Experience the perfect mix of culture and tropical island beauty on this San Blas Kuna Day Tour. The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are one of the world’s last untouched archipelagos—home to the indigenous Kuna people, who still live in harmony with nature and maintain their centuries-old traditions.

On this unforgettable day trip, you’ll visit a traditional Kuna community, where you’ll learn about local customs and daily life, before setting out to explore two of San Blas’s breathtaking islands. Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, relax on white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, and snorkel in the famous Natural Pool (a shallow sunken island where starfish are often found). Please note: island stops may vary depending on weather and ocean conditions.

Thanks to our close partnership with the Kuna families, we are able to offer a truly authentic cultural experience, combined with all the comforts you need for a hassle-free day in paradise.

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✅ Why Choose This Tour?

• Timely hotel pickup from Panama City (optional) in comfortable 4x4 vehicles with friendly, knowledgeable drivers
• Boats equipped with large awnings for shade during the island transfers
• Welcome coffee and fresh fruit upon arrival
• Delicious freshly prepared lunch with your choice of water, soda, or beer
• Snorkel gear provided (limited sets available; bringing your own is recommended)
• English/Spanish guides for smooth communication
• Our tour lasts longer than most other San Blas day trips, giving you more time to enjoy the islands
• Excellent 24/7 customer support and easy, secure online booking with credit card, PayPal, or crypto
• Best price/quality guarantee

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Join us for a full day of discovery—immerse yourself in Kuna culture, snorkel among vibrant marine life, and relax on some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. This San Blas Kuna Day Tour is more than just a beach escape—it’s a chance to connect with a unique indigenous community while experiencing the natural paradise of San Blas.

 

 

 

TOUR SUMMARY - San Blas Day Tour

• Price - $114 per person (Children ages 4 to 7 - $109 per child)
• Small Group tour
• Duration - 14 hours
• Available all week
• Start time - between 5:00am - 5:45am
• Boat tour and visit Isla Guasirdup
• Boat tour and visit Isla Hierba
• Boat tour and visit traditional Kuna community
• Return to Panama City by 7:00pm

 

TOUR OVERVIEW

Your San Blas Panama Kuna 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.

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 sun protection that will make this journey more comfortable.

Arriving at your first destination, Isla Guasirdup, 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. Enjoy some coffee and fresh fruit before relaxing on 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 snorkel equipment (limited availability) for the day to marvel at the colorful reef and the multitude of fish.

We continue the tour to Isla Hierba, another beautiful island, where we will enjoy freshly prepared lunch, consisting of fresh fried or grilled fish, plantains and salad. (note: we also offer vegetarian options and other alternatives, if you have diet restrictions. Lobsters must be ordered during the purchase of your tour). 

In the afternoon, we will take the boat to the indigenous Kuna community, where your guide will show you around. Learn about the traditions and simple ways of life and marvel at the intricate ways Mola artwork is made.

Between 3:00 and 3:30pm 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 7pm.

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.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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 Guided 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

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

 

TOUR ITINERARY

(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

• 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
• 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 (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

 

⚠️ IMPORTANT – SAN BLAS DAY TOUR DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ

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 as a cultural adventure in a tropical island setting rather than a luxury excursion.

➡️ 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 provide excellent service during your booking process and will assist you before and during your trip.
However:

• We do not own or operate the islands.
• Once you arrive, all services are provided by the local Kuna community, and quality may differ from what you’re used to.
• Service may feel slow or unorganized — this is part of the authentic San Blas experience.

 

🏝️ What to Expect on a San Blas Day Tour

🚙 Transportation

• Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City on curvy mountain roads in 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 — bring a dry bag for electronics.
• Transfers: Boats may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.

🏝️ Island Experience

• Facilities are very basic — limited shade, simple bathrooms, and rustic surroundings.
• Beaches are shallow in some areas; for swimming you may need to walk further out.
• Islands may be busy, especially in high season.
• Expect a relaxed pace — no fixed schedules like in traditional tours.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

• Meals freshly prepared in local kitchens.
• Typical dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones.
• One drink included (water, soda, or beer).
• Additional drinks/snacks can be purchased before departure or from local vendors on the islands.

👥 Kuna Culture

• Only Kuna may operate tours in San Blas.
• Most do not speak English; service is modest and not hotel-style.
• Respect their traditions: ask before taking photos, and dress modestly when visiting villages.

🌿 Nature & Environment

• Ocean currents may bring plastic debris, though the Kuna clean regularly.
• Sandflies and mosquitoes are common during the rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring insect repellent.
• Weather is unpredictable — rain is 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).
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended:
  👉 www.taotravel365.tours/travel-insurance

💡 Final Note

San Blas day tours are not luxury experiences — they’re 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.