Water activity

Admire the turquoise seas and white sandy beaches of the San Blas Islands on a day tour from Panama City. Savor a fresh lunch, and enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Visit total 4 islands!

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1 day: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English, Spanish
Pickup included: Pickup is at centrally-located hotels in Panama City. Please be ready in the lobby of your hotel at 5:20 AM. The maximum time that the driver can wait is 25 minutes.
Small group: Limited to 15 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Elvie – United States

It is nice day trip. prepare your drinks and snacks already before going there although they stop at a gas station but it is a long line. long drive and the last hour may get sick or not . the water is wonderful. our lunch is good . san Blas is a must see. Money Heist with Tokyo was filmed here . our driver can not speak english but he took good care of us. Also be ready to get wet 🤣. i suggest ait in the front , not middle or back. you likely het wet there.

Jessica – United States

Amazing day trip from Panama City. Our excellent driver, Toti, promptly picked us up at our lodging in the city using a nice vehicle with 4x4 driving capability. He allowed us a rest stop to buy breakfast and use the bathroom before continuing our drive along the new road across the mountains. Along the way he explained (in Spanish while I translated for our group) about the area, the fauna, and about the Guna Yala people and culture. It was educational and fascinating for my three teen boys. The guide for the boat was organized and friendly, as we joined other day-trippers in the boat with life vests for all. They fulfilled exactly the itinerary expected to 4 stops, including a nice lunch. My favorite part was kayaking around the first island and taking amazing pictures. I was glad we did not choose the overnight because my teen boys were hot and tired by the end of the day after so much tropical activity, but with adventurous adults it could be done. I recommend 10/10 this experience

Itinerary

Pickup location:
Panama City
Jeep / SUV
(2.5 hours)
Boat cruise
San Blas Islands
Breakfast
Nugnudub
Coffee, Kayaking, Stand up paddleboarding (1.5 hours)
Lunch
Isla de las estrellas
Free time, Snorkeling (105 minutes)
Perro chico
Photo stop, Visit, Lunch, Free time (1.5 hours)
Isla Diablo (Niadup)
Guided tour (45 minutes)
San Blas Islands
Boat cruise (30 minutes)
Jeep / SUV
(2.5 hours)
Arrive back at:
Panama City

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Visit the best 3 san blas islands and the natural pool in one day
Snorkel in Perro chico Sunken Boat one of the best reefs in San Blas
Activities exclusive for our clients: Kayaks, paddle boards, Mini golf etc..
Taste a delicious local lunch - Catch of the day (Vegetarian options too)
English speaking guide and welcome fruits!

Full description

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.

Includes

Welcome fruits and coffee
Shared transportation from central Panama city for 6 passengers in a 4WD vehicle (if option chosen)
Shared boat to the islands
English Speaking Local Guide
Snorkeling gear (mask and tube)
Beach chairs, Towels (subject to availability)
Paddle boards and kayaks to share
Lunch (fish or chicken with rice and salad)
1 drink at lunch

Pickup from hotels outside Panama City Playa Bonita ($10 USD per person)
Infant seat in the car ($50 without a baby seat or $100 with a baby seat)
Fee to San Blas Islands ($22 per person)

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen

Not allowed

Pets
Drones

Know before you go

Pickup & Tour Information – San Blas Islands
Pickup from your lodging is scheduled between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM, although in some cases it may be as late as 5:45 AM. To ensure a smooth experience for all guests, please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby by 5:00 AM.
The San Blas Islands are located in an Indigenous territory where only local Guna people are allowed to work. This helps preserve the culture and support the local economy.:
Meals are simple but tasty, prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Facilities are rustic, in keeping with the islands’ traditional way of life.
This is a shared tour, so waiting times at the port or during hotel pickups may occur.
The English-speaking guide is based at the port and will accompany you during the island visit. Drivers are not guides, but if you ask, they will gladly share a bit of their culture.

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From Panama City: 4 San Blas Islands Day Trip with Lunch