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

Exploring the San Blas Islands in Panama offers a unique opportunity to take in the untouched beauty of this tropical paradise. This day trip provides a glimpse into the remote and serene landscape of the archipelago, with a chance to snorkel around a sunken shipwreck, spot vibrant marine life, and indulge in a delicious traditional Guna lunch. Whether you’re paddling through the turquoise waters, playing volleyball on the sandy beaches, or simply soaking up the tranquil ambiance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. With convenient round-trip transportation and essential gear included, the stage is set for an adventure that may just leave you longing for more.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Panama City.

Key Points

• Discover the pristine San Blas archipelago, a remote tropical paradise, on a day trip that includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a traditional Guna lunch.
• Explore the vibrant marine life around a sunken shipwreck and spot starfish during the snorkeling activity.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Guna people, showcasing the local cuisine and culture.
• Engage in various activities such as paddleboarding, volleyball, and sightseeing to fully immerse in the island’s natural beauty.
• Consider any mobility or health restrictions and respect the indigenous Guna territory during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Itinerary

The tour departs from Panama City around 5AM, with pickups occurring between 5-5:20AM.

Guests will visit 4 locations and islands in the San Blas region, subject to availability. Activities throughout the day include snorkeling, paddleboarding, and volleyball, as well as sightseeing to take in the stunning, untouched islands and turquoise waters.

Lunch with one included drink is provided, prepared by the local Guna people.

The tour also includes round-trip transportation from Panama City, motor boat transportation, snorkeling gear, life vests, and the required Guna Yala entrance fee.

Participants should bring their passport, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, cash, and motion sickness prevention.

Activities Offered

While visiting the San Blas Islands, travelers can partake in a variety of activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and volleyball.

Snorkeling offers the opportunity to explore a sunken shipwreck and observe an array of vibrant starfish. Paddleboarding allows guests to leisurely navigate the serene turquoise waters, and volleyball provides a fun group activity on the islands’ sandy beaches.

The day trip also includes:

• Sightseeing around the untouched, stunning islands
• Enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by the Guna people
• Exploring the islands’ natural beauty and wildlife
• Participating in water sports like swimming and kayaking
• Relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun

Included in the Tour

A day trip to the San Blas Islands from Panama City includes round-trip transportation, motor boat rides between the islands, a delicious lunch with one drink, as well as snorkeling gear and life vests. The tour also covers the Guna Yala entrance fee, which is $22 for foreigners and $7 for Panama residents.

The included amenities are:

Included	Details
Transportation	Round-trip from Panama City
Boat Rides	Motor boats between islands
Lunch & Drink	Prepared by Guna people
Snorkeling Gear	Masks, fins, and life vests

This comprehensive package ensures you can fully learn about the stunning natural beauty of the San Blas Islands without worrying about additional costs.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the stunning, untouched islands and turquoise waters is the highlight of this San Blas tour.

Snorkeling around a sunken shipwreck and observing starfish further immerse visitors in the island’s natural wonders.

Capping off the experience, guests enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the indigenous Guna people.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Discovering the pristine, remote islands of the San Blas archipelago
• Snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life around a submerged wreck
• Spotting starfish and other fascinating creatures in the clear waters
• Savoring a traditional Guna meal made with fresh, local ingredients
• Soaking up the serene, untouched ambiance of this tropical paradise

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Important Considerations

Guests should keep in mind that the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, those over 70 years old, or wheelchair users.

Visitors are advised to bring their passport, swimwear, towel, change of clothes, cash, and motion sickness prevention medication.

The tour operates rain or shine, unless ocean conditions are deemed unsafe.

Respect is crucial when visiting the Guna Yala, an indigenous territory. Travelers should be mindful of local customs and regulations.

While the tour promises stunning islands and turquoise waters, adventurers should prepare for a long day trip, with an early departure and potential motion sickness.

Getting to the San Blas Islands

Reaching the San Blas Islands from Panama City typically involves an early morning departure, with pickups from hotels and Airbnbs typically occurring between 5:00 AM and 5:20 AM.

The day trip lasts around 14 hours, including the drive and boat transportation to the islands.

During the journey, you’ll:

• Enjoy the scenic drive through the Panamanian countryside
• Board a motorboat to reach the remote, pristine islands
• Visit up to 4 different islands and locations in the archipelago
• Have the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, and play volleyball
• Savor a delicious local lunch prepared by the Guna people

The early start ensures you can make the most of your day exploring the San Blas Islands’ stunning turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty.

Respecting the Guna Yala

Visitors must be mindful that the San Blas Islands are part of the Guna Yala, an autonomous indigenous territory in Panama. Respecting the local culture and traditions is essential when exploring this unique region.

The Guna people have their own rules and customs that visitors are expected to follow. This includes dressing modestly, avoiding taking photos without permission, and being respectful of the Guna’s way of life.

Travelers should also be aware that the Guna Yala is a sacred place, and certain areas may be off-limits to visitors. By being considerate and following the local protocols, travelers can have a meaningful and enriching experience in the San Blas Islands.

What to Bring

Packing the right items is key to making the most of a day trip to the San Blas Islands. Travelers should bring their passport, swimwear, and a towel to fully enjoy the islands’ stunning beaches and waters. A change of clothes, cash for any additional purchases, and motion sickness medication can also come in handy.

To make the most of your San Blas adventure, consider packing:

• Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the tropical sun
• Underwater camera or GoPro to capture the vibrant marine life
• Snacks or water if you have any dietary restrictions
• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes
• A lightweight, quick-drying towel for comfortable drying after swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants. This small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience exploring the San Blas Islands.

Can I Book This Tour for Just Two People?

Yes, the San Blas Islands day tour can be booked for just two people. The tour has a small group size limited to 12 participants, so two-person bookings are accepted.

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for families with young children. It involves an early departure, long travel time, and water activities that could be challenging for little ones. However, the tour operator can advise on suitability based on the specific ages of the children.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour has a set 14-hour duration and doesn’t offer extended options. While the day trip may be suitable for some families, the long hours and activities may not be ideal for young children. Travelers should consider their family’s needs and fitness level.

Can I Customize the Tour Activities Based on My Preferences?

You can customize the tour activities based on your preferences. The tour operator is flexible and can accommodate your requests, such as more time for snorkeling or paddleboarding, within the overall itinerary and group size constraints.

Recap

The San Blas Islands in Panama offer a unique opportunity to experience the remote beauty and traditional culture of this tropical paradise.

With a full-day tour that includes snorkeling, a Guna Yala lunch, and transportation, visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance and vibrant marine life of this pristine archipelago.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the San Blas Islands provide an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

You can check availability for your dates here: