San Blas Islands Day Tour with Transport from Panama City
Active
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the San Blas Islands. After an early pick-up in Panama City, travel through winding jungle roads before boarding your boat to the Caribbean. Your first stop is Isla Perro Chico, where you can snorkel around the shallow shipwreck or simply relax on soft white sands.
Cool off at the Natural Pool, a sandbank surrounded by clear waters, then head to Isla Chichime, one of San Blas’ most iconic islands. Here, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) and time to explore the beach.
Before returning, make a final stop at Isla Diablo for photos, a swim, or a last chance to unwind. With roundtrip transport, guided logistics, and island hospitality, this tour blends adventure, culture, and relaxation into one unforgettable day.
✅ Roundtrip transport from Panama City
✅ Island lunch included
✅ Snorkel gear available on request
Available options
Pick up from Playa Bonita
Duration: 14 hours<br/>Lunch + Drink: Fresh fried fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available. Choice of beer, water, or soda
<br/>San Blas Day Tour: Pick up from your lodging - Port of Carti - Isla Perro, Isla Nuinudup, Isla Diablo, Natural Pools (itinerary may vary)<br/>Shuttle from Playa Bonita: Roundtrip transportation from Playa Bonita area in a shared SUV with max 6 passengers. Pick up at your address 5:00-5:30am.
<br/>Pickup included
One Day Amazing SAN BLAS 4-ISLAND-HOPPING + Round-Trip Transport
Duration: 14 hours<br/>Lunch + Drink: Fresh fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available. Choice of beer, water, or soda
<br/>San Blas Day Tour: Pick up from your lodging - Port of Carti - Isla Perro, Isla Nuinudup, Isla Diablo, Natural Pools (itinerary may vary)<br/>Shuttle from Panama City: Roundtrip transportation from Panama City area in a shared car with max 6 passengers. Pick up at your address 5:00-5:45am
<br/>Pickup included
What's included
San Blas Day Tour to 3 spots
Island Taxes
Shared roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Panama City to Port of Carti
Air-conditioned vehicle
One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer
Shared boat/lancha transportation all day
Use of Snorkel Equipment (snorkel and mask)
Fried fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available.
Detailed itinerary
1
5:00–5:45 AM: Begin your adventure with hotel pick-up in licensed 4x4 vehicles.
Relax during the scenic 2.5–3 hour drive through winding jungle highlands. Along the way, there’s a short stop for bathrooms and snacks before continuing to the Caribbean coast.
2
Arrival at the Port of San Blas
8:30–9:00 AM: Arrive at the port for check-in and boat organization. While the process can feel lively and a bit hectic, the Guna community has operated these transfers for decades, and every traveler is efficiently accounted for.
From here, board your boat for a 30-minute ride across the turquoise Caribbean Sea toward your first island.
During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.
3
Stop 3
Isla Perro Chico (Shipwreck)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spend your morning on one of San Blas’ most iconic islands. Lounge beneath palm trees, swim in calm turquoise waters, or snorkel the shallow shipwreck just offshore. This sunken boat is home to vibrant reef fish and makes for one of the area’s best beginner-friendly snorkeling and photo opportunities.
4
Stop 4
The Natural Pool
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Cruise to a unique sandbar in the middle of the sea, known as the Natural Pool. Here, the crystal-clear water only reaches your waist. Stroll through the shallows, spot starfish resting on the sea floor, and enjoy 360° views of endless ocean blues.
5
Isla Chichime (Lunch Stop)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Continue to Isla Chichime, a wide and beautiful island beloved for its soft sandy beaches and excellent swimming. Take time to relax, sunbathe, or wander along the shoreline. Lunch is freshly prepared in a rustic beachfront setting, featuring your choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes, served Guna-style for an authentic island meal.
6
Isla Diablo
2:45 – 3:45 PM
Your final island stop is Isla Diablo, a small but lively paradise dotted with palms. Cool off with a swim, take your last photos of the day, or simply relax on the sand before starting the journey back.
7
Boat Ride Back to the Port
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Return by boat to the mainland. Depending on the day’s logistics, your vessel may make brief stops at other islands to pick up or drop off passengers. These pauses often offer extra glimpses of daily Guna life and smaller community islands.
8
Drive Back to Panama City
4:00 – 7:00 PM: Meet your driver for the return trip by 4x4 through the jungle highlands. The ride takes about 3 hours, with arrival in Panama City by 7:00, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
What's not included
San Blas Islands
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.2
6 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
2
2★
1
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Tripadvisor
4.2
9 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
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. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA 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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
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 :)
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 ;)
During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers. These pauses give you a quick glimpse of everyday island life, from children playing on the beach to fishermen preparing their catch, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience before arriving at your first main destination.
While the check-in process in the port of San Blas may feel busy and a little unstructured, the local Guna community has a well-established system, and all guests are taken care of.
The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
Important notes
Guests who stay in cabins and would like to return earlier than their scheduled departure date must notify our reservation team one day before by 5:00pm via WhatsApp at +507-6172-8682 or at +507-6563-6992 in order for us to arrange your return transfer.
Travel Emergencies: The San Blas islands are located in a very remote region of Panama. We ask all guests to be responsible for their own well being and to be aware that medical assistance can often not be provided right away. The closest medical facility in San Blas is very basic and can only provide assistance for minor issues. Guests with injuries such as broken bones that require more specialized treatment need to be transported to Panama City. Guests are responsible for all charges arising from a medical emergency, such as boat and car transportation and medical care. We suggest all guests to carry a Travel Insurance to cover emergency expenses. For more information, please visit www.taotravel365.tours/travel-insurance/
About Panama City
Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Panama Canal
One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to visit locks, tours vary
Casco Viejo
The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.
Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, entry fees for museums
Biomuseo
Designed by Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo explores the biodiversity and natural history of Panama.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate
Ancon Hill
A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Panama Viejo
The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore, entry fee for museum
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sancocho
A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.
Soup
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish
Ropa Vieja
Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.
Main Course
Contains meat
Hojaldres
Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Soberanía National Park
Kayaking in the San Blas Islands
Beach day at Playa Blanca
Spa day in a luxury hotel
Exploring Casco Viejo
Visiting the Biomuseo
Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands
Boat tours through the Panama Canal
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
24°C to 32°C
75°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious in crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center
By bus
Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Casco Viejo
El Cangrejo
Bella Vista
San Francisco
Day trips
San Blas Islands
300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight
A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.
El Valle de Antón
80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day
A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.
Soberanía National Park
30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day
A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.
Festivals
Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday)
Panama Jazz Festival • January
Festival de las Mil Polleras • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
- Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
- Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
- Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
