Discover the magic of the San Blas Islands on this full-day tour from Panama. Cruise across turquoise Caribbean waters to visit Isla Yansa, home to powdery white-sand beaches, and explore Isla Misdup, an exclusive, newly opened island, and the famous Natural Pool where starfish dot the shallow waters, and relax under swaying palms while experiencing the warm hospitality of the indigenous Guna people. With lunch included and transportation from Panama City, this San Blas adventure is the perfect way to experience paradise in a single day.

Voted "BEST San Blas Day Tour" for four years in a row, we are proud to offer you our most popular San Blas adventure.

San Blas is one of the last pristine island archipelagos in this world, stretching about 100 miles (160 km) along the Caribbean Sea from the Colombian border to the Gulf of San Blas. Inhabited by indigenous Kuna population, which ,to this day, still lives in a very simple and happy way, we are grateful to be able to showcase their paradise islands to our guests.

We offer an all-inclusive San Blas Day Tour, providing guests with the opportunity to experience a slice of paradise by visiting 2 to 3 of the stunning islands in the San Blas archipelago, including our newly opened Paradise Island Isla Misdup. This island boasts pristine white sand beaches and a picturesque sandbank surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters. Please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions.

Due to our close connections with the Kuna tribe, we are able to offer you the best San Blas Day Tour experience at the lowest prices. We are aware you will be faced with choosing from many different San Blas day tour companies. In order to make your decision easy, we offer you the best of everything the most affordable price:

• Timely pick-up from your Panama City lodging
• Spacious, comfortable 4x4 transportation with friendly and knowledgeable drivers
• All our boats have sun protection with big awnings, for the boat ride to the islands
• We include a quality lunch and one drink of your choice (water, soda or beer). Each meal is prepared in a CLEAN kitchen with FRESH ingredients.
• We include snorkel equipment (please note we have a limited amount available and suggest you bring your own)
• Our San Blas Day tour lasts one hour longer than most others.
• Excellent customer service. We are available 24/7 in order to assist you with any questions or needs.
• Easy and secure online payments with any major credit card, Paypal or crypto wallet via our secure payment portals.
• Best Price/Quality Guarantee

We are excited to share the beauty of the people and the San Blas islands with you and hope to become your premier travel agency for your adventures in Panama and beyond.

 

 

 

Whats's the Difference between San Blas Day Tour Option 1 and Option 2? 

San Blas Day Tour Option 1 is our original and most popular tour, loved by guests for its variety and access to some of San Blas’s most iconic spots. This tour includes visits to:

• Isla Perro: Famous for its shipwreck just off the beach, perfect for snorkeling.
• Natural Pool: A sunken island where you can wade in waist-deep, crystal-clear waters.
• Arena Blanca: A tiny, sinking island with a large sandbank, ideal for relaxing.
• Isla Diablo: A quick stop to rinse off before heading back.

We recommend Option 1 for those looking to explore the most famous and well-loved locations in San Blas. It’s a well-rounded tour that offers a bit of everything—perfect for first-time visitors.

San Blas Day Tour Option 2 is a newly created tour, designed for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. This option was developed after we received exclusive access to promote a newly opened, uninhabited island with raw, untouched beaches. This tour includes:

• Isla Yansa: An inhabited island with palm-fringed beaches, ocean swings, and beach chairs.
• Natural Pool: The same beautiful sunken island as in Option 1.
• Isla Misdup: A newly opened, uninhabited island with pristine beaches and vast shallow waters, perfect for lounging and bathing.

We recommend Option 2 for those who want to escape the crowds and explore a truly secluded island in San Blas, offering a unique and tranquil experience away from mass tourism.

 

TOUR SUMMARY - San Blas Day Tour

• Price - $114 per person (Children ages 4 to 7 - $104 per child)
• Small Group tour
• Duration - 14 hours
• Available all week
• Start time - between 5:00am - 5:45am
• Visit Isla Yansa
• Visit Isla Misdup
• Visit the Natural Pool 
• Return to Panama City by 7:00pm

 

TOUR OVERVIEW - San Blas Day Tour - Option 2

Your San Blas adventure begins early in the morning. Between 5:00am and 5:45am, a friendly driver will pick you up from your Panama City lodging and transport you, along with up to five other guests, to the Port of Carti. Relax and enjoy the 2.5 to 3-hour drive through the breathtaking jungle highlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys and sloths—we’ll happily stop for photo opportunities! We’ll also make a stop at a grocery store if you need to pick up snacks, water, or fruit for the day.

Upon arrival at the port, you’ll meet your San Blas tour guide, who will be ready to start the adventure. You'll board a “lancha” boat for a 30-minute ride to your first destination. While the ride may be a bit bumpy with some ocean spray depending on conditions, all our boats are spacious, equipped with ladders, and provide sun protection for a more comfortable journey.

Our first stop will be at Isla Yansa, one of the most beautiful inhabited islands in San Blas. This tropical paradise, fringed with palm trees and surrounded by calm, multi-hued waters, invites you to swim, relax, or sway on an ocean swing. Take time to explore the island, meet the welcoming Kuna people, and capture postcard-perfect photos. For added adventure, you can rent a SUP board to glide over the azure waters.

At lunchtime, you'll be treated to a delicious, freshly prepared meal with your choice of fresh fish or chicken (vegetarian options and special requests, such as lobster, can be arranged in advance).

With our bellies satisfied we continue our tour to the breathtaking Natural Pool, where you'll stand waist-deep in the middle of the ocean on fine sand. Here, you can admire the many sea stars in the shallow waters and explore the vibrant underwater world with or without your snorkel gear.

Our last stop is Isla Misdup, only a short boat ride away. Isla Misdup is a hidden gem with some of the most stunning wild beaches in San Blas. Here, you can stroll far into the ocean on a vast submerged sandbank, enjoying the tranquility of this secluded paradise. As the only tour visiting this island, you’ll have plenty of space to find your own private spot to unwind and enjoy the beach.

Between 3:00 and 3:30pm, we’ll depart from Isla Misdup and head back to the Port of Carti, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to Panama City, with an expected arrival at your lodging by 7:00pm.

San Blas is one of the last unspoiled and undeveloped places on Earth. We hope this day tour allows you to experience the islands’ breathtaking beauty and the unique charm of the Kuna culture. For those with just one day to visit the Guna Yala region, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.

PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR A  2.5 HOUR CAR JOURNEY EACH WAY OVER BAD ROADS WITH POTHOLES AND SLOW CURVES! 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 roads 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 :)

We also offer San Blas sailboat charter tours that will allow you to visit many more islands and enjoy all-inclusive amenities, such as gourmet meals, open bar, snacks throughout the day, kayaks, SUP boards and much more.

For those of you who long for a relaxing multi-day San Blas vacation, relaxing in a hammock, reading a book, sipping on a cocktail and watching spectacular golden red sunsets we offer San Blas cabins on various unique San Blas islands. Whether staying in an "Over-water" cabin and jumping into the ocean from your bedroom or sleeping in a traditional Kuna hut, we can provide you with options that suit your particular taste and style.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED - San Blas Day Tour

• Shared roundtrip Transfer from your lodging in Panama City to Port of Carti
• Roundtrip Boat transfer from Port of Carti to the islands
• Island Taxes
• 2 Islands + Natural Pool Boat Tour
• Snorkel Equipment (please note we have a limited amount available and suggest you bring your own)
• Lunch (Chicken or Fish with rice, plantains and salad)
• One drink (Beer, Bottled Water, or Soda)

 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED - San Blas Day Tour

• Kuna Entrance Fee ($22 for Internationals, $7 for Panamanian residents)
• Lobster Lunch ($25 extra with advance notice)

 

TOUR ITINERARY - San Blas Day Tour

(Approx. times)

• Pick-up from Panama City lodging between 5:00am and 5:45am
• Arrive in Port of Carti of San Blas at 9:00am
• Guided Day Tour from 9:00am to 3:30pm
• Pick-up from Port of Carti by 4:00pm
• Arrive in Panama City at 7:00pm

 

WHAT TO BRING - San Blas Day Tour

• Passport or Cedula for Guna Yala entry
• Comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting and for that reason we do not promote their use
• Due to limited snorkel gear available we suggest you bring your own so you don't miss the underworld of San Blas
• Swimwear
• Sun glasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Cap or hat
• Cash for tips and souvenirs

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.
• Add $25 per person for a fresh lobster meal (ONLY BETWEEN JUNE AND FEBRUARY with advance notice)
• Discount of $40, if you prefer to drive to Carti in your own transportation. Only 4x4 cars are allowed into the territory.
• Round-trip transportation from Playa Bonita area add $10 per person

 

FAQ

What is included in a your San Blas day tour?

