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Offered languages
- Spanish
Unlike conventional San Blas day tours, this experience takes you to the less crowded and more pristine side of the archipelago, offering a true island-paradise atmosphere. You’ll visit some of the most beautiful islands in San Blas, including the famous Isla Pelícano, known worldwide for its iconic setting and palm-fringed white sand beaches.
The tour also includes a stop at the Natural Pool, a unique sunken sandbank in the middle of the ocean where you can stand waist-deep in crystal-clear water and often spot sea stars—one of the most photographed places in San Blas. Additional island stops offer even more opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, relaxing on white sand beaches, and capturing breathtaking tropical photos.
This tour is designed to deliver a complete, worry-free San Blas experience. We include a delicious freshly prepared lunch, a drink of your choice (water, soda, or beer), fruit snacks, snorkel mask, SUP boards, kayaks, towels and beach chairs.
What's Included
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
Optional shared transportation from Panama City is available at checkout. Pickups take place between 5:00–5:45 AM in a 4x4 SUV, as only 4x4 vehicles are permitted on the road to San Blas. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5–3 hours and includes curvy mountain roads, so motion sickness precautions are recommended. Guests choosing to self-drive must also use a 4x4 vehicle. Punctuality is essential, as no refunds are issued for no-shows or late arrivals. Upon arrival at the San Blas port, guests will board their boat for the island transfer. The port may feel busy and disorganized, which is completely normal—this is because it is fully operated and managed by the Indigenous Guna people. Boat transfers may include brief stops at other islands to drop off or pick up guests, and the boat ride can be bumpy and wet, depending on sea conditions.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Isla Pelicano
Begin your day at Isla Pelicano, one of the most beautiful islands in the San Blas archipelago, known for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and postcard-perfect scenery. Snorkel the pristine surrounding reef using your included mask and snorkel, relax on the beach, or cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear ocean. For even more fun, SUP boards and kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing you to explore the island’s shoreline and capture amazing tropical photos.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
Next, we visit the famous Natural Pool, a sunken sandbank in the middle of the ocean where you can stand waist-deep in crystal-clear water, often spotting beautiful sea stars beneath the surface. This is one of the most unique swimming spots in San Blas and a highlight for photos.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
Our final stop takes us to Isla Anmardub, a beautiful island known for its palm-fringed beaches and serene turquoise waters. Enjoy a fresh coconut, take a refreshing swim in the warm Caribbean sea, or simply relax on the soft white sand and soak in the peaceful island vibes—an ideal way to end your San Blas island-hopping adventure.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- 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.
- 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 DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. PHOTOCOPIES OF PASSPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE TO ENTER THE GUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- 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.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- 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.
- Infants need to sit on laps.
- 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 :)
- The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT – SAN BLAS DAY TOUR 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 in a tropical island setting rather than a luxury excursion. ➡️ 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 — this is part of the authentic San Blas experience. ️ What to Expect on a San Blas Day Tour Transportation Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City on curvy mountain roads in 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 — bring a dry bag for electronics. Transfers: Boats may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life. ️ Island Experience Facilities are very basic — limited shade, simple bathrooms, and rustic surroundings. Beaches are shallow in some areas; for swimming you may need to walk further out. Islands may be busy, especially in high season. Expect a relaxed pace — no fixed schedules like in traditional tours. ️ Food & Drinks Meals freshly prepared in local kitchens. Typical dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones. One drink included (water, soda, or beer). Additional drinks/snacks can be purchased before departure or from local vendors on the islands. Kuna Culture Only Kuna may operate tours in San Blas. Most do not speak English; service is modest and not hotel-style. Respect their traditions: ask before taking photos, and dress modestly when visiting villages. Nature & Environment Ocean currents may bring plastic debris, though the Kuna clean regularly. Sandflies and mosquitoes are common during the 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 San Blas day tours are not luxury experiences — they’re 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.
- 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 ;)
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
- The boat ride from the port to the islands can be bumpy. If you have any back problems we advise caution.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- 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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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