San Blas Islands: 4-Stop Day Tour from Panama City + Lunch

4.2 (19 reviews) Panama
Duration14h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience one of the most highly-rated San Blas day tours from Panama City, visiting a mix of popular and peaceful islands. Start at Isla Perro, where you can snorkel around the famous shipwreck and enjoy the beach, then continue to the Natural Pool, a shallow sandbank surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

Next, explore the tranquil Isla Chichime, known for its wide sandy beaches, calm waters, and stunning photo opportunities — a less-crowded stop that lets you soak in the beauty of San Blas. Finish at Isla Diablo, a small, picturesque island perfect for one last swim, beach relaxation, or scenic photography before returning to the mainland.

This tour includes shaded boats with large awnings and a fresh island-style lunch prepared with local ingredients. Our friendly team ensures smooth logistics, helpful support, and guidance throughout the day, making your journey to the San Blas islands seamless, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

Options

With Shuttle from Panama City

Duration: 14 hours
Lunch + Drink: Fresh fish or chicken or vegetarian meal plus one drink of your choice (beer, soda or water)
San Blas Day Tour: Pick up from Panama City - Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Natural Pool - Island Chichime - Isla Diablo
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

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 Playa Bonita - Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Natural Pool - Island Chichime - 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

Tour from Carti Port

Duration: 6 hours
Lunch: Fresh fish or chicken or vegetarian meal plus one drink of your choice (beer, soda or water)
Itinerary: Port of Carti - Isla Perro (lunch) - Natural Pool - Island Chichime - Isla Diablo

What's included

  • Choice of fresh fish, fresh mixed seafood, or chicken. Vegetarian Option available.
  • One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer
  • Snorkel Equipment (snorkel and mask)
  • Shared boat/lancha transportation all day
  • All Island Taxes (entrance to each island)
  • San Blas Island

What to expect

Escape to the San Blas Islands and explore some of the most beautiful destinations in Panama on our most-loved island hopping tour!

Isla Perro (Dog Island) – Snorkel around a famous shipwreck right off the beach, home to tropical fish and vibrant coral. Perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

Natural Pool – Wade through waist-deep, crystal-clear waters on a sunken sandbar surrounded by starfish. A surreal Caribbean experience!

Isla Chichime – Known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, this island is a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the untouched beauty of San Blas.

Isla Diablo – End your day on this classic San Blas island, where you can relax, rinse off, and soak in the last moments of island bliss.

✅ Optional shared pick-up from Panama City (5:00–5:45 AM)
✅ Safe 4x4 transportation
✅ Comfortable shaded boats with large awnings
✅ Fresh homemade lunch (fish or chicken + beverage)
✅ Shared mask & snorkel available on request (or bring your own)

Return to port around 3:30 PM, with arrival back in Panama City by approx. 7:00 PM.

Please note: Itinerary and times may vary depending on ocean and weather conditions.

  1. San Blas Islands
  2. Guna Yala Region
  3. Isla Perro
  4. Isla Chichime

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at the Port of Carti. Please contact our office for exact driving directions. Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to enter San Blas; standard cars or SUVs will not be permitted, and you will forfeit your tour if unable to enter.

End point

The tour begins at the Port of Carti. Please contact our office for exact driving directions. Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to enter San Blas; standard cars or SUVs will not be permitted, and you will forfeit your tour if unable to enter.

Pickup details

If booking with transportation from Panama City:

✅ Please note: Your tour is not confirmed until you provide us with your WhatsApp number, hotel name, and room number. Without this information, we will be unable to arrange your pickup.

✅ On the day of your tour, be ready in your hotel lobby between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. Transportation is shared (up to 6 guests per vehicle), and routes are planned to collect everyone efficiently. To avoid delays, it’s very important that you are on time. If you are not present at your designated pickup point, the tour will depart without you and no refund will be issued.

✅ Our drivers will do their best to contact you via WhatsApp, but they can only wait a maximum of 10 minutes before moving on to ensure timely service for all guests.

If driving yourself to San Blas:

✅ Please contact our office for detailed driving directions and instructions.

Important: Only true 4x4 vehicles are permitted to enter Guna territory. Standard SUVs (e.g., Hyundai Tucson or similar) are not allowed, as they are too small and unsuitable for the challenging mountain roads. Many travelers have been turned away for arriving in non-4x4 vehicles, so please plan accordingly.

Additional information

  • 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. 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
  • 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. 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 from the port to the islands and back may include stops at other islands to pick up or drop off other guests.
  • 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.

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4.2 (19)
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