San Blas Islands: 4-Island Day Tour with Lunch & Snorkeling
Overview
Available languages
14 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the beauty of the San Blas Islands on this top-rated day tour from Panama City. Escape crowded tours and visit Isla Perro, Natural Pool, Isla Chichime, and Isla Diablo. Snorkel near the famous shipwreck at Isla Perro, wade in the crystal-clear Natural Pool, and relax on pristine beaches. Enjoy Isla Chichime’s tranquil scenery and finish at Isla Diablo to rinse off and capture your final moments of paradise.
Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life. With a freshly prepared lunch, optional shared transportation, and attentive service, this tour provides a seamless, stress-free, adventure-filled escape to San Blas.
✅ Explore 4 stunning islands in one day
✅ Snorkel, swim, and sunbathe in crystal-clear waters
✅ Fresh, homemade island lunch included
✅ Optional shared 4x4 transportation from Panama City
✅ Glimpse authentic Guna island life along the boat route
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
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 :)
SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING: ️ What to Expect on a San Blas Day Tour Transportation 2.5–3 hr ride from Panama City in shared 4x4s (6 passengers). Extra seat available at added cost. Pick-up 5:00–5:30 am — drivers can’t wait more than 10 min. Port check-in may feel informal, but the Kuna run it smoothly. 20–40 min boat ride (can be wet/bumpy). Boats may stop at other islands for guests. ️ Island Experience Rustic facilities: limited shade, basic bathrooms. Beaches often shallow — walk out further to swim. Islands can be busy in high season. Relaxed pace, no fixed schedules. ️ Food & Drinks Fresh meals (fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones). One drink included (water, soda, or beer). Extra snacks/drinks available at port or on islands. Kuna Culture Only Kuna operate tours; most don’t speak English. Respect traditions: ask before photos, dress modestly in villages. Nature & Environment Plastic debris may wash ashore, though Kuna clean regularly. Sandflies/mosquitoes common in rainy season → bring repellent. Weather unpredictable; rain possible (no refunds). Health & Safety Limited medical care; emergencies require evacuation to Panama City at guest’s cost. Travel insurance strongly recommended: www.taotravel365.tours/travel-insurance Final Note This is not a luxury tour — it’s about disconnecting, experiencing Kuna culture, and enjoying pristine Caribbean islands. Bring patience, flexibility, and respect for an unforgettable adventure.
The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
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 ;)
Boat transfers may include stops to pick up/drop off guests at other islands
While the check-in process in the port 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Start your San Blas Islands adventure with optional pick-up from your Panama City lodging (5:00–5:45 AM). Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3-hour drive through jungle highlands, with a quick snack stop, before arriving at the Port of San Blas by 9:00 AM. You may wait briefly for other guests. Board your boat for a 30-minute ride to the islands. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Isla Perro – Relax on white sand beaches or snorkel near the shallow shipwreck. 12:00 – 12:30 PM: Natural Pool – Wade in waist-deep, crystal-clear waters and spot tropical fish. 1:00 – 2:30 PM: Isla Chichime – Swim, sunbathe, or stroll along wide sandy beaches. Enjoy a fresh lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian). 2:30 – 3:30 PM: Isla Diablo – Take a final swim, snap photos, or relax before heading back. Return to the port and optional 4x4 transportation to Panama City (arrival ~7:00 PM). ✅ Optional shared pick-up from Panama City ✅ Fresh lunch with beverage ✅ Shared mask & snorkel (request from crew; guests may bring their own) ✅ Explore 4 beautiful San Blas islands ✅ Boat transfers may include stops to pick up/drop off guests ***Itinerary and times may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions.
Sample Menu
main
Fish
Fresh fried fish with patacones (fried plantains) or rice and salad
main
Chicken
Fresh fried or grilled chicken with patacones (fried plantains) or rice and salad
main
Vegetarian
Patacones (fried plantains) with rice and salad
What‘s Included
Island Taxes (Entrance fee to each island)
Shared Mask & Snorkel (Please request from your boat crew. Guests may bring their own)
Lunch
San Blas Day Tour
One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer
Shared boat/lancha transportation all day
San Blas
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
With Shuttle from Panama City
Duration: 14 hours
Lunch + Drink: Fresh fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available. Choice of beer, water, or soda
San Blas Day Tour: Pick up from your lodging - Drive to Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Isla Nuinudup - Natural Pool - Isla Diablo
Shared 4x4 vehicle max 6 Pax: Roundtrip transportation from Panama City area in a shared car with max 6 passengers. Pick up at 5am.
Pickup included
San Blas Tour - 3 Islands + Amazing Natural Pools**
Duration: 14 hours
Lunch + Drink: Fresh fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available. Choice of beer, water, or soda
San Blas Day Tour: Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Isla Nuinudup - Natural Pool - Isla Diablo
With Shuttle from Playa Bonita
Duration: 14 hours
Lunch + Drink: Fresh fish or chicken with rice and salad. Vegetarian option available. Choice of beer, water, or soda
San Blas Day Tour: Pick up from your lodging - Drive to Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Isla Nuinudup - Natural Pool - Isla Diablo
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
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disorganized Experience Despite Beautiful Beaches
JadaMarie T,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The initial communication via WhatsApp was excellent. We were instructed to be ready for pickup between 5:00–5:15 a.m.; however, we were not picked up until close to 6:00 a.m. Upon arrival, there was not enough space in the vehicle for all three of us. We were then told that the issue was because our tickets were purchased individually rather than together, which was confusing since all three tickets were purchased for pickup from the same hotel. A second vehicle eventually arrived, but it first detoured to pick up two additional passengers unrelated to our group before we were finally on our way. The drive to the boat itself consisted of nearly two hours of continuous winding roads. Even for those without motion-sickness sensitivity, you’ll want to take caution. Especially if sitting in the very back of the 4x4 vehicle. Despite the tour description stating there would be a stop at a store, no stop was made, leaving us without access to food or drinks. When we arrived at the boat docking area, we were dropped off without clear instructions. We had to send a WhatsApp massage to ask for guidance, we were simply told to wait. Restroom access required a 25 cent fee, which was not communicated in advance. We were left unsure of what was happening and waited approximately 20 minutes before someone approached us and escorted to another waiting area before we boarded the boat. Once on the boat, it stalled in the middle of the ocean and required several attempts before the captain gave up and only used 1 engine. At this point, it was already around 10:50 a.m., and no activities had begun. We made a few stops to drop off passengers staying on other islands. The boat ride to the first stop took over an hour. We arrived around 11:15 a.m. and departed at approximately 12:40 p.m. for the next location. Lunch was included, and we paid extra to upgrade our meal to the lobster lunch for $25; however, it was served cold. Please note, the original included meal is not accounted for as part of the lobster upgrade. If you would like the original meal, as well, you have to ask. I recommend the fried fish and fries , as the shrimp were overcooked. Overall, the experience consisted of roughly 10 hours of travel and only about 4 hours on the water. We left the beach at 4:50 p.m. and did not return to our hotel until 7:40 p.m. While the beaches themselves were absolutely beautiful, the overall experience was disorganized, lacked communication, and fell short of expectations based on the tour description.
Great beaches but disappointing trip
Ronenia J,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Every experience is different so from my experience this was a disappointment. The original communication from WhatsApp was amazing. We were told to be ready at 5-5:15 am. We didn’t get picked up until close to 6 am. They did not have space in the vehicle for 3 of us. We were told that we should have purchased all 3 tickets together and not individually; however, that doesn’t make sense as 3 tickets were still purchased with pick up from the same hotel. Another vehicle came and after stopping to pickup 2 of his friends we finally was on our way. The road is like an “s” for at least 2 hours of winding. We never stopped at the store as the description says so we didn’t have any food or drinks. They dropped us off at the boat docking area and that someone would come and get us. We had no clue what was going on. Eventually someone got us and after waiting for close to 20 minutes we were put on a boat. If you need to use the bathroom from the boat docking, it’s .$25 to use the restroom so make sure you bring some cash. The boat eventually stopped in the middle of the ocean. After a series of attempts they were able to crank up the engine and we were on our merry way. At this point, it was 10:50 am and we haven’t done anything. I actually wrote my review in the middle of the ocean. The boat ride to the first stop took over an hour. We arrived around 11:15 am then left at 12:40 pm for our next stop. Your lunch is free; however, we paid to add lobster to our meal. Our original meal which is included in your ticket should have been added to our upgrade. The trip time is really 10 hours of traveling and 4 hours of the ocean. We left the beach at 4:50 pm and arrived at the hotel at 7:40 pm. The beaches were gorgeous but that’s it. I just don’t think it’s worth 10 hours of traveling.
Beautiful islands very touristy
K5039MSmartink,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very beautiful islands However, everything very touristy I didn't want to stay there all the time day tour tourists come and go
This was the highlight of...
Anna F,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of our stay in Panama. I was hesitant to book because I had some concerns about the logistics and cost for us, but I am so thankful that I did
Definitely an adventurous...
Shannon A,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Definitely an adventurous day. The islands are beautiful to see and the water is amazing. However...The journey to get to the islands is not easy. Early morning wake up, long rough ride to get there in a crammed 4x4 with no suspension, long bumpy boat ride on an oversized dingy boat, nothing on the first 2 islands, last islands were identical. Not much to do once you get to the islands, no chairs to sit on, no towels, nothing except a bar serving warm drinks.
The island was very...
Rodrick J,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The island was very beautiful, there was a Spanish shipwreck we got to explore. The food was really good. Our tour guide and driver was amazing.
A must see
KJ K,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a blast! Well worth it! Standing in the middle of the sea was a total unnatural, surprisingly uplifting and uncanny experience. These little islands are incredible.
Great experience, great &...
Karina C,,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great experience, great & friendly driver, great lancha crew, lunch at the island was delicious 😋! Would recommend it!
We were picked up from...
Roy K,,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were picked up from our Airbnb around 5am. You have to choose a hotel and then when they message you, tell them you are at an Airbnb. We were prepared to Uber to a close by hotel from the list if needed but they picked us up from our Airbnb which saved us a lot of time. It was exactly as they described, we got on our long 3 hour drive which is mostly roads but they are winding roads, like really winding and constant up and down hills, again, all on paved roads. When you get close it is a gravel road. We got to the coast and got on the boats that carry about 10‐12 people and visited the islands. We visited an island and got 2 hours there then a sand bar where there were a few starfish. Then we got lunch at the 3rd island. We visited one more island for an hour and headed back to the transport spot and took another 3 hour drive e back the same way we came.
Perfect
MacielM6,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went perfectly, the pre-embarcation communication via WhatsApp with all the necessary information, the check-in on time, the guide good people, lunch, the stops, everything worked very well, we had no problem ah not be the bad weather, that then the Enterprise has no fault. But taking the bad weather away all that depended on the Enterprise was score 10.
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