San Blas Islands Full Day Trip from Panama City
About this experience
Discover the breathtaking San Blas Islands, one of the Caribbean's last unspoiled paradises. This full-day adventure takes you from Panama City to the autonomous Guna Yala territory, home to over 365 palm-fringed islands with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. Your journey begins with an early morning pickup at 5:00 AM from your accommodation in Panama City. Travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle through the Panamanian mountains, crossing from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast. The scenic drive offers glimpses of lush rainforest before arriving at the pier in Guna Yala. Board a traditional boat operated by local Guna guides who will take you island-hopping through this stunning archipelago. Visit multiple islands throughout the day, each offering unique experiences. Relax on powder-soft beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish, and capture unforgettable photos of this Caribbean paradise. Enjoy a delicious traditional Caribbean lunch prepared by the Guna community, featuring fresh seafood and local flavors. After lunch, visit the famous Natural Pool, a shallow sandbar in the middle of the sea where you can wade in waist-deep turquoise water surrounded by nothing but endless blue horizon. This experience is operated 100% by Indigenous Guna people. By booking, you directly support Guna families and children in remote communities with limited resources. Your host Johair has over 15 years of experience as an authorized guide in the Gunayala region and is passionate about sharing Guna culture with visitors. Return to Panama City by late afternoon, tired but filled with memories of one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Available in English and Spanish.
What you'll do
309 reviews
Rose
Barnstaple, United Kingdom
What an amazing day, beautiful scenic drive through the mountains , choppy , but exhilarating boat ride to our first island stop. Water there was crystal clear, lovely sand & great swimming. Next stop , shallow sandbar, great clear water . Finally, stopped at last island , for a delicious lunch. Another choppy boat ride back to the dock & another scenic drive back to our Airbnb. Our guide & driver were both courteous & polite. Definitely worth the long day & cost.
Angela
Morrison, CO
excellent value! wonderful trip! note that this is a very long day, 14 hrs beginning to end.
Erick Atilio
San José, Costa Rica
The rating is only due to the fact that the trip could not be made, that does not take away from the fact that the service was good in terms of being able to make the reservation Translated from Spanish.
Justin
Bowie, MD
Our host was Great . I got to see Panama from another angle and learn so much about the cultures here everyone was very nice and welcoming . It was a unique experience i highly recommend
Gabriel
Excellent walk, my wife and I really enjoyed this experience in some spectacular places. Thanks to the assigned driver and guide who were very friendly. Translated from Spanish.
Rose
Barnstaple, United Kingdom
What an amazing day, beautiful scenic drive through the mountains , choppy , but exhilarating boat ride to our first island stop. Water there was crystal clear, lovely sand & great swimming. Next stop , shallow sandbar, great clear water . Finally, stopped at last island , for a delicious lunch. Another choppy boat ride back to the dock & another scenic drive back to our Airbnb. Our guide & driver were both courteous & polite. Definitely worth the long day & cost.
Angela
Morrison, CO
excellent value! wonderful trip! note that this is a very long day, 14 hrs beginning to end.
Erick Atilio
San José, Costa Rica
The rating is only due to the fact that the trip could not be made, that does not take away from the fact that the service was good in terms of being able to make the reservation Translated from Spanish.
Justin
Bowie, MD
Our host was Great . I got to see Panama from another angle and learn so much about the cultures here everyone was very nice and welcoming . It was a unique experience i highly recommend
Gabriel
Excellent walk, my wife and I really enjoyed this experience in some spectacular places. Thanks to the assigned driver and guide who were very friendly. Translated from Spanish.
Derian
Atlanta, GA
The entire excursion was amazing! One of my best experiences by far. The driver was friendly, the weather was perfect, and Johair was extremely knowledgeable. 5 stars hands down! The beaches were so beautiful and Johair was very knowledgeable with the culture and history. I don’t know much Spanish but Johair made sure I knew what he said and answered all of my questions. The beaches felt very private and exclusive. The lunch was amazing as well. I was a little skeptical about previous reviews but from my personal experience, the reviews were from people who didn’t prepare well or didn’t do their (rainy season) research. I would definitely go again if I ever came back to Panama!
Meet your host
Carlos
Local Guide
Reviews
Rating
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
About your guide
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Where you'll be
Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Panama City at 5:00 AM. Exact pickup time and vehicle details provided upon booking confirmation.
Things to know
Passport Required
Original passport required for all guests. No copies accepted. This is strictly enforced for Guna Yala entry.
Cash Required
Bring $22 cash per person for regional tax, plus extra for purchases. No ATMs or card machines on islands.
Guest Requirements
Guests ages 5 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total. Moderate activity level.
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bag for electronics, water bottle, snacks.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Weather cancellations receive full refund.
Things to know
Passport Required
Original passport required for all guests. No copies accepted. This is strictly enforced for Guna Yala entry.
Cash Required
Bring $22 cash per person for regional tax, plus extra for purchases. No ATMs or card machines on islands.
Guest Requirements
Guests ages 5 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total. Moderate activity level.
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bag for electronics, water bottle, snacks.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Weather cancellations receive full refund.
Every experience on Bandits is covered by our Bandit Guard protection. If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
Learn more about Bandit GuardFree cancellation
Water Sports vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure quality, safety, and authenticity. Learn more
Vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure it meets our quality standards. Learn more