours: Tours are not guided, and not all host family members speak English. We encourage open communication to ensure a fulfilling experience. Snorkeling and other activities may be canceled due to rain or strong winds for safety reasons. Guests will be notified if any changes occur. Dining and Dietary Considerations: Our meals are prepared using available ingredients, and while we aim to accommodate vegetarians, we do not have a specific vegetarian menu or restaurant facilities. Environmental Awareness: The ocean currents may bring floating debris ashore, and while we strive to keep our beaches clean, some factors are beyond our control. Your assistance in maintaining cleanliness during your stay is greatly valued. Feedback and Communication: We encourage you to share any questions, suggestions, or concerns with us during your stay so we can address them promptly. Real-time feedback helps us improve your experience. Please understand that we cannot accept negative comments after your trip.
- Please note that accommodations and services in San Blas are rustic and simple, closer to eco-style camping than luxury hotels. This authenticity is part of what makes the San Blas experience so special.
- 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.
- Please note that the beaches around Isla Yansailadup are very shallow and not ideal for swimming close to shore. To enjoy a proper swim, guests need to walk further out into the sea where the water gets deeper. While this makes the beach area safe and calm, it may not be the best choice for travelers looking for immediate deep-water swimming right off the sand.
- 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.
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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 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.
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