Full Day Island Hopping in 4 Amazing Spots in San Blas

Nestled within the idyllic San Blas Islands lies a day-long adventure that promises to captivate the senses. Visitors can explore four stunning spots, from the picturesque Pelicano Island to a sunken boat teeming with vibrant marine life. With thrilling activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, this island-hopping tour offers a chance to take in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Panama. Whether seeking relaxation or excitement, this full-day expedition presents an opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this enchanting archipelago.

Good To Know

• Explore three distinct islands and a natural swimming pool through a full-day island hopping tour in the San Blas Islands, Panama.
• Engage in various water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling at a sunken boat to discover the vibrant marine life.
• Relax on the pristine Pelicano Island, featured in the Netflix series Money Heist, and enjoy the stunning beaches and serene atmosphere.
• The tour includes a morning snack, a local-made lunch, and one complimentary drink, with shared snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddle boards available.
• The tour begins at Puerto de Carti, Guna Yala, Panama, with a maximum capacity of 15 travelers for a personalized experience, but may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day island hopping tour in the San Blas Islands of Panama allows visitors to explore three distinct islands and a natural swimming pool.

Highlights include kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling at a sunken boat off Perro Chico island. Travelers can also relax on the beaches and take in the picturesque scenery, including Pelicano Island which was featured in the Netflix show Money Heist.

The tour begins with a boat ride to Waily Lodge where guests can enjoy a morning snack before setting off on their island-hopping adventure.

Inclusions and Costs

What does the tour include?

To begin, guests can relax in a comfortable boat with sun protection throughout the day.

The tour also provides a morning snack of fresh fruits and a local-made lunch of delectable fish.

Plus, one complimentary drink, whether water, beer, or soda, is included.

Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to share amongst the travelers.

The tour price covers round-trip transportation from Panama City and the San Blas Islands entry fee.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting point for this island hopping tour is Puerto de Carti, Guna Yala, Panama. From here, travelers will embark on their excursion, which begins at 5:20 AM.

The tour will return to the same location at the end of the day. This island hopping experience accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or individuals with serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can participate and enjoy the incredible sights and activities planned throughout the day.

Traveler Considerations and Restrictions

Accessibility is a key consideration for this island hopping tour, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

However, most travelers can participate in the activities, which include:

• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Snorkeling at a sunken boat off Perro Chico
• Relaxing on the beach

It’s important for potential participants to carefully review the tour’s restrictions and considerations to ensure it aligns with their abilities and health status.

The host emphasizes their commitment to improving communication and addressing any guest concerns related to the tour’s accessibility and suitability.

Exploring Waily Lodge

The tour begins with a boat ride to Waily Lodge, where guests can enjoy a morning snack of fresh fruits before embarking on their island hopping adventure.

Waily Lodge serves as the starting point for the excursion, allowing travelers to fuel up and prepare for the day’s activities.

Upon arrival, visitors are treated to a selection of local produce, setting the stage for the immersive cultural experience that awaits them in the San Blas Islands.

This brief respite at Waily Lodge marks the transition from the mainland to the island paradise, priming participants for the stunning natural landscapes and unique opportunities that lie ahead.

Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventures

After fueling up at Waily Lodge, guests embark on a series of thrilling water-based activities.

They’ll have the chance to:

• Glide across the turquoise waters in a kayak, paddling at their own pace and taking in the stunning island views.

• Stand up paddleboard around the natural swimming pool, testing their balance and coordination.

• Dive beneath the surface to explore the sunken boat off Perro Chico, marveling at the vibrant marine life.

• Snorkel among the colorful coral reefs, catching a glimpse of the diverse underwater ecosystem.

These exhilarating adventures allow guests to fully enjoy the beauty of the San Blas Islands.

Relaxing on Pelicano Island

With the thrilling water activities behind them, guests then have the opportunity to relax and unwind on the pristine Pelicano Island. Featured in the popular Netflix show "Money Heist", this picturesque island offers a tranquil escape.

Visitors can stroll along the soft, white sand beaches, soak up the sun, and take in the stunning views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island’s lush vegetation and peaceful atmosphere create the perfect setting for guests to simply unwind and recharge.

After an adventurous day of exploring, this leisurely time on Pelicano Island allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the San Blas archipelago.

Feedback and Experiences

Traveler reviews of the island hopping tour in San Blas offered a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.8 based on 8 reviews.

While some guests praised the knowledgeable tour guide and overall enjoyment, others reported issues with communication, pickup location, and road conditions.

Travelers also noted limited vegetarian food options. The host acknowledged these concerns and emphasized a commitment to improving communication and addressing guest feedback.

The tour experience seemed to vary, with:

• Positive remarks on the tour guide’s expertise and overall enjoyment
• Complaints about communication and pickup location issues
• Criticism of road conditions and limited dietary options
• A general desire for the host to enhance the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this full-day island hopping tour in San Blas Islands as a private group. The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers, so you can arrange a private tour for your group.

Is Transportation From My Hotel in Panama City Included?

The tour does not include transportation from your Panama City hotel. However, round-trip transport from Panama City to the meeting point at Puerto de Carti is available for an additional $50 USD per person, payable in cash to the driver.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this full-day island hopping tour in the San Blas Islands is 15 travelers. The tour provider indicates that this limit ensures a comfortable experience for all participants.

What Is the Weather Like in the San Blas Islands?

The San Blas Islands enjoy a tropical climate year-round. Temperatures average around 80-90°F (27-32°C) with minimal variation. Skies are typically sunny, and rainfall is moderate, making it an ideal destination for island-hopping activities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling or Kayaking Equipment?

Travelers can bring their own snorkeling or kayaking equipment for the San Blas Islands tour, but the tour also provides snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards that are available for sharing among the group.

The Sum Up

The full-day island hopping adventure in the San Blas Islands offers travelers a chance to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities like kayaking and snorkeling, while also relaxing on the picturesque Pelicano Island. With a delicious local lunch and fresh snacks, this tour provides an unforgettable experience immersed in the stunning landscapes of Panama.