San Blas Islands Full-Day Tour + Transport from Panama City

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

14 hours

Mobile ticket

This San Blas Islands day trip from Panama City offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable experience. Unlike standard beach excursions, you’ll explore four of the most iconic destinations in the archipelago — the shipwreck reef at Isla Perro Chico, the crystal-clear Natural Pool, the pristine shores of Isla Chichime, and the lively charm of Isla Diablo.

Along the way, you’ll not only swim in turquoise waters and snorkel among tropical fish but also enjoy a freshly prepared Guna-style lunch served right on the beach. With convenient hotel pick-up in 4x4 vehicles, a scenic drive through jungle mountains, and a guided boat transfer across the Caribbean Sea, every detail of the journey is taken care of.

This is more than just a beach day — it’s a chance to discover Panama’s island paradise, connect with the Guna culture, and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.

Additional Info

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

The journey to San Blas involves a 2.5–3 hour car ride each way on winding mountain roads, followed by a 25–30 minute boat transfer that can be bumpy and wet depending on sea conditions. While some travelers find the drive and boat ride challenging, most agree the islands are well worth the effort. We do our best to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, but please understand that road and ocean conditions are beyond our control. We appreciate your patience and adventurous spirit!

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: 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.

During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.

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‘s Included

Fried fish or chicken with rice and salad

Island Taxes

Shared roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Panama City to Port of Carti

Snorkel Equipment (snorkel and mask on a shared basis and upon request. Guests may bring their own)

San Blas Day Tour

Air-conditioned vehicle

One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer

Shared boat/lancha transportation all day

San Blas Islands

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Panama City

5:00–5:45 AM: Start your journey with pick-up from your hotel in licensed 4x4 vehicles. Settle in for a scenic 3-hour ride through the jungle-covered mountains, with a short stop along the way for restrooms and refreshments.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

San Blas Islands

Arrival at the Port of San Blas 8:30–9:00 AM: Reach the port for check-in and boat arrangements. Though the process can feel busy, the Guna community manages it smoothly, ensuring all travelers are quickly organized. Afterward, step aboard your boat for a 30-minute ride across the Caribbean Sea to your first island destination. During the boat transfer, the boat may make short stops at different islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Pick up 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

Full-Day SAN BLAS 4-ISLAND-HOPPING, Snorkeling Tour + Transport from Panama City

Duration: 14 hours
Lunch + Drink: Fresh fried 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
Pick up 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

Reviews

4.36

42 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent service
Minerva M,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A unique and paradise experience, the attention of oscar and Richard was very good, we have played a good group, was excellent
Very Cool
hannahgD9898RM,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Cool day! We got some rain in the am, but it was lovely. You can get alittle better deal if you ask cab drivers in Panama City, but it’s still really cool. One guy told me he’d charge 110$/person. Good snorkeling! My only issues with this tour is they said this included the 22$/person charge to enter the region and then later charged me. Be prepared for this additional charge. Also, everybody does the same excursion on the 1 day tour, so just go w the cheapest one.
10/10
I4727ODpamelav,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was excellent, 10 out of 10!.. The service of Juan who was our real driver was exceptional, always attentive to our needs and that we had a great time. Also Davis the guide who took us to the islands was very friendly and really made this experience worthwhile.
Organized transportation versus tour
Denverrun,
Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
This felt more like organized transportation with lunch versus an actual tour. We were 6 people in a private tour with hotel pickup in Panama City to San Blas with lunch for just over $1100. The driver arrived about 10 min late to get us from our hotel at 5:25; the adult that needed to sit in a middle seat was uncomfortable for the total of 7 hours of driving. For such a long trip, a bigger/more comfortable vehicle would have been better. The driver’s English was limited and answered some questions but didn’t say too much. He didn’t offer anyone to alter the temperature or music (he sang g along a lot) provide water. Bring your own water and snacks or buy at the stop. He transferred us to a different company for the boat section. They were nice but also didn’t provide much information and just drove us to the three spots and asked what time we wanted lunch. This was a long day and lot of driving. I’m glad we went but this didn’t feel like a great value given how much of the day people were uncomfortable. The islands are gorgeous but have pretty primitive infrastructure. It got 3 stars due to the price, meh service and car ride.
San Blas Bliss!
Nomad59712520931,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our day trip to San Blas was amazing! The day is long but so worth the beautiful beaches and placid Caribbean sea that you get to spend time in! Highly recommend! Our driver Javier picked us up on time and drove very well- even on the curvy roads in the San Blas territory! He also showed us wild life found on our way ( Toucans, Owls, Monkeys etc) The Guna guide Richard and the boat crew was also great…they made the travel between the islands seamless. We had enough time on the 3 islands and natural pool! There was good snorkeling too!! All and all a day well spent!
Long trip
Chris A,
Feb 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Trip was good but the time it takes to get there is a hindrance. Also we were charged more than my friend who stayed overnight while we just did the day. Also the beach was nice but there was no fish to snorkel. The included lunch was very good.
Too many times in & out...
Debbie M,
Jan 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Too many times in & out of the boat to switch islands & remembering how long at each island. Sometimes switching boats.
This is a “Must Do” tour when visiting Panamá
ScottF1732,
Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an AMAZING DAY & we loved the tour. Most importantly, DON’T be dissuaded by reviews that complain about the drive from the city to the port. Is it long - yes, but you get to see a lot of the countryside/rainforest and it’s an opportunity to talk with your driver Juan was so awesome - we connected the day prior via WhatsApp (make sure to give them your number when you confirm) and really made the day great, also, don’t be dissuaded by the windy road … yes, it’s like a roller coaster at times, but the drivers do this every day & it was fascinating! There is a stop at a gas station before the windy part for restrooms & snacks. The history & info about the Guna people and the Guna Yala was really interesting. The transition to our boat and Guna guide for the day was smooth. The islands were amazing … we stopped on 3 and also at the “Natural Pool” which is a shallow area where people could snorkel, enjoy the super clear water! Time at each island was really well thought out … 1 to 1.5 hrs at each and the meal (fried fish or chicken or I think a veg option) was good. This was an amazing day … just do it!
Knowledge and history needed
L R,
Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
The driver only spoke Spanish. There was pretty much no communication or explanations about the area, people, or the geography. This was not a tour but a ride. I was supposed to see the sunken ship but I was not taken to that island. The speed boat drivers were excellent but they also did not give you any history or information. You spent more time going from place to place instead of any explanations. The native people were very friendly. The driver also kept the music very loud and going the entire trip in both directions until finally after asking he turned it down and then off. The people in my car were all spkit into different groups and therefore you have no idea if they had your tour instead. The food was as expected. Nothing impressive and it did not seem authentic to the people of San Blas.
Great experience!
mercedese278,
Dec 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice experience! The water is beautiful and we were able to see the different islands. Even though the trip is long and the roads are very curvy, it is worth it and our driver Javier did a good job.