Full Day In San Blas Islands Visiting 3 - 4 Islands + All Inclusive

It was wonderful. I want to come back and stay one night.

Everything was worth seen, the trip to the islands the pick up. I would definitely do it again.

The transport was excellent mini bus with lots of leg room. Our guide was very polite and spoke good English and helped with translations.

There was good communication from the tour company ahead of time, hotel pickup was seamless. What was not communicated well was the length of drive time to the dock, and then also the length of time on the boat to the Islands. The description indicated 12-14 people on the boat, there were 18 plus 3 crew which made it exceptionally crowded and it was a long and uncomfortable ride both directions given the amount of water coming on board. Nothing was able to stay dry, a dry bag would have been a good item to bring. Once on the first Island, it was a challenge to determine when lunch was (which was included) and how long we had owing to language barriers. The beach itself was lovely albeit crowded. Lunch was good. There was not really any snorkeling on the tour - the last two stops snorkels and masks were provided, although the locations and number of visitors meant there was not anything really to see. If you want true snorkeling this is not the tour for you. Changing facilities were very limited on the dock, but if you go figure out a way to get changed into dry warm clothes because the drive back to Panama City is long and was very uncomfortable because we didn't change (see earlier tip re: dry bag.) Other than lunch, food and drink options are somewhat limited and pricey so bring snacks/beverages with you. Note that we have done several similar trips in Panama and other countries that provide better value for money and are less touristy.

It was a nice experience but I would not re visit. The people are friendly and helpful but the journey to and from was the downfall for me. Not suitable for young kids. I went with my 4yrs old son and my father. They both vomited their life out. They should do small flights or helicopter trips. Persons will pay the fee to avoid 4 hours drive and close to 1 hour by boat. It’s like close to 10hrs traveling.

We had a great time visiting the beaches. They are so beautiful and the water was pretty warm. Each one has space to put your stuff while you swim, which is convenient, and food/drink in case you don't want to bring any, although because the travel there is long and really early, you may want to bring snacks. We did stop at a grocery store on the way, so you will have an opportunity to get something there. I definitely recommend this excursion if you want to see some beautiful water.

I do not recommend visiting the San Blas Islands, especially for families, children, pregnant women, or anyone who values basic safety and infrastructure. While the islands may look beautiful in photos, the reality is very different. There is no proper infrastructure, trash everywhere, no safety standards, and no basic protection for visitors. Transportation by boat is extremely rough and risky, and there is little to no concern for passenger safety. Life jackets were in poor condition, there were no clear safety briefings, and no contingency plans when passengers felt unsafe. The area is controlled locally, which means there is no real accountability, no effective regulation, and no professional tourism standards. If something goes wrong, you are essentially on your own. Our experience was stressful and frightening rather than enjoyable. Instead of relaxing, we spent the entire time worried about safety and just hoping to return safely. San Blas may be marketed as a “paradise,” but without minimum safety, structure, and responsibility, it is not a destination I would ever recommend.

The most important thing to know is to NOT attempt this in your rental car, or even in a regular taxi. You pretty much have to go with a tour company... unless (maybe???) you rent a 4x4 vehicle. We got hassled pretty good WITH a tour guide by the Guna Yala on the way in, and on the way out witnessed some pretty desperate 20-somethings who were not being let in via a regular taxi and hence would miss their hotel reservation. Overall, it did not quite live up to the hype I expected. We were brought to the island with the shipwreck, which was reasonably cool. Then out to the "natural pool" where we heard all about starfish but did not see a single one (and no fish there either). Finally back to a third island (Perro?) which turned out to be right next to the first island. The beaches were fine, but not spectacular - I've seen better in many places in the Caribbean, Asia, Mediterranean, etc. Buildings on the islands were pretty run down. The port closest to the islands was a mess. And if you're doing the drive to/from Panama City like we did, it makes for a long day. Still probably worth doing if you are in Panama and have a day, but not something I'd come back for.

The San Blas Islands are undeniably beautiful, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water, but the experience as a whole was just okay. The boat ride to the islands was rough and uncomfortable—definitely not enjoyable if you’re prone to seasickness. Once there, the islands are picturesque, but the food provided was underwhelming, with small portions that left much to be desired. While the scenery is nice, there’s not much to do beyond relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for total peace and quiet, it might be your thing, but I wouldn’t recommend staying overnight unless you’re prepared for very basic accommodations and sand *everywhere*. Overall, it’s a decent day trip, but there are better options out there for a tropical getaway.

We really debated about going to San Blas Islands given some of the reviews we read. We were glad we did the day trip but were surprised by several things. First, if you go on a weekend during the “dry season”, be prepared for a long wait to cross into the Guna Yala district extending the 2 hour car ride by an additional hour. The 3 step entry process takes time and backs up traffic a long way. Maybe during the week would be better. Second, we didn’t realize the islands were as far from the shore as they are, and they took over an hour to reach by boat. In calm seas, no problem but there were 3-5 ft swells with whitecaps, and it was a very rough ride. Hard to predict since winds in the area are so variable. Luckily, we are seaworthy, but others may experience seasickness. Third, the small boats are difficult to get in and out of making it a challenge to climb up onto high concrete docks or to get out of the water when swimming even using small portable, metal ladders. We were happy that the tour group we used for the 4 islands in one day delivered on that promise and that the water around the islands was calm. It does help to have a driver who speaks English or at minimum, a tour guide who does once you reach where you are loaded on the small boats. A “translate” app can help but an English speaking driver would be far better. Luckily, we had a fellow tourist in our group who saved our day translating for us in the car and while visiting the islands. All in all, if your expectations are realistic, it is a memorable, worthwhile adventure.

Excellent trip, I will go again

A nice experience, the tour is recommended🙂, if you have the possibility to stay it is the ideal thing.

The place is beautiful, I would definitely return

Two intense and wonderful days, here nature is imposing and leaves you breathless, breathtaking views and truly pure beauty without deception, a tour among the islands aboard a comfortable sailboat with unforgettable fish lunches thanks to Lu and Ale, a wonderful couple who hosted us. (+507)68350601 SeaLab AleLu

Look, it is not a bad tour, you see the Caribbean, it is beautiful and it is true that you visit 3 islands plus the one for lunch (by the way, delicious). The islands are beautiful, wild, crystal-clear water and such, but underwater things are quite sad. Little coral and in very poor condition, the poor thing. Even so, some island for a good while of snorkeling, and the sunken ship is good to see while snorkeling.

Super excellent service, I loved the attention, from the time we were picked up from the hotel to the port, and from the port to the island, everything very organized very nice delicious food, they are very aware of the guests, three days on the island and was unforgettable this trip..

It sells snorkel and it's not made. Taking you to a beach with the water by your knees, where you don’t see any interesting background and saying it’s the time where if you want to snorkel, it’s just a tease and a scam

The pickup was medium punctual but there was carnival so it is understandable, there were no tubes or sights to snorkel, we ordered them but they did not bring, the food very well, the organization of the boats also good, overall a great excursion and the spectacular islands

The place is beautiful and charming! What made me worried was the logistics to arrive. The driver who caught us at the hotel constantly drank coffee and used the cell phone at the wheel and the road is very dangerous with curves, rises and steep descents, which requires maximum attention! As for the boat, even though we were wearing jackets, the sea was quite agitated and I think that on a larger boat, we would feel less the effects of the waves. Passed the effect of adrenaline, the tour was well worth it!

The walk was amazing! I closed from day to day by Booking and went very well. I was very well served from the first contact, driver always keeping in touch and very helpful. The visit to the islands was very nice. I recommend!

As you have to pass mountains, the road to the Port has VERY steep slopes. Boats or boats are rustic, but they work well. By the nature of the Caribbean Sea, the trip is quite busy and with strong waves (I do not recommend it for pregnant or nervous people) but for those of us who enjoy an "adventurous" spirit the journey, we enjoy it very much. The unique, unforgettable PARADISIAC Beaches, the rich and abundant food and the attention of the indigenous Guna, very close, always watching for your well-being.

We went to similar islands discovery of the archipelago for a day the operator picked us up from the hotel in 4x4. The comfort of the vehicle was spartan we were 6 passengers in a vehicle intended for 5 , drawer cash obliges....the belt in the back, sitting between 2 seats, I was very poorly seated for a trip of two hours .No problem I naively thought that the driver would swap passengers on the return, I am 65 years old, 2 thirtysomethings occupied the Toyota; he refused I had to make the return trip very uncomfortably seated .As for the service to the San Blas Islands, fortunately managed by the locals, great they made us spend an exceptional day the food was excellent and the small cocktail welcome. Too bad for the round trip ....

This tour is spectacular but has some sacrifices: if you are staying in Panama City (Pacific Ocean) and have contracted the Panamanian Caribbean trip from San Blas then you need to be ready at the reception at 5am for the SUV transfer that takes you for 2h to the port of Kuna Yala people, already in the Atlantic Ocean. The path is quiet until the stop for bathroom and breakfast, from there begins the mountain climb that crosses part of the Amazon jungle for 1h on a road with good asphalt but very winding, if you get sick better take a Vonau before. In the port you take a bimotor boat that goes against the waves through the open sea until you arrive on the islands, the ride can be perrengue if the sea is moved but the return is always calm and favorable to the wind. Each tour costs U$120 per person counting on land, boat, lunch on the island and also the fees charged by the Indians of U$20 per foreigner to enter the reseva and U$2,50 per boat trip. We left 9h, we went to Isla Gato, natural pools and Isla del Diablo, where lunch was served, we returned at 15h and at 18:30h we arrived at the hotel. Do not fail to bring sunscreen. We did the whole tour with the service of José Sepúlveda, indicated by the hotel and went all right, I recommend! It's very worth it.

The islands are amazing with a crystal clear water . I just found the one-day walk very exhausting and stressful. We bought the tour on indication at the Novohotel and did not give any instructions on what to take or the route. The driver asked to wait for 4:30 and arrived at 5:15 for after 40 minutes standing in a stop on the road with some nasty coffee options that do not accept card and then stands in a queue of cars to enter. It would be best to leave around 6:15 for coffee at the hotel and arrive at the place shortly after the queue. Arriving there you wait even more for the boat that takes the people who will stay on the other islands and finally leave you in your area. To sum up, I woke up at 4 a.m. to land on the island literally at 10:40 a.m. At 15:30 we left the island to arrive at the hotel at 18:50. I find it pretty, but it's really tired. That without counting the road full of curves with rise and descent.