San Blas Islands Tours
Visit San Blas Paradise - Day Tour to 4 spots + Meal + Drink
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Visit San Blas Paradise - Day Tour to 4 spots + Meal + Drink
By Tao Travel 365 - Panama
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-100, max of 20 per group
Duration: 14h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Use of Snorkel Equipment (snorkel and mask)
- Selection of fish or chicken
- Shared boat/lancha transportation all day
- San Blas Day Tour
- One beverage: Bottle of water, soda or beer
- Island Taxes
- Itinerary might change due to weather and ocean conditions
- Entry/Admission - San Blas Islands
- Entry/Admission - San Blas Islands
What's not included- Guna Entrance Fee paid to border patrol ($22 for Internationals, $7 for Panamanian residents)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Carti Parking and Boat Terminal, F23C+W2C, Warsobtugua, Guna Yala, PanamaThe tour starts in the port of Carti. Contact our office for exact driving directions and instructions. Plan to arrive no later than 8:30am. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed entry into San Blas territory. All other cars and SUVs will not be allowed to enter the territory and you will lose your tour.
Pickup details- If booking with transportation from Panama City: IF YOU HAVE NOT PROVIDED YOUR WHATSAPP NUMBER AND PICK UP INFORMATION (HOTEL NAME & ROOM NUMBER) YOUR TOUR IS NOT CONFIRMED AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK YOU UP. On the day of your tour, please be ready to be picked up from your hotel between 5:00am and 5:45am, and wait in the lobby. Since we have shared transportation with up to 6 guests per car, our drivers choose the best route to pick up all guests in a timely manner. To avoid any delays we appreciate your cooperation in being on time. If you are not at your designated pick up point (and waiting in the lobby!), you will loose your tour without refund. The driver will try his best in contacting you via WhatsApp. Please understand that the driver cannot wait longer than 10 minutes before continuing to the next pick up destination, in order to provide timely service for all of the other guests. If driving on your own to San Blas: Please contact our office for exact driving directions and instructions. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ONLY 4X4 CARS ARE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE TERRITORY