Things to do in San Blas Islands

Escape to a tropical paradise on this unforgettable day trip to the San Blas Islands from Panama City. Discover stunning white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and snorkel among vibrant marine life. Visit the breathtaking Isla Perro, the unique Arena Blanca sandbar, and the serene Isla Diablo. Along the way, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and plenty of time to relax in this untouched paradise. Tour Highlights: ✅ Isla Perro (Dog Island): Swim and snorkel around a mesmerizing sunken shipwreck teeming with tropical fish. ✅ Arena Blanca: Stand waist-deep in the middle of the ocean on soft, white sand, surrounded by colorful sea stars. ✅ Isla Diablo: Unwind on pristine beaches, meet the local Kuna community, and enjoy fresh water showers before heading back. ✅ Scenic Drive from Panama City: Journey through lush jungle highlands and stop at a local grocery store for any last-minute snacks or drinks. Your Adventure Itinerary: Your island-hopping experience begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Panama City. Relax and take in the scenic views as you travel through the lush Guna Yala region to the Port of Carti. Along the way, you'll have a chance to stop at a grocery store to grab any personal items, such as snacks, drinks, or fruit. Upon arrival at the port, meet your local San Blas guide and board your traditional "lancha" boat. Enjoy the exhilarating ride across the open sea—feel the ocean breeze and occasional sea spray while taking in the stunning coastal views. Your first stop is Isla Perro, a picture-perfect tropical island with swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. Here, you can swim, relax in the shade, or explore the island. Snorkel around a fascinating sunken shipwreck, where schools of fish dart through the coral-covered remains just a short distance from shore. Next, head to Arena Blanca, a unique sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Stand knee-deep in crystal-clear waters, spot beautiful sea stars below, and soak up the incredible natural surroundings. Your final stop is Isla Diablo, a charming island with powdery white sand and a local Kuna community. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean, explore the island, or rinse off in the fresh water showers before your return journey. As the day winds down, board your boat back to the Port of Carti, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a comfortable ride back to Panama City, arriving in the evening. Important Notes: Snorkeling Equipment: While snorkeling gear is available, we have a limited quantity. If you would like to use snorkel equipment, please request it from the boat crew upon arrival. What to Bring: A swimsuit, towel, sunblock, hat, cash for local purchases, and a waterproof bag for valuables. Get ready for an unforgettable day in the San Blas Islands—where adventure meets paradise!

(This activity is only offered in Spanish) Escape to the breathtaking San Blas Islands on this exclusive day trip from Panama City! Lounge under swaying palm trees, stroll along pristine beaches, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Visit the famous Natural Pool, relax on Isla Yansa, and explore the secluded paradise of Isla Misdup—a hidden gem only accessible through our tour. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and soak in the beauty of these untouched islands. Tour Highlights: ✅ Natural Pool: Stand waist-deep in the ocean on soft sand and admire vibrant sea stars. ✅ Isla Yansa: Relax on a tropical island, lounge in a hammock, and meet the local Kuna community. ✅ Isla Misdup: Explore a newly opened, secluded island with vast beaches and shallow waters. ✅ Scenic Drive from Panama City: Travel through the lush jungle highlands, with a stop at a local grocery store for any last-minute purchases. Your Island-Hopping Adventure Your journey begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Panama City. Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Guna Yala region, with a stop at a grocery store where you can buy snacks, water, or fruit. Upon arrival at the Port of Carti, meet your local Spanish speaking host and board a traditional "lancha" boat. Feel the thrill of the open sea as you cruise toward the first stop of the day. The adventure begins at the Natural Pool, a shallow sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Stand in waist-deep, crystal-clear waters and observe the beautiful sea stars scattered across the ocean floor. Whether using your snorkel gear or not, you’ll be amazed by the marine life just below the surface. Next, continue to Isla Yansa (Yani Island), a picture-perfect island with calm, turquoise waters. Stroll along the beach, lounge in a hammock, or meet the local Kuna family, who will proudly showcase their handmade Molas—intricately designed textiles available for purchase. At midday, enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch, with a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. After lunch, set off for the highlight of the tour—Isla Misdup, an exclusive paradise island with vast, powdery white beaches and shallow waters. This newly opened island remains largely undiscovered, offering a serene and crowd-free experience only available through our tour. As the afternoon comes to an end, board your boat back to Port of Carti, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a comfortable ride back to Panama City, arriving in the evening. Important Notes: Snorkeling Equipment: Shared snorkel gear is available in limited quantity. If you’d like to use snorkeling equipment, please request it from the boat crew upon arrival or bring your own. What to Bring: A swimsuit, towel, sunblock, hat, cash for local purchases, and a waterproof bag for valuables. Join us on this unforgettable journey and experience the untouched beauty of the San Blas Islands! This activity is in Spanish, but guests will still enjoy the beautiful Caribbean islands!

