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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Escape to Isla Yansailadup, one of the most beautiful islands in the San Blas Islands of Panama, located in the heart of the Lemon Keys. Surrounded by turquoise waters and nearby attractions like the Natural Pool, Isla Perro’s shipwreck, and Isla Chichime, this tropical gem offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Enjoy swimming in warm Caribbean waters (note: need to wade further out in shallow waters to be able to swim), lounging on white-sand beaches, and exploring nearby islands on your included San Blas boat tour. Meet the friendly Guna Yala family who care for the island and experience their warm hospitality, freshly cooked meals, and laid-back island lifestyle.
Guests consistently praise Isla Yansailadup for its great food, cleanliness, and central location among the islands. Accommodations are simple and rustic, offering a private bedroom with shared bathrooms — perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-grid island experience away from crowds.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
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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1Panama City
If you’ve selected our optional transportation service, your driver will pick you up from your Panama City lodging between 5:00 and 5:30 am for a scenic 2.5–3 hour journey through lush jungle highlands to the Port of Carti. Guests driving themselves must use a 4x4 SUV, as smaller vehicles are not permitted in Guna Yala. Upon arrival, the port may appear unorganized, but the local Guna team has everything under control.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Board your lancha (boat) for a 30-minute ride to Isla Yansailadup, your tropical home surrounded by turquoise waters. The captain may make short stops at other islands to pick up guests, offering a glimpse into daily Guna life. After check-in and lunch, enjoy your afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in a hammock. Dinner is served as the sun sets over the Caribbean.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy a freshly prepared island breakfast. Spend the day unwinding on the white-sand beach, swimming in calm waters, or chatting with the friendly Guna family hosting you. Optional activities such as kayaking or beach walks are available. Lunch and dinner are included, featuring traditional island cuisine.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
Today is a full day to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Isla Yansailadup. Relax on the beach, read in your hammock, or snorkel in the nearby reef. Take time to connect with the Guna community and experience their peaceful island lifestyle. All meals are included.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
5San Blas Islands
Check-out from your bedroom is at 8am. You are welcome to store your luggage with island management. After breakfast and check-out at 8:00 am, you’ll have time to relax on the island before lunch. Lunch is served at 12pm.
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
6Panama City
In the early afternoon, embark on your San Blas island-hopping tour, visiting nearby highlights such as Isla Perro, famous for its shipwreck snorkeling spot, and the Natural Pool, where you can stand waist-deep in crystal-clear water surrounded by starfish. After your tour, return to Carti Port. If you’ve booked our optional roundtrip transportation, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Panama City, arriving around 7:00 pm. 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 7pm.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival in San Blas Paradise
Relax & Explore Island Life
Another Day in Paradise
Morning Leisure, Island Boat Tour & Return to Panama City
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
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
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
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
- Please be advised that San Blas is in the Kuna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic and most cabins are minimalistic. The Kunas 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.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- 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.
- There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, 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
- 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
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.
- 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.
- The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
- Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salinity level
- 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.
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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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