Our San Blas day tours include round-trip transportation from Panama City, a boat ride to the islands, island entry fees, lunch, and one drink. While there will not be a personal tour guide available throughout the day, our boat crew is more than willing to assist and will gladly provide more insights into their history and culture when asked. The indigenous Kuna are more reserved but when approached they will open up and be very helpful.

Do I need a permit to enter the Guna Yala region?

Yes, visitors must pay an entry fee to access the Guna Yala region. The cost is $7 for Panamanian nationals and $22 for foreigners. This fee is paid in cash at a checkpoint before reaching the port. Please bring cash.​

How long does a day tour last?

Our San Blas day tours generally last about 14 hours. Pickup in Panama City is early (around 5:00 AM), and you'll return by 7:00 PM. The time on the islands typically ranges from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, depending on weather and travel condition.

I heard that the road to San Blas is bad. Is it worth it?

Absolutely! While the road to San Blas can be challenging, its curvy and steep terrain is part of the adventure, and the destination is well worth it. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural experience with the Guna Yala community. Many travelers find the journey adds to the excitement, making their visit to this tropical paradise even more unforgettable. With our experienced drivers, the road is handled with care, so you can focus on enjoying the experience ahead! Please note, that driving etiquette is different than what you are used to from home.

Can I drive to San Blas on my own?

Yes, you can drive to San Blas, but it requires a 4x4 vehicle. The road leading to the port of Cartí is steep, curvy, and often in poor condition, making it unsuitable for standard vehicles​. We do not encourage our guests to attempt this journey on their own. We also need to note that if you are delayed, our tour cannot wait for your arrival. Taxis and Ubers are not allowed to enter the Guna Yala region, so planning your own transportation can be complex​

What should I bring for the tour?

It's recommended to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, flip-flops, a hat, snorkeling gear (we have a limited amount available only), a waterproof bag for electronics, and cash for extras like drinks or souvenirs​

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, San Blas tours are great for families. The shallow, clear waters are ideal for kids, but keep in mind the long drive and boat rides when planning with younger children.

 

OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS

Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your visit and offer even more insights into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic sites. Check out the links below for more unforgettable adventures! We personally believe that the following adventures should not be missed while travelling to Panama.

Isla Grande Panama – Caribbean Island Hopping & Portobelo Fort - $118
Visit Isla Mamey, Isla Linton, Isla Grande, the famous Love Tunnel & the historic Portobelo Fort

Anton Valley Hiking Day Tour - $111
Join us on an active day in Anton Valley, hiking the crater and exploring the town. We offer two tour options for more variety.

Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall - $69
Meet the ancient Embera tribe on a 6 hour cultural tour

Bioluminescence Tour - $39
Dive into another world as you float in a sea of glowing lights

 

What to Expect - Please read before Booking!!!

🏠 Accommodation

❌ No A/C; limited electricity (available only 6:00 pm–6:00 am).

❌ No WiFi (local SIM may work, not guaranteed).

🚿 Bathrooms are basic & shared; showers may have slight salt content.

💧 Water is precious; supply may be limited or inconsistent.

🛏️ Beds and sheets may be worn or uncomfortable.

♻️ What looks like “clutter” is often reused items by Kuna families — please respect their way of life.

🍽️ Food

• Meals freshly prepared in local kitchens.
• Simple dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones.
• Additional food, drinks, and snacks can be purchased before departure.

🚙 Transportation

• Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City on curvy mountain roads; shared 4x4 SUVs (6 passengers). Extra seat = extra cost.
• Pick-up: 5:00–5:30 am — be ready on time (drivers cannot wait more than 10 minutes).
• Port check-in: Can feel busy or informal, but the Kuna community maintains an organized system and ensures all guests are cared for.
• Boat ride: 20–40 min; can be bumpy and wet.
• 🚤 Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.

👥 Kuna Culture

• Only Kuna may work in San Blas.
• Most do not speak English; service is simple, not hotel-style.
• Respect, patience, and a smile go a long way.

🌿 Nature & Environment

• Ocean currents bring plastic debris; Kuna clean regularly.
• Sandflies common during rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring insect repellent.
• Weather is unpredictable — rain possible anytime (no refunds for rain).

🩺 Health & Safety

• Very limited medical care on the islands.
• Serious issues require evacuation to Panama City (guest covers cost).\

💡 Final Note

San Blas is not luxury — it’s about disconnecting, embracing a unique culture, and enjoying paradise.

Come with patience, flexibility, and respect. The Kuna may be reserved, but they are kind and welcoming. With the right mindset, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of one of the most stunning places on Earth.
 

CANCELATION POLICY - San Blas Day Tour

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.