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Panama City to begin your day trip. Enjoy a 2.5-hour drive to the San Blas Port in Cartí, where you will meet your guide. From there, take a local panga boat to the first of the San Blas Islands. Please note that the drivers do not speak English; only the local guide does. First, arrive at our main island, Nugnudub or Chichime, they are one of the most urbanized island in San Blas. Here, you'll find a bar, exclusive access for our clients to kayaks and paddleboards, as well as a variety of recreational activities, including beach racquets, volleyball, and mini-golf. Explore the island at your own pace or relax with a drink at the bar while admiring the vibrant marine life. Next, head to the natural swimming pool, a stunning sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Walk, swim, or snorkel in its crystal-clear waters and discover beautiful starfish in their natural habitat. For our third stop, visit Isla Perro Chico, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch with options including fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. This island is famous for its sunken shipwreck, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in San Blas. Ask your guide for a mask and explore the colorful coral reef surrounding the wreck, either before or after your meal. Our final stop is the vibrant Isla Diablo, where you can unwind on the beach or sip a cocktail at the island's bar, or visit small community who lives there. As the day comes to an end, sail back to the port and return to Panama City in the evening. We are a socially responsible agency committed to fair pricing, ensuring that we support the local communities and their economy.

Enjoy a unique adventure in the San Blas Islands. Swim in crystal-clear natural pools, admire the blue ocean, and visit islands including Ina, Pelicano Islands, Aroma, Nugnudub, a natural pool and Perro Chico on this multi-day trip. After getting picked up from your hotel in Panama, begin your adventure with a boat ride to the islands. Stay in a private cabin. Arrival at your first island, welcome to Paradise at Isla Pelicano (also know as Casa de papel or money heist). Day 1 includes an excursion to visit 2 other islands + piscina natural (snorkeling and a cultural visit to a small native community where we have partner with Guna Women to make a Mola atelier exclusive for our clients, spend time with local people and kids). Visit also Ina Island where is home of a local artisan who will show how basket are made of palm trees. Once back in Pelicano Paddle boards are available for your use. Take a paddle board and head out to behind Pelicano Island which has one of the best spots for snorkeling in San Blas. On the 2nd day after breakfast, get ready to continue your paradise experience taking the boat to Isla Aroma or Aguja, check in and prepare for the journey starting between 9 and 10am ( a blue boat called Yadiel will pick you up to visit Isla nugnudub where we have kayaks, water beds, beack pickle ball, mini golf exclusive for our clients. Visit also Isla Perro chico where you can snorkel in the sunken boat (shipwreck island) and piscina natural to spot starfishes) You’ll be back to Isla Aroma/ Aguja around 3h30pm 3rd Day - Enjoy your relaxing day in paradise and recharge batteries until 3h30pm when it’s time to go back to the port where the car will be waiting for you to come back to Panama City. The 3rd you have also the option to take a morning check out at 8am if you need to be early in town *Remember that solo travelers share a cabin"

Experience the beauty of San Blas on this two-day tour, where you can relax on white sandy beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and swing over the ocean. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, spot local wildlife, and explore charming island beaches. Your adventure begins either with a convenient pickup from Panama City or by meeting us directly at the San Blas port. If you choose the city pickup option, enjoy the scenic drive through Panama's diverse landscapes, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like sloths and monkeys. If time allows, we’ll stop for a closer look. Upon arrival at the port, you'll board a "lancha" boat for a 30-minute ride to the island. While the trip may get a little bumpy, it’s part of the adventure, with the ocean breeze and spray adding to the experience. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by calm, turquoise waters. Settle into your private room and start exploring the island or meet the local Kuna family who calls the island home. Lunch is served around 12:30 pm, featuring the fresh catch of the day, with vegetarian and non-seafood options available. Spend the afternoon discovering Isla Yansailadup, surrounded by smaller islands. The following morning, check out of your room by 8:00 am and enjoy your last hours on the island before heading out for a boat tour after lunch. You'll visit Isla Misdup, a stunning uninhabited island with a shallow sandbank and dazzling white beaches, as well as the famous Natural Pool, where you can stand waist-deep in the ocean on a sunken island. Your adventure concludes at 3:00 pm as you return to the port. If you have booked the roundtrip transportation option back to Panama City, your driver will meet you here, and you’ll arrive at your lodging around 7:00 pm.

