Explore the San Blas Islands in Panama – Day Trip W/ Lunch

Tucked away in the azure waters of the Caribbean, the San Blas Islands offer a captivating escape from the everyday. This day trip promises an immersive experience, blending adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise. Guests will embark on thrilling motorboat rides, snorkel around a sunken ship, and explore hidden gems among the islands. Prepared by a Guna family, a delicious local-style lunch provides a cultural touch. With a small group size and round-trip transportation, this excursion delivers breathtaking views and an unforgettable taste of Panama’s stunning coastal wonders. What awaits those who venture to these enchanting islands?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Panama City.

Key Points

• A 14-hour day trip to the San Blas Islands in Panama, including round-trip transportation, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and a local-style lunch for $155 per person.

• The trip explores four stunning locations in the San Blas Islands, showcasing untouched tropical beauty, a sunken ship for snorkeling, and breathtaking island scenery.

• The package includes all necessary equipment, such as snorkeling gear and life vests, as well as the Guna Yala entrance fee of $22 for foreigners and $7 for residents.

• Visitors should bring essential items like a passport, swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag, while prohibited items include pets, drones, and weapons.

• The experience is recommended for first-time visitors to Panama seeking a tropical paradise, with overall positive reviews highlighting the scenic beauty and friendly guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Itinerary

For this day trip from Panama City to the San Blas Islands, travelers can expect a 14-hour adventure starting as early as 5 AM.

The $155 per person cost includes round-trip transportation via Jeep/SUV, motorboat rides, snacks, and a local-style lunch.

Highlights include snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring four stunning island locations.

The itinerary provides a mix of activities, from a safety briefing to sightseeing at hidden gems.

With a small group size limited to 12 participants, this immersive experience offers a more intimate look at the breathtaking San Blas archipelago.

Inclusions and Costs

The day trip to the San Blas Islands includes round-trip transportation from Panama City, motorboat rides, a local-style lunch with one drink, snorkeling equipment, and life vests.

The $155 per person fee also covers the Guna Yala entrance fee, which is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panama residents.

However, additional costs may apply for pickup outside of Panama City.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks, drinks, and alcohol, but these items aren’t included in the package.

What to Bring and Important Information

Travelers heading to the San Blas Islands should bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sandals, camera, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag.

Pets, baby strollers, large bags, drones, fireworks, and weapons are strictly prohibited. All visitors must pass through border security, and the day trip operates rain or shine unless ocean conditions are unsafe.

It’s recommended to bring cash as well, as the islands have limited access to ATMs. The experience is rewarding, but the drive can be bumpy, so motion sickness precautions are advised.

Experience Highlights

A highlight of the San Blas Islands day trip is the opportunity to explore four stunning locations across the archipelago.

Guests can look forward to:

• Snorkeling around a sunken ship and observing colorful starfish in the crystal-clear waters.

• Taking in breathtaking views of untouched islands and the mesmerizing turquoise seas.

• Enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by a local Guna family, featuring fresh seafood or chicken with rice, fruits, and salads.

• Experiencing a small group adventure limited to 12 participants, fostering a more intimate and personalized excursion.

• Discovering hidden gems and lesser-known spots during the scheduled sightseeing activities.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the 62 reviews gathered, customers have provided an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 for the San Blas Islands day trip. Reviewers consistently praised the scenic beauty and friendly guides as highlights. However, they noted the drive can be bumpy, advising precautions for motion sickness. Despite the transportation discomfort, the experience on the islands was rewarding. The trip is recommended for first-time visitors to Panama seeking a tropical paradise.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Scenic beauty	Bumpy drive
Friendly guides	Motion sickness
Rewarding islands experience

Transportation Details

The day trip to the San Blas Islands begins with a 3.5-hour journey in a jeep or SUV from Panama City.

The transportation provides a comfortable and scenic ride through the countryside, allowing you to take in the local sights along the way.

The experience includes:

• Pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Panama City for an additional $10 per person.
• Passing through border security to enter the Guna Yala region.
• A brief stop at a local café to stretch your legs and grab a refreshment.
• A safety briefing before boarding the motorboat to the islands.
• The final hop-on hop-off stop at Puerto de Carti to begin your island adventure.

Island Exploration Activities

Upon arriving at Puerto de Carti, visitors commence their island exploration activities. First, they’re treated to a safety briefing, ensuring everyone’s well-being throughout the journey.

Next, they’ll hop on and off the boat at Puerto de Carti, taking in the picturesque views. The main highlight is the visit to Perro Island, where travelers can snorkel around a sunken ship and observe starfish in the turquoise waters.

They’ll also enjoy a delicious local lunch prepared by a Guna family. Lastly, visitors will explore Isla Niadub, discovering hidden gems and breathtaking scenery.

Throughout the day, the small group size allows for a more intimate and personalized experience in this tropical paradise.

Guna Yala Entrance Fee

Visitors to the Guna Yala archipelago in Panama must pay an entrance fee to access these protected indigenous lands. The fee is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panamanian residents. This fee is included in the day trip package and helps support the local Guna communities and conservation efforts.

The entrance fee covers:

• Maintenance of the islands and infrastructure
• Funding for community development projects
• Preservation of Guna culture and traditions
• Environmental protection and sustainability initiatives
• Ensuring responsible tourism that benefits the indigenous population

This fee ensures visitors can responsibly enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the San Blas Islands while respecting the Guna people and their traditional way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Swim or Go Snorkeling on This Day Trip?

Yes, the day trip includes snorkeling around a sunken ship and observing starfish. Snorkeling masks and fins are provided for guests. Swimming is also allowed at select island locations during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Islands?

Yes, the day trip includes a visit to Perro Island for snorkeling and allows guests to explore Isla Niadub as well. The itinerary offers opportunities to see multiple stunning islands during the 14-hour experience.

Will There Be a Tour Guide Throughout the Day?

Yes, there will be a tour guide throughout the day. The guide will accompany the group, providing information about the islands and coordinating the various activities and stops included in the itinerary.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

No, guests don’t need to bring their own snorkeling gear. The tour provides snorkeling masks and fins for all participants. All the necessary snorkeling equipment is included in the excursion.

How Much Time Will We Have on Each Island?

The trip itinerary allots 3 hours for the visit to Perro Island, 45 minutes for Isla Niadub, and additional sightseeing at hidden gems for 60 minutes total. The time on each island may vary depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.

Recap

The San Blas Islands day trip in Panama offers a unique opportunity to take in a tropical paradise. Visitors can expect a thrilling adventure, with activities like snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, complemented by a delicious local lunch and stunning natural scenery. This intimate excursion, with a small group size, promises an unforgettable experience in this breathtaking island destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: