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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Escape to one of the most beautiful islands in San Blas, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and authentic Guna culture create a truly unforgettable experience. Unlike crowded islands, this Paradise Island is run by one of a friendly Guna families, which prepares, delicious meals, and takes exceptional care for guests.
Stay in a private oceanfront cabin. While accommodations in San Blas are rustic and resemble camping conditions, this island stands out for its cleaner facilities and better-maintained grounds. Its privileged location in the Lemon Keys places you close to famous attractions such as the Natural Pool, Isla Perro with its sunken shipwreck, and Isla Chichime.
Our tour includes an island-hopping boat experience, reliable logistics, 24/7 customer service, and optional round-trip transportation from Panama City. If you’re looking for a true tropical escape with fewer crowds, and postcard-perfect scenery — this is the San Blas experience travelers dream of.
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 selected our optional transportation, your driver will pick you up in Panama City between 5:00–5:30am for a scenic 2.5–3 hour ride to the Port of Carti. Guests driving on their own must bring a 4x4 vehicle, as required by Guna authorities. At the port, operations may look unorganized, but the Guna community runs everything efficiently. Your boat will bring you to your island (25–35 minutes), possibly stopping at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse into real Guna life.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
We recently discovered this little gem in the paradise of San Blas. This island, called Yansailidup, offers everything one would imagine of a perfect island getaway. Away from the mass tourism, you will find peace and tranquility during your stay, giving you plenty of opportunities to bathe in the balmy ocean, snorkel around the reef, lounge in a hammock, while observing another spectacular sunset or counting the shooting stars at night. Upon arrival, the Guna family will welcome you and show you to your private oceanfront cabin. After settling in, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and getting to know the local Guna community that lives directly on the island. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the Caribbean.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Wake up to a beautiful island sunrise and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Take the morning to swim, sunbathe, or explore the island. Checkout is at 8:00am, but you may store your bags and continue enjoying the island.
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
After lunch, embark on your San Blas boat tour, visiting nearby islands such as the Natural Pool, Isla Chichime, or other postcard-perfect islands chosen by the captain based on daily weather and ocean conditions. Following the tour, you’ll return to the port. Guests who selected the optional transportation will be driven back to Panama City, arriving around 6:30–7:00pm.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Arrival in San Blas & Island Paradise
Morning on the Island + Afternoon Boat Tour (Departure Day)
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
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
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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
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORGINAL 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.
- Driver will make a stop in a supermarket so you could buy snacks/drinks. (If you choose our optional transportation service)
- The car ride to San Blas takes 2.5 hours and for about one hour the drive leads through windy roads. If you get motion-sick, please plan accordingly.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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 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.
- Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salinity level
- 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.
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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 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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