Day Trip To The San Blas Islands In Panama – Visit 5 Attractions

The San Blas Islands in Panama offer a unique day trip experience that’s not to be missed. Visitors can explore five stunning attractions across these picturesque islands, seeing the region’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant local culture. With various amenities included, such as round-trip transportation and a delicious seafood or chicken lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure. However, there are a few essential details to consider before embarking on this journey.

Key Points

• Explore 5 stunning islands in the San Blas archipelago during a 12-13 hour day trip from Panama City, priced at $150 per person.
• Enjoy a range of activities including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the beaches, with all necessary gear provided.
• Savor a fresh seafood or chicken lunch with sides, along with one complimentary drink, as part of the tour package.
• Roundtrip transportation from Panama City accommodations is included, with an additional $10 charge for pickups from the Westin Playa Bonita hotel.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or infants, and requires participants to bring their original passports.

Tour Overview

The day trip to the San Blas Islands, Panama, provides travelers with an opportunity to explore the stunning archipelago. Priced at $150 per person, the tour lasts approximately 12-13 hours, including 5 hours of island hopping and 8-9 hours of travel.

With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or infants.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, and life vests, as well as the Guna Yala entrance fee of $22 per person.

Included Amenities

The day trip to the San Blas Islands includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Round-trip transportation from Panama City accommodations is provided.

Lunch options feature fresh seafood or chicken, rice, fruits, and salads.

Travelers also receive one complimentary drink, which can be water, soft drinks, juice, or beer.

Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and life vests in adult and child sizes are available.

The Guna Yala entrance fee of $22 per person is included.

Travelers should note that cash is required, as there are no ATMs on the islands.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Pickup for the day trip is included in the price, and travelers need to provide their exact location during booking.

There’s an additional $10 cash per person for pickups from the Westin Playa Bonita hotel.

The tour starts bright and early at 5:00 am, so travelers should be ready on time.

Participants must bring their original passports, as no photocopies will be accepted.

The San Blas Islands day trip involves a long journey, with approximately 12-13 hours of total travel time, including 5 hours of island hopping.

Recommendations for Packing

To make the most of the day trip, travelers should bring a variety of supplies.

Travelers should bring a variety of supplies to make the most of their day trip.

The San Blas Islands experience involves spending significant time on boats, so it’s crucial to come prepared.

Recommended items include:

1. Sunscreen and hats to protect against the intense Caribbean sun.

2. Towels and a change of clothes, as the boat ride can be rough and splashy.

3. Snacks, drinks, and any necessary medications, as the islands lack convenient stores or restaurants.

Plus, visitors should be ready for a potentially bumpy ride and plan for extended travel times during the day.

Precautions for Boat Ride

Given the long boat rides involved in the day trip, travelers should exercise caution and prepare accordingly.

The boat ride can be rough, so those prone to seasickness may want to consider medication or other remedies. It’s important to bring any necessary seasickness relief items, as the islands lack easy access to pharmacies or medical facilities.

Plus, the boat ride may not be suitable for those with back problems or mobility issues. Travelers should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking the tour.

With proper preparation, the boat ride can be an exhilarating part of the San Blas Islands adventure.

Dining Options

Although the San Blas Islands lack typical dining establishments, the tour includes a satisfying lunch option.

Travelers can choose from:

1. Fresh seafood, such as fish or crab, served with rice, fruits, and salads.

2. Chicken, also served with rice, fruits, and salads.

3. One complimentary drink, including water, soft drinks, juice, or beer.

The lunch is prepared by the local Guna people, showcasing their culinary traditions.

While dining options are limited on the remote islands, the tour provides a nourishing meal to fuel travelers’ island hopping and exploration.

Costs and Fees

The tour to the San Blas Islands costs $150.00 per person. This price includes round-trip transportation from your Panama City accommodation, lunch options of fresh seafood or chicken, one drink, snorkeling gear, a paddleboard with paddle, and life vests.

Plus, the Guna Yala entrance fee of $22 per person is covered. However, travelers should plan to bring cash, as there are no ATMs on the islands.

Those staying at the Westin Playa Bonita will need to pay an extra $10 cash per person for pickup. The tour offers a full-day island hopping experience at a reasonable price.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

With 88 reviews and a rating of 4.6 stars, the San Blas Islands tour generally receives positive feedback from customers.

Highlights include:

1. Rave reviews about the stunning beaches and delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood or chicken.

2. Some complaints about transportation issues and driver behavior, though these seem to be the exception.

3. Overall, many customers enthusiastically recommend the tour as a must-do experience when visiting Panama.

While no tour is perfect, the San Blas Islands day trip appears to offer an enjoyable and memorable adventure for the majority of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Yes, travelers are encouraged to bring their own drinks, snacks, and additional food. The tour only includes one drink, so bringing supplementary items is recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities on the Islands?

There are no permanent restroom facilities on the San Blas Islands. Travelers will need to use the restrooms on the boats or improvise in nature. The tour provider recommends planning accordingly for the day’s activities on the remote islands.

Are There Any Medical Facilities or Doctors on the Tour?

There are no medical facilities or doctors on the tour. Travelers who require medical attention should consider their health needs before booking, as the islands have limited access to emergency care.

Can I Rent Additional Water Sports Equipment?

While the tour provides basic snorkeling gear and a paddleboard, there’s no information on renting additional water sports equipment. Travelers would need to inquire with the tour company about any rental options beyond the standard offerings.

Are There Any Local Markets or Shops to Explore?

While there are no local markets or shops directly on the San Blas Islands, visitors can explore the traditional Guna Yala villages and purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs from the indigenous Guna people during the tour.

The Sum Up

The San Blas Islands day trip in Panama offers travelers a chance to experience breathtaking beaches, vibrant local culture, and a range of activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. With round-trip transportation, a delicious seafood or chicken lunch, and an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 88 reviews, this excursion is a highly recommended addition to any Panama itinerary.