San Blas Islands 2-Day Tour with Meals & Boat Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Island Exploration

1. Panama City
   4h
   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.
2. San Blas Islands
   1 day
   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).

Day 2: Check-out at 8am. Beach Day & San Blas Boat Tour

1. San Blas Islands
   5h
   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.
2. San Blas Islands
   3h
   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.
3. Panama City
   3m
   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.

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.

• 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.