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.

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.
• Isla Nuinudup: A newly opened island, formerly only popular amongst sailors in San Blas.
• 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:

• Natural Pool: The same beautiful sunken island as in Option 1.
• Isla Yansa: An inhabited island with palm-fringed beaches, ocean swings, and beach chairs.
• 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 OVERVIEW - San Blas Day Tour - Option 1

Your San Blas Day tour starts early in the morning. A friendly driver will meet you at your Panama City lodging between 5:00am and 5:45am and safely transport you and up to five other guests to the Port of Carti. Relax and start enjoying the 2.5 to 3 hour journey through the spectacular jungle highlands. Oftentimes we encounter wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths on the road and will gladly stop the car to give you opportunities to admire these beautiful animals and to take photos. Our drivers will also stop at a grocery store in case you want to purchase any items, such as snacks, water or fruit.Embark on an unforgettable San Blas tour with us and discover the pristine beauty of Panama's Caribbean coast. Cruise through crystal-clear waters, explore deserted islands, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Kuna people. Experience the ultimate adventure with our expertly curated San Blas tours.

When arriving at the port a “lancha” boat with your San Blas tour guide will be waiting for you, ready to commence the San Blas tour.

The 30-minute boat ride to the first island may be a little bumpy and, depending on ocean conditions, there may be some ocean spray. All of our boats have ample space and feature boat ladders and sun protection that will make this journey more comfortable.

Arriving at your first destination, Isla Perro, you will be greeted by a tropical palm-fringed island paradise and calm waters with various shades of blue and green inviting you to dive in and play with the multitude of colorful fish surrounding you, while snorkeling on the sunken shipwreck reef located close to the beach. You will have plenty of time to relax in the shade of a palm tree, explore the island, meet the amazing Kuna population or bath in the crystal clear ocean, surrounding yourself with the iridescent turquoise water colors allowing for postcard perfect photo shots. We provide all of our guests with free snorkel equipment for the day to marvel at the colorful reef and the multitude of fish species surrounding the wreck.

At lunchtime you will be served a tasty and freshly prepared lunch, with a choice of fresh fish or chicken (note: we also offer vegetarian options and other alternatives, if you have diet restrictions). 

After lunch, we’ll head to the renowned Natural Pool, a sunken island in the middle of the ocean with a shallow sandbank where visitors can stand waist-deep in the water. Oftentimes we can spot starfish resting on the ocean floor, offering a beautiful underwater experience.

​Our next stop is Isla Nuinudup, which has only recently been opened to the public. Until a few months ago, this island was accessible exclusively to sailors, who favored its sheltered anchorage and the proximity to other nearby islands just minutes away. Isla Nuinudup boasts a stunning sandy beach with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and crystal-clear tropical waters. A beach volleyball net is also available, drawing visitors for lively, fun-filled games in this idyllic setting. Alternatively, we will visit the awe-inspiring Natural Pool. Stand waist-deep in the middle of the ocean on fine sand and admire the many sea stars populating this vast, shallow area. Whether using your snorkel gear or not, everyone will be able to glimpse the amazing underwater world only a few feet below the surface. 

Our last destination takes us to Isla Diablo, another typical San Blas island, white sand beaches and an interesting Kuna family inhabiting the island. We only stop here for a short while allowing guests to use the fresh water showers to rinse off before heading back to the port.

Between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM we will leave this island paradise and head back to the Port of Carti. Your driver will be waiting for you and safely drive you back to Panama City, dropping you off at your lodging by 7:00 PM.

San Blas is one of the last unspoiled and undeveloped places in the world and we hope you will get to experience the beauty of the islands and the innocence of the unique Kuna culture.  For our guests who only have one day to travel to the “Guna Yala” nation, the San Blas Day tour is the best option and will surely make you want to come back again.

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.

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 5:00 AM - 5:45 AM
• Visit Isla Perro
• Visit Isla Nuinudup
• Visit the Natural Pool 
• Visit Isla Diablo
• Return to Panama City by 7:00 PM

 

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 to 3-Island + Natural Pool Boat Tour
• Shared 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)

 

TOUR ITINERARY - San Blas Day Tour

(Approx. times)

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

 

WHAT TO BRING - San Blas Day Tour

• Passport or Cedula for Kuna territory 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
• A reusable bottle to fill with water during the day
• 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.
• 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

 

SAN BLAS DAY TOUR DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ

While San Blas is a beautiful island archipelago with stunning beaches and clear waters, it also has its downsides, for which we would like to make you aware off. 

In San Blas only the Kuna population is allowed to work in the territory. The services and infrastructure are not what most of us are used to. Kunas are not very service oriented and can often seem shy or reserved. A stay in San Blas can be compared to a camping vacation that offers minimal comfort, services and amenities. We strongly advise those who have 5 star expectations to think twice before embarking on this adventure. We do have alternative tours in Panama with more high-end services. 

