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- English
- Spanish
Experience one of Panama’s top-rated adventures with this 2-day, 1-night San Blas Islands tour from Panama City. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Guna Yala archipelago, home to the indigenous Guna people, who proudly preserve their traditional lifestyle and culture.
Stay overnight on Isla Yansailadup, a peaceful island surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters and powdery white sand. During your island-hopping tour, visit stunning nearby islands and swim in the famous natural pool while snorkeling among colorful reef fish.
Enjoy fresh local meals, boats with sun protection, and warm hospitality from your Guna hosts. With our Best Price & Quality Guarantee, 24/7 guest support, and years of trusted experience, this San Blas tour offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure in one of Panama’s most beautiful destinations.
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
If you choose our optional round-trip transportation service, your driver will pick you up early in the morning from your accommodation in Panama City and take you on a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the lush Guna Yala mountains to the port. Upon arrival at the port, things may seem a little unorganized at first — but don’t worry! The Guna staff have their own system, and they’ll guide you to your assigned boat. Once ready, you’ll board a shared speedboat for a 30–40 minute ride through the Caribbean Sea to Isla Yansailadup, a beautiful island surrounded by turquoise waters.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Check into your shared cabin and spend the rest of the day relaxing in paradise — swim in the calm, shallow waters (you may need to wade a bit farther out to swim), stroll along the soft white sand, or sway in a hammock under the palm trees. Enjoy freshly prepared Guna meals and end your day watching the golden sunset over the ocean.
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. 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival Day - Enjoy beautiful Isla Yansailadup
Departure Day: Check-out at 8:00am. Beach Day & San Blas Boat Tour
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Our 4x4 transportation has insurance for the car and each passenger inside (maximum 6 passengers per car)
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Our 4x4 transportation has insurance for the car and each passenger inside (maximum 6 passengers per car)
- 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.
- 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.
- The use 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 DO NOT FORGET to bring your ORIGINAL Passport for the Kuna border crossing
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- 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.
- 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 – YANSAILADUP ISLAND & 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. Yansailadup Island is no exception, offering an authentic and serene experience. At the same time, these islands are very rustic. Think of your visit as a cultural adventure or tropical island camping trip rather than a luxury holiday. ➡️ If you expect 5-star comfort, we recommend exploring our other tours in Panama. ✅ If you come with an open mind, you’ll discover a unique, 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. We do not own or operate the islands. Once you arrive, all services are provided by the Yansailadup Island family, and quality may differ from what you’re used to. Service may feel slow or unorganized — part of the authentic San Blas experience. Arrival at the Port: Please be patient as we wait for all guests to arrive and complete the entry list. Once everyone is accounted for, your journey to Yansailadup Island begins with the host family. ️ What to Expect on Yansailadup Island Accommodation No A/C; limited electricity (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. 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. ️ Meals & Dining Meals freshly prepared by the host family. Simple dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones. Vegetarian options may be accommodated, but no dedicated vegetarian menu. 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 — drivers cannot wait more than 10 minutes. Port check-in: may feel busy or informal, but the Kuna maintain an organized system. Boat ride: 20–40 min; can be bumpy and wet. Boat transfers may stop at other islands, offering a glimpse of authentic Kuna island life. Tours & Activities Tours are not guided, and not all host family members speak English. Open communication and collaboration with the family is encouraged. Snorkeling and other activities may be canceled in the event of rain or strong winds. Guests will be informed of changes during their stay. Nature & Environment Ocean currents may bring plastic debris; the Kuna clean regularly. Garbage may wash ashore despite cleaning efforts — guest cooperation is appreciated. Sandflies common during rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring insect repellent. Weather is unpredictable — rain is 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 Yansailadup Island 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. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns during your stay, communicate them immediately — this helps us assist you and improve your experience in real time.
- 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
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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