Itinerary for Your 3 Nights/4 Days Island Hopping Adventure: 1st Day: - Morning: Catch your boat between 8:00-8:30 AM at the port of Cartí. - Arrival: Welcome to Paradise on Isla Pelicano (also known as Casa de Papel or Money Heist Island). - Activities: Enjoy an excursion to two additional islands and the natural pool for snorkeling. Participate in a cultural visit to a small native community, and watch how molas are made, with a Mola atelier directly with Guna Woman from this community. 2nd Day: - Morning: After breakfast, prepare for your next adventure. The boat to Isla Aroma departs between 9:00-10:00 AM. - Activities: A blue boat named Yadiel will take you to Isla Nugnudub, where you can use kayaks, beach chairs, and toys as water bed, mini golf, beach pickle ball and more. Next, visit Isla Perro chico for lunch, followed by snorkeling at the natural pool to spot starfish. - Afternoon: Return to Isla Aroma around 3:30 PM. 3rd Day: - Morning: The boat will pick you up between 10:00-10:30 AM. - Activities: Visit the unique island of Yanidub, one of the furthest islands, followed by an amazing snorkeling excursion. Then, head to Isla Perro Chico (Shipwreck Island) for lunch. - Evening: Stay the night on Isla Perro Chico. 4th Day: - Morning/Afternoon: - Option 1: Check out in the morning. Take the boat at 8:00 AM with an ETA in Panama City around 10:30-11:00 AM. - Option 2: Enjoy a relaxing day in paradise. Check out at 3:30 PM and return to the port, where the car will be waiting to take you back to Panama City (ETA 6:30-7:00 PM). Note: Solo travelers will share a cabin/ room

Your San Blas Day tour starts early in the morning. A friendly driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging between 5:00am and 5:45am and safely transport you and up to five other guests to the Port of Carti. Relax and start enjoying the 2.5 to 3 hour journey through the spectacular jungle highlands. Oftentimes we encounter wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths on the road and will gladly stop the car to give you opportunities to admire these beautiful animals and to take photos. Our drivers will also stop at a grocery store in case you want to purchase any items, such as snacks, water or fruit. When arriving at the port a “lancha” boat with your San Blas tour guide will be waiting for you, ready to take you to your paradise island. The 30-minute boat ride may be a little bumpy and, depending on ocean conditions, there may be some ocean spray. All of our boats have ample space and feature sun protection that will make this journey more comfortable. Arriving at your destination, Isla Perro, you will be greeted by a tropical palm-fringed island paradise and calm waters with various shades of blue and green inviting you to dive in and play with the multitude of colorful fish surrounding you, while snorkeling on the sunken shipwreck reef located close to the beach. You will have plenty of time to relax in the shade of a palm tree, explore the island, meet the amazing Kuna population or bathe in the crystal clear ocean, surrounding yourself with the iridescent turquoise water colors allowing for postcard perfect photo shots. We provide our guests with free shared snorkel equipment for the day to marvel at the colorful reef and the multitude of fish species surrounding the wreck. At lunchtime you will be served a tasty and freshly prepared lunch, with a choice of fresh fish or chicken (note: we also offer vegetarian options and other alternatives, if you have diet restrictions. Lobsters must be ordered during the purchase of your tour). Between 3:00 and 3:30pm we will leave this island paradise and head back to the Port of Carti. Your driver will be waiting for you and safely drive you back to Panama City, dropping you off at your lodging by 7pm. San Blas is one of the last unspoiled and undeveloped places in the world and we hope you will get to experience the beauty of the islands and the innocence of the unique Kuna culture. For our guests who only have one day to travel to the “Guna Yala” nation, the San Blas Day tour is the best option and will surely make you want to come back again.

Explore one of the hidden gems of the Caribbean paradise in Panama on a guided day trip, with lunch and a welcome cocktail included. Snorkel in the famous sunken ship, walk and swim in the starfish sandbanks and have a cultural exchange visiting the native Guna community. The day tour to the San Blas Islands begins early with a 5 AM pickup (shared between 6 persons) from your hotel. Hop into the 4x4 car and make a quick stop at the supermarket for road snacks and breakfast before leaving town. ( In High Season we recommend to prepare one day before for snacks that you want to bring for the tour, we try do not stop because in weekends has hight traffic in the area) Continue your journey towards the islands, passing 42 kilometers of mountainous area. You’ll then reach the port of Carti to take the boat to the islands. Step on board and enjoy a welcome mojito or cocoloco before departing for the first stop at Isla Perro Chico. At Perro Chico, you’ll have time to explore the island famous for having its sunken ship. Gather your mask and snorkel and jump in for the exciting underwater scenery as you swim in the incredible turquoise waters. Next, the boat will take you to the natural pool of the starfish, where you can enjoy the shallow waters and admire the marine fauna, all while respectively leaving the starfish untouched so they can continue to thrive. After having visited the natural pool, go to Isla Grass where you can enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch prepared with a lot of love and affection by your Guna host family. After lunch, explore the island a bit, including the beach area with turquoise waters where you can also swim. Finally, continue to your last stop at the indigenous Guna community. Here, see and learn about local culture and traditions. Then, travel back by boat to the port where the cars will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Panama City around of 6pm- 7:00pm at your hotel or airnbn located in Panama City. Hotels located in Playa Bonita has an estimate arrival of 6:45-8:00 pm Very Important: The pick-up time at the different hotels in Panama City starts from 5:00 am - 5:45 am. ( Shared with other customers) You can also Depending on where you are located a day before we will be reconfirming your exact time. For private transfers from Panama City there is an extra cost.

