Panama City , Panama

Private Day tour in San Blas Islands

Active

(13 reviews)

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit the amazing paradaise of San Blas Islands by your own time and rules. You will have a PRIVATE Comfortable car 4x4 only for you. Once you arrive to the port you will have your own PRIVATE capitan and panga boat (local boat), you can choose the time you want to spend in each of the 3 islands.
Options Islands: Perro grande, Perro chico, Pelicano and natural swimming pool.

Kayaks, Snorkel mask, life jacket will be provided.

Self guided tour. Once you book we will provide all info needed so you can explore by your own, please notice there are no english-speaking guides in this tour.

Under request we can provide towels, beach chairs ** limited quantity.**

Minimum 2 people

Available options

Private Day tour in San Blas Islands

Pickup included

What's included

Private Car only for your group.

Private Boat from 1 people in advance. You can choose your time in each island.

Life jacket

Umbrella, beach chair and towels.

Visit to 3 Islands (Wailidub, Perro Chico and Natural Swimming pool)

1 Drink (Soda, beer or bottled water)

Snorkel Mask

Kayaks and paddel board to share.

Detailed itinerary

Start your journey with pick up around 5:20am in your hotel in one of our best cars 4x4 only for your group. Make a stop in the supermarket if you need to buy drinks (wine, beers, water, and snacks). Around 1 hour and a half after pick up you will enter to the San Blas hills, the roads are bumpy so please take medicine if you suffer of nauseas. Around 8:30am arrive to Carti port, a very rustic port with lot of pangas around. You guide Naidi will introduce him self and help you with your luggage. Time to ride some waves!!

Arrive to your first island Perro Grande after 30 minutes of boat, where we will welcome you with fruits, chairs, kayak and paddle boards exclusive for our clients.

Stop 2 Pass by

Visit the tiny but beautiful Pelicano chico island, known by their hammocks in the ocean and great place to take a selfie! There is bar in this area if you want to order a drink.

Then Arrive to the famous Perro chico island where you will have a delicious lunch fish with patacones and rice or chicken, or any other catch of the day available (octopus, sea snails, shrimps etc).

Once you finish luch ask for your snorkel gear and jump in to the ocean to find the sunken boat. The best spot to make snorkelling in san blas, full of tiny colored fishes.

Visit natural swimming pool. Where water arrive just to your chest or hip, just walk all round and try to find your starfish! Enjoy the beauty of this place, also very famous!

Back to the port around :330p - 4pm

Back to your hotel in Panama city

What's not included

Lobster lunch (+$20USD)

Fees to the islands to visit

San Blas Islands

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The car will make a stop in a minisuper, so you can buy snacks, drinks, ice, desserts, fruits and everything you want to take to San Blas. Its is a long drive 2.5 hours way in and 2.5 way back, then 40minutes in boat. Total time in Islands around 5hours.

Please notice San Blas is an Indian protected zone. All the services are basic and rustic, only kuna people are in charge of all tourist’s services such as food, ground and water transportation, lodging, etc. Please take this into consideration, the services are not as in the city, the waiting time can be long, and kunas are more informal. We have provided hospitality train to them, but they are still working on it, their culture is different, they are never in a rush, this is part of the adventure to San Blas.

Day tour return is at 3:30PM. You will arrive in Panama City between 6:30PM and 7:00PM.

We recommend you bring your personal hygiene items, towels, sunscreen, mosquito repellent. You can bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol) you can by on site or bring it yourself. The driver will make a stop in a super market where you can buy a disposable cooler, ice etc. In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs, only cash in received. You can buy drinks there, snacks, souvenirs etc.“+Movil” and “Digicel” are the cell phone companies which works in San Blas Islands. There is no power electricity in the huts, only light.

Important notes

Please also provide your room number as soon as you have make check in. We would like also to have your whatsapp number.

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center

By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands

300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón

80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment