San Blas Islands 2-Day Tour with Meals & Boat Adventure
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape to Yansa Island, one of the most versatile islands in San Blas. Just 35 minutes from the port, this tropical getaway offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Swing over turquoise waters, paddleboard around the coastline, or simply unwind on pristine white-sand beaches.
Set in the heart of the Lemon Keys, Yansa is surrounded by San Blas highlights—snorkel the famous shipwreck at Isla Perro, swim in the crystal-clear Natural Pool, or visit Isla Chichime’s tranquil beaches, all just minutes away by boat.
Your stay includes private bedrooms inside an island lodge (with shared bathrooms nearby), and meals included . From fresh seafood and chicken to vegetarian options, every dish comes with a taste of local Guna tradition. Breakfasts feature fruit and warm “ojaldre,” a delicious fried bread.
With breathtaking sunsets, authentic island charm, and easy access to the best attractions of San Blas, this tour delivers an unforgettable island experience.
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
Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am
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.
Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salt conent. Please preapre accordingly and bring your own shower supplies to feel clean and comfortable, such as liquid soap, prickly heat powder or baby powder to remove salt from skin or wet wipes.
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.
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 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.
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 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
There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
“Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas
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 :)
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING!!! 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 more as a cultural adventure or camping trip on a tropical island, rather than a luxury holiday. 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 are committed to providing excellent service during your booking process and will do everything possible to assist you before and during your trip. However, please note that we do not own or operate the islands. Once you arrive in San Blas, all services are provided by the local Kuna community, and the quality of service may differ from what you are used to. While we work closely with the Kuna and provide training in hospitality, we cannot guarantee the same service standards during your stay as we do during the booking process. What to Expect in San Blas Accommodation & Comfort No A/C and limited electricity. No WiFi (local SIM cards may work, but not guaranteed). Bathrooms are simple and sometimes not very clean. Kuna families reuse materials that may look like “clutter” — please respect their way of life. Food Meals are freshly prepared in local island kitchens. Expect simple dishes such as grilled or fried fish, chicken, rice, salad, or patacones (fried plantains). Transportation Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City, including 1.5 hrs on curvy mountain roads. Shared 4x4 SUVs (7 passengers). If you need extra space, you must purchase an additional seat. Pick-up between 5:00–5:30am. Please be ready on time — drivers cannot delay more than 10 minutes. No refunds for late/no-shows. Boat ride: 20–40 min depending on weather/sea conditions. Can be bumpy and wet. Kuna Culture Only Kuna are permitted to work in San Blas. Most do not speak English, and service is not “hospitality industry” style, but they are kind and welcoming in their own way. A smile and respectful approach go a long way. Environment & Nature Trash: unfortunately, ocean currents bring plastic waste from across the Caribbean. Kunas clean regularly, but you may see debris. They also repurpose some materials. Sandflies: common during rainy or windless periods (April–Dec). Please bring strong insect repellent. Weather: Panama’s climate is unpredictable. Forecasts often show rain, but many days are still sunny. Rain can happen anytime — no refunds for rainy days. Health & Safety San Blas is remote, with very limited medical care. Only minor issues can be treated locally. For anything serious (e.g., broken bones), evacuation to Panama City is required. Guests are responsible for all emergency costs (boat, car, hospital). We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. It’s about disconnecting, experiencing a unique culture, and enjoying some of the most stunning islands in the world. Come with patience, flexibility, and an open heart. The Kuna people may be reserved, but they are gentle and kind, and you will often be rewarded with a warm smile. With the right mindset, San Blas will give you memories of paradise that last a lifetime.
The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc
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 ;)
Welcome to Yansailadup Island! When you arrive at the port, please be patient while the Guna authorities finalize the guest entry list. Once ready, the island family will welcome you and guide you to your boat transfer. During your stay, the family will handle your boat transportation, meals, and accommodation. Meals are freshly prepared with local ingredients, and vegetarian options can be arranged, though there is no set vegetarian menu. Tours are not guided, and activities like snorkeling may be adjusted or canceled if weather conditions make it unsafe. Please keep in mind that ocean currents can bring some debris ashore despite the family’s efforts to keep the beaches clean. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to share them during your stay so we can make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Thank you for choosing Yansailadup Island—we look forward to hosting you in this beautiful paradise.
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.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Dinner
Snorkel Equipment (Mask & Snorkel) during boat tour
Breakfast
San Blas Boat Tour
Beverages
Guna
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Arrival & Island Exploration
Accommodations
Private bedroom with 2 single beds, shared bathroom access.
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Freshly prepared meal: Choice of fried fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
DINNER
Dinner
Freshly prepared meal: Choice of fried fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Panama City
If you choose our optional roundtrip transportation, pickup is between 5:00–5:45 AM from your Panama City hotel. Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3 hour ride through the jungle highlands before arriving at the San Blas port around 8:30–9:00 AM. Please note: the check-in process may appear a bit disorganized, but the Guna community has a well-established system, and all guests are taken care of. You may wait up to 30 minutes before departure. Board your lancha (boat) for a 30–40 minute transfer to Isla Yansailidup. Along the way, the boat may make brief stops to pick up or drop off other guests.
San Blas Islands
Arrive at Yansa Island around 9:30–10:00 AM, where your island escape begins. Spend the day relaxing on soft white-sand beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or trying the ocean swings and SUP rentals. Optional short boat trips can take you to nearby highlights such as Isla Perro with its shipwreck, the Natural Pool, or Isla Chichime (may vary depending on group and weather). Lunch and dinner will be freshly prepared by the island chef, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. Unwind with a stunning sunset over the Lemon Keys, then relax in your private bedroom (shared bathrooms a short walk away).
Check-out at 8am. Beach Day & San Blas Boat Tour
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Breakfast: Eggs, toast, fresh tropical fruit, and “Ojaldre” (a delicious fried bread, similar to a sugar-free doughnut).
LUNCH
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Isla Yansailidup (fresh fried fish or chicken with salad and rice, and a beverage)
San Blas Islands
Check out by 8:00am and enjoy your last morning on the island. Lunch is served at 12pm. Island management will happily store your luggage for you.
San Blas Islands
By 1:00pm we will pick you up to go on an island boat tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool. Swim in this beautiful pool and stand waist deep in the middle of the ocean! This is a once in a lifetime experience! At 3:00pm you will return to the port of Carti.
Panama City
If choosing our optional round trip transportation service, your driver will be waiting for you to safely return you to Panama City, arriving at your lodging by 7:00pm.
Options
With Shuttle from Playa Bonita
Private Bedroom: 2 to 3 double beds, shared bathroom, hammock on porch. Shared bathroom.
San Blas Boat Tour: Island tour to Isla Misdup and the Natural Pools (Itinerary may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions)
Duration: 2 days
Meals only: Choice of fried fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
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.
Pickup included
With Shuttle from Panama City
Privat bedroom shared bathroom: 2 to 3 double beds, shared bathroom, hammock on porch
San Blas Boat Tour: Island tour to Isla Misdup and the Natural Pools (Itinerary may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions)
Duration: 2 days
Meals only: Fresh fried or grilled fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available.
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
Pickup included
Room Only - No Transport
Private Bedroom, wood floor: 2 to 3 double beds, shared bathroom, hammock on porch
San Blas Boat Tour: Island tour to Isla Misdup and the Natural Pools (Itinerary may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions)
Duration: 2 days
Meals only: Fresh fried or grilled fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available.
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible experience
LUIZPAULO D,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Everything was excellent, everyone was attentive. Cordial and cared about our presence. There was a shrimp that was very good, the drivers and sailors were very nice. We just thought they could have taken us (even if we paid) to other nearby islands. Besides, it was excellent.
Lovely experience
lovisat35,
Jan 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loves this trip! Everything was amazing, however the communication was probably not the best. A lot of times we didn’t know what was happening or what we should do but besides that everything was great.
Don't expect much.