In the heart of the Lemon Keys, Isla Yansailadup is surrounded by little islands and attractions, such as the Natural Pool right in front of its shores. Experience San Blas on one of the most beautiful islands. While all islands in San Blas are managed by different Kuna families, this particular island has received the best feedback from our guests, due to its friendly family, good food, clean beaches and its central location - Please note that accommodations and services in San Blas are very basic and resemble camping conditions. Please thoroughly read our San Blas disclaimer before booking. Guests stay in private bedrooms inside of a larger main building (please note: ceiling is open to other rooms for ventilation). Bathrooms and showers are shared and a short walk away from your door. Breakfasts consist of fresh fruit and "Ojaldre", a tasty fried bread, similar to a doughnut without sugar. Lunch and Dinner meals consist of a choice of fresh fish or chicken with plantains and salad. Vegetarian options are available. Itinerary: If choosing our optional roundtrip transportation service (available during checkout), a friendly driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging between 5:00am and 5:45am and safely transport you and up to five other guests to the Port of Carti. Relax and start enjoying the 2.5 to 3 hour journey through the spectacular jungle highlands. Oftentimes we encounter wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths on the road and will gladly stop the car to give you opportunities to admire these beautiful animals. Our drivers will also stop at a grocery store in case you want to purchase any items, such as snacks, water or fruit. When arriving at the port a “lancha” boat will be waiting for you, ready to take you to your island. While the trip 30 min boat ride to Yani island may get a little bumpy, it’s part of the adventure, with the ocean breeze and spray adding to the experience. As you arrive at the island you will be greeted by the calm, turquoise seas, surrounding the island. After settling into your private room, start enjoying the beaches or getting to know the local Kuna family. Lunch is served at around 12:30pm and usually consists of the fresh catch of the day (we do offer vegetarian or non-seafood options). On Day 2, enjoy a relaxed island day on Yani Island. Rent a SUP board or lounge in a hammock. On Day 3 (departure day), check out of your room by 8:00 am and enjoy your last hours on the island before heading out for a boat tour after lunch. You'll visit Isla Misdup, a stunning island with a shallow sandbank and dazzling white beaches, as well as the famous Natural Pool, where you can stand waist-deep in the ocean. At around 3:00pm the tour concludes and will return to the port. Your driver will be waiting for you to return to Panama City, arriving at your lodging by 7:00pm. This is a unique adventure and we encourage you not to miss the opportunity to make amazing memories that will surely last a lifetime!

This day trip features a snorkeling spot in San Blas – the well-known Isla Perro shipwreck. You will start with a boat ride through the islands, stopping at the calm Natural Pool to swim with starfish. After that, snorkel near the shipwreck and see many tropical fish. Later, relax on a quiet beach and enjoy a traditional lunch under palm trees.⁣ ⁣ The day tour to the San Blas Islands begins early, with a pickup at 5 AM (shared among 6 people) from your hotel. Get in the 4x4 vehicle and make a brief stop at a supermarket for snacks and breakfast on the way out of town. (During High Season, we suggest you prepare snacks a day in advance, as we try to avoid stops due to heavy traffic on weekends.)⁣ ⁣ Then, continue to the islands, driving 42 kilometers through mountainous areas. You will reach the Carti port to board a boat to the islands.⁣ ⁣ At Perro Chico, you can explore the island known for its sunken ship. Put on your mask and snorkel and enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery in clear turquoise waters.⁣ ⁣ Next, the boat will take you to the natural pool with starfish, where you can have fun in the shallow waters, admiring the marine life while leaving the starfish undisturbed.⁣ ⁣ After the natural pool visit, proceed to Isla Gagandub or Chichime for a tasty Caribbean lunch made with care by your Guna host family. After lunch, take some time to explore the island and its beautiful beach, where you can also swim.⁣ ⁣ Finally, your last stop will be at the indigenous Guna community. Here, you can learn about local culture and traditions. Then, you will return by boat to the port, where cars will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Panama City around 6 PM to 7 PM.⁣ ⁣ For hotels in Playa Bonita, the return time is about 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM.⁣ ⁣ Very Important:⁣ Pick-up from hotels in Panama City starts around 5:00 AM to 5:45 AM (shared with others).⁣ Pick up from Playa Bonita has an extra charge of $15 per person. ⁣ You will also receive confirmation of your exact pickup time a day before, depending on your location.⁣ ⁣ Private transfers from Panama City are available for an extra charge.