We really care about our reputation and we want our guests to enjoy their vacation with us. We attempt to be as transparent as possible in order to set guest expectations from the start. We do not own any of the islands and we pride ourselves in providing excellent service during your booking process and attempting to assist you during your San Blas vacation. However, please remember that we cannot guarantee the same excellent service during your stay in San Blas.

Please read all the below information well!

• San Blas is very rustic without the amenities and standards you might be used to from home. Compared to places such as Tahiti and Maldives that are managed by international hotel chains, San Blas has remained autonomous without the influence of outsiders. When visiting San Blas, it should be viewed as a cultural experience where guests visit the paradise islands of the Kunas and respect their traditions and their primitive ways of living.

• • No air condition - None of the islands offer A/C
  • No Wifi - You can buy a prepaid SIM card (Tigo or Digicel), which may or may not have signal.
  • No luxury facilities - Bathrooms may be dirty, sinks may get clogged
  • What seems like trash and clutter around the local huts, are items and tools that Kunas re-use for their daily lives. Please respect the fact that different cultures have different education, perspectives and ways of living and do not expect the cleanliness you may be used to from your home country.

• All services will all be handled by the indigenous Kuna. While Tao Travel 365 strives to provide the best service possible and train the Kuna in customer management, some of the below services are often out of our control.
  • Car transportation - the ride to San Blas takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with 1.5 hours over slow,  curvy roads. For those with motion sickness, please prepare accordingly. The transportation is in a shared 4x4 SUV, with one seat up front, three seats in the middle row and 2 seats in the back row. Seats are assigned randomly. Those who require additional space in the car must purchase an extra seat. Pick up from your lodging is scheduled between 5:00am and 5:30am, but can sometimes be as late as 5:45am depending on the timeliness of other guests that we pick up. Out of respect for all others in the car we ask everyone to wait in the lobby of their building at 5:00am. If you are not at the designated meeting point, the driver will make an effort to locate you, but he cannot delay the transportation by more than 10 minutes. No refunds are awarded to guests who don’t show up on time.
  • Boat transportation - depending on weather and ocean conditions, the 20-40 minute boat ride might be bumpy and wet with ocean spray. 
  • Island kitchen - meal are prepared fresh in the local kitchen and usually consist of fried or grilled fish with salad and patacones (fried plantains).
  • Most Kunas DO NOT speak English.

• Trash is a worldwide problem and unfortunately San Blas has not been spared from the ever increasing issue. During certain tides and ocean and wind conditions plastic trash from throughout the Caribbean ocean accumulates on the beaches of San Blas. While the local Kuna are working hard to collect the constant flood of plastic trash washing up on their beaches, guests will nevertheless find evidence of plastic spread out on the island. Furthermore, Kunas tend to collect certain “trash” and re-use it for their purposes.
• During the wet months (April - December) or during windless days, all of San Blas experiences sandflies, which are little blood-sucking flies that leave itchy marks. Please ensure to bring insect repellent and prepare to return to Panama City with a few itchy memories.
• Weather:  
  • Panama is located in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which means that the weather is very unpredictable and is impossible to forecast with accuracy. The weather forecast will usually show rain and thunderstorms for most days of the year, when in reality there are oftentimes beautiful, sunny days in San Blas. Please do not rely on the weather forecast in Panama.
  • Due to the tropical conditions in San Blas rain can occur at any time and we do not offer refunds for rainy days.

• Travel Emergencies:
  • The San Blas islands are located in a very remote region of Panama. We ask all guests  to be responsible for their own well being and to be aware that medical assistance can often not be provided right away. The closest medical facility in San Blas is very basic and can only provide assistance for minor issues. Guests with injuries such as broken bones that require more specialized treatment need to be transported to Panama City.
  • Guests are responsible for all charges arising from a medical emergency, such as boat and car transportation and medical care. We suggest all guests to carry a Travel Insurance to cover emergency expenses. For more information, please visit www.taotravel365.tours/travel-insurance/

We kindly ask our guests to lower their expectation when visiting San Blas and to focus on the beautiful remote paradise that San Blas has remained despite the effects that modern society has caused to them. The Kunas are very gentle and kind people, but can also be somewhat shy at times. When approaching them with a smile and an open heart you will be guaranteed an innocent, happy smile in return. Arriving with the right mindset and expectation usually guarantees an unforgettable experience, where guests are able to focus on the beauties of the islands, beaches, ocean and the people, rather than on the limitations that we mentioned above.

 

CANCELATION POLICY - San Blas Day Tour

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.