Pelicano Island in San Blas, Panama, offers a captivating day trip experience for adventurous travelers. For $3,500 per person, guests embark on a 14-hour journey, exploring stunning islands, natural pools, and vibrant marine life while snorkeling. The tour includes transportation, refreshments, and a delicious lunch, all while respecting the rich culture of the indigenous Guna Yala people. With a small group size and personalized attention, this excursion promises breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable journey. But what makes this day trip truly unique, and why should you consider adding it to your travel itinerary?
Key Points
- The Pelicano Island day trip in San Blas, Panama costs $3,500 per person and lasts 14 hours, including transportation, lunch, and optional activities.
- The tour provides a small group experience with a maximum of 12 participants and includes visiting local cafés, natural pools, and sandbanks on 2-3 islands.
- Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, life jackets, and beach chairs are provided, and visitors will experience the vibrant Guna Yala culture and handicrafts.
- Visitors must bring their original passport, and there are additional fees for specific hotel pickups and the Guna Yala entrance fee.
- The tour operates rain or shine, and visitors should be aware of the rustic facilities on the island and respect the local Kuna culture.
Trip Overview and Pricing
The day trip to Pelicano Island from Panama City costs $Kč3,500 per person.
This 14-hour tour starts at 5 AM and is limited to 12 participants for a small group experience.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now & pay later option.
The itinerary includes pickup from Panama City, jeep/SUV transportation, visits to a local café, food market, Puerto Tupile Dibin, and Pelicano Island, where they’ll enjoy lunch, swimming, and optional activities.
The tour provides snorkeling masks, paddle boards, life jackets, beach chairs, and shower towels, with the Guna Yala entrance fee included.
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Itinerary Highlights
The day trip kicks off with a pickup from Panama City, where a driver confirms the pickup time. After a short ride, the group visits a local café and food market. Next, they receive a safety briefing before hopping on and off at Puerto Tupile Dibin. The main highlight is the 3-hour visit to Pelicano Island, which includes a 30-minute lunch and swim. Optional stops at Anmardub and Cabañas Narasgandup are also available. Throughout the day, snorkeling masks, paddle boards, life jackets, and beach chairs are provided, ensuring a comfortable and exciting adventure.
Itinerary | Duration |
---|---|
Local Café and Food Market | 15 minutes |
Safety Briefing | 10 minutes |
Puerto Tupile Dibin | 15 minutes |
Pelicano Island | 3 hours |
Optional Anmardub and Cabañas Narasgandup | 40 minutes each |
Activities and Inclusions
Typically, the day trip offers visitors the opportunity to visit 2-3 islands, natural pools, and sandbanks.
Snorkeling masks are provided, allowing guests to explore the vibrant marine life. Lunch and refreshments, including juice, soda, or water, are included.
Paddle boards and life jackets are available for those wanting to venture out on the water. Beach chairs and shower towels are also provided for comfort and convenience.
The Guna Yala entrance fee is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panama residents. Respect for the local Kuna culture and the rustic facilities is expected during the tour, which operates rain or shine unless ocean conditions are unsafe.
Transportation and Fees
Shared 4×4 SUV transportation from Panama City and San Blas Port is provided for the day trip.
An additional $10 per person fee applies for pickups from the Westin Playa Bonita or Dreams Playa Bonita hotels.
All visitors must have their original passport with them for border security.
The Guna Yala entrance fee is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panamanian residents.
This day trip to Pelicano Island is a small group experience, limited to a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
For this day trip, travelers are advised to bring along their passport, sunglasses, hat, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen.
Large luggage and baby strollers aren’t allowed on the tour. Drones are also prohibited.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or back problems.
The tour operates rain or shine, unless ocean conditions are unsafe.
Visitors are expected to respect the local Kuna culture and facilities, which are rustic.
Recommendations
Thorough preparation and mindful consideration are essential for a seamless and enjoyable day trip to Pelicano Island.
Travelers should pack a passport, sunglasses, hat, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. Baby strollers, large luggage, and drones aren’t allowed.
While the tour is suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or back problems.
The local Kuna culture and facilities should be respected, as they’re rustic in nature.
The tour operates rain or shine, unless ocean conditions are unsafe.
Following these recommendations will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience on the stunning Pelicano Island.
Guna Yala Culture
The Guna Yala, an indigenous group native to the San Blas Islands, have a rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience during the day trip to Pelicano Island. The Guna people are known for their vibrant textiles, intricate molas, and traditional ceremonies. Visitors can engage with local artisans and learn about their customs.
Traditional Dress | Mola Art | Handicrafts |
---|---|---|
The Guna women wear colorful, hand-sewn dresses called molas. | Molas are reverse appliqué textiles that depict intricate designs. | Guna artisans create a variety of handicrafts, including baskets, jewelry, and wooden carvings. |
Respect for the Guna Yala culture is essential during the day trip, as visitors explore the rustic, yet vibrant, island communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors often inquire about various aspects of the day trip to Pelicano Island.
It’s important to note that the tour operates rain or shine unless ocean conditions are unsafe. While the facilities on the island are rustic, it’s crucial to respect the local Kuna culture.
Plus, travelers should be aware that large luggage and drones aren’t permitted on the tour. The experience is suitable for most visitors, but it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or back problems.
- Guests must bring their original passports for border security.
- An additional $10 per person is charged for pickups from certain hotels.
- The Guna Yala entrance fee is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panama residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or back problems. The suitability for children isn’t explicitly stated, so parents should consider their child’s abilities and comfort level.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Yes, visitors can bring their own snorkeling gear on the day trip to Pelicano Island. Snorkeling masks are provided, but guests are welcome to use their own equipment if they prefer. This offers more flexibility and personalization during the water activities.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?
The tour includes a provided lunch, but there are no stated dietary restrictions. Travelers with special dietary needs should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure their requirements can be accommodated.
Can I Book This Trip for a Private Group?
Yes, the day trip to Pelicano Island can be booked as a private group experience. The tour is limited to 12 participants, so travelers can reserve the entire tour for their private group.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Trip?
The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available for this 14-hour day trip to Pelicano Island from Panama City.
Recap
Pelicano Island offers an unforgettable day trip in San Blas, Panama. For $3,500 per person, travelers can embark on a 14-hour journey exploring stunning islands, natural pools, and vibrant marine life while respecting the rich culture of the Guna Yala people. The tour includes transportation, refreshments, and a delicious lunch, providing a small group experience with personalized attention and breathtaking scenery.
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