Daisygirl4624,
Apr 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00It's with mixed emotions that I write this review. On the one hand, the island was beautiful and peaceful and very relaxing. On the other, I found the disorganization of the operators to be stressful. If you're the type of person who feels the need to be kept in the loop, this is not the trip for you. First, we were picked up at our hotel at 5:15 by a man driving an SUV a little smaller than a Toyota 4Runner and there were already 4 other people in the car. With three of us in the middle row and everyone's bags, it was pretty cramped. And the driver DIDN'T TELL US ANYTHING. We had no idea if he was taking us to a larger bus with more people or all the way to the port to catch the boat. Nor did he tell us anything about how long it would take or what time we'd be stopping for snacks or anything about the region we would be visiting. Literally, nothing. Turns out he did take us all the way to the port and please believe me when I tell you that trip is NO JOKE (especially being cramped in the middle row between 2 other people). The first part isn't too bad and I wondered why people complained about the road being so curvy. But I soon learned after stopping for snacks (side note: I highly recommend either bringing or buying a cooler at the convenience store where they stop and loading it with drinks and/or snacks because any drinks you want to buy on the island including water are $2 each). It's the part of the trip AFTER the store that would have been unbearable if I hadn't taken prescription strength motion sickness medicine. The road is paved, but it's VERY NARROW and HILLY and CURVY....and it seems to go on FOREVER. Just when you think you are getting close to the end, you aren't. And I understand that the tour operators can't do anything about the road, but to not have any information from the driver and being cramped in an SUV was just not the least bit fun, much less relaxing. No one talked or got to know each other, we were just subjected to listen to the awful music our driver chose to listen to for the entire 3+ hours in the car. Eventually we arrived at a rudimentary port and everyone got out of the car except for us. The only info we got out of the driver was that we had to go to another "port". Luckily, it was only a few minutes down the road. Once there, we moved to a shaded seating area where several other people were waiting. Again, there was NO communication from the tour operators. It would have been nice to have someone explain the procedure so we would know what to expect, but everyone just sat around wondering what time we would be departing and how long it would take and where we were (like some history or information on the region). One man was going from group to group asking for names, essentially checking to see if everyone who had booked had made it there. We waited for about 20 minutes before being directed to a boat with about 18 other tourists on it and 3 "guides". The boat trip was about 40 minutes and wasn't bad at all. Once at the island, one of the "guides" who had been on the boat directed everyone to a seating area and asked for passports and money (if you had not already paid for the trip. If you had already paid, you had to show the payment confirmation). It took about 30 minutes for them to get to us and ultimately take us to the room we would be staying in. AGAIN, note that there is no welcome to the island with any explanation of where things were or what was available to us. For me, it would have made all the difference to have heard even a short 5 min spiel along the lines of "we are so glad you are all here. This island has been in our family for X number of years. You can find the bathrooms over there. We have kayaks for rent and at mealtime, simply sit down at one of these tables and we will bring your food out to you. After lunch today we will be taking a trip to island _______ where you can snorkle or relax in a hammock or swim". There are 4 private huts on this island and one larger building with 8 individual rooms, which is where our room was. The walls of the rooms do not go all the way to the ceiling, meaning you can hear other people talking (and snoring!) in the other rooms. I expected our room to be very basic, but the only thing in it was a bed and a hook on the wall. There was no table or even a shelf so your only two options to place anything are on the bed or the sandy wooden floor. We were served lunch (which I thought was delicious!) and then taken on a couple of excursions. The first one being a sand bar where you could snorkel or just swim and the second being another larger island where there was a sunken ship just off shore. This island has a small bar where you can buy tropical drinks. We were there for about an hour before returning to our island. The afternoon is open to do whatever you want which I found to be very relaxing, but if you have a hard time just napping or reading or playing solitaire or building a sandcastle, you might become bored pretty quickly. We went to bed right after dinner and left right after breakfast the next morning to head back to Panama City. Same thing on the trip back...cramped in the middle row with 2 other people and the ride seemed even longer that time. All in all, I certainly didn't hate it but I can honestly say I wouldn't do it again. And I struggle to recommend this particular tour. Maybe some of the others are better at communication and execution, but this one is definitely lacking in both.
Rest and relaxation
B8102BJamandap,
Oct 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam Blas, the Island of Yani, was a beautiful relaxing time. The transportation was clean and timely. The road to the boat is paved, so smooth but very curvy. The driver was great handling curves. The island was welcoming, plenty of relaxing. Kayaks and canoes are available. Food was good The only thing that could have made it more comfortable would be a few more chairs to relax in. The island did had plenty of hammocks. I wish I would have brought a small battery fan for sleeping at night. Could have left our door open because there were not any mosquitoes.The people were accommodating ( took my son out to fish for a little while, and changed our travel time). Great rustic trip, would definitely do again.
Excellent experience
alejandrorA8931BA,
Sep 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Excellent views, it is a heavenly place, the food and accommodation is basic, however, it is worth the experience
It was almost perfect!
Alacarini,
Jun 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I could score five if the island owners hadn't been vile to me. The agency picked me up at the hotel as agreed and when we arrived in San Blas were already waiting for me on the boat to arrive on the island. Simple cottage but nice, like everything there but visually beautiful, small and clean island. We had lunch, just me, a Chilean, 1 couple who had lunch and left and another 1 Canadian couple. The strange night we only had four of us. My cell phone battery was already running out and I had already read q the night could charge. Where did I carry what was my surprise? They said q I couldn't pq were in trouble. Ice drinks, various lights on and even in the cabin there was light. I was super upset, the q do alone, 7 hrs of the night, no battery and with the Internet running. I went to the bathroom and went to check the wires and as the saint protects I found it taken with USB as in the photo and I charged the phone. In the morning already with full battery, I went to ask again and I was denied once more. The boat tour ended up leaving only in the afternoon, everything was beautiful and I stayed on the island without leaving more than 24 hours.
Do not miss this
Florian G,
Feb 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Visiting the Islas San Blas was an impressive experience. We stayed on Yami Island for one night and really got into a kind of Cast-Away-Island feeling. Everyone we interacted with, from our driver to the boat crew and the people working on the island, was welcoming and polite. I can wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Panama.
Amazing.
nuriaf4718,
Jan 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I recommend 100% visiting the islands of Guna Yala. Very good experience with the agency. They sent me the itinerary a couple of days before the tour with all the necessary information. The road is not in good condition so I recommend booking transport for comfort and a pill for dizziness does not go amiss either, especially if the sea is exhausted. We were on Yani Island. Lovely and very quiet. There is an option for paddle surfing. The food is simple but good. Remember to bring water as there is no water on the island. The only thing that would improve is that on the reservation it said that we would be provided with diving goggles for the excursion and then there were no.
Not really worth the hype
Natasja A,
Jul 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Very nice place for a get away from the everyday life. Nice and calm place. Not much to do on the Island except swimming, reading and playing games. It was a very very bumpy ride to the port. We got very delayed because of a storm which is fair, but no one told us anything about it so we just sat in the car and waited for 40 minutes. We then got to the Island and found out that water was not included in the price and we didn't know we had to bring our own water... So we had to pay 2USD $ for 0,5L bottle of water... For two people we ended up buying 10 bottles... The food was mediocre with little variety (rice, fried fish or chicken and some Vegetables) which wasn't great for Vegetarians... We met some lovely people on our trip and talked for hours after dinner and watched a storm in the distance with a lot of lighting. The people on the Islands doesn't really speak English so be aware of that.
Do Not Book This Tour--San Blas Dreams is cheaper and better and the customer service is terrible here.
Jon T,
Mar 26, 2022
- Review from Viator
1.00Terrible customer service. We had no working light in our room as well as a room with no lock. We booked a 2 bed and they stuck us in something called the dormitorio that didnt even have a door to close. When I contacted Tao Travel who prides themselves on being 24/7 they took forever to answer and then were extremely condescending. Sarahi was the "Customer service agent' that talked down to me like a child. If you're looking at San Blas book it, just not through this provider. Also the people on the trip who booked through San Blas Dreams got a much better deal.
From US$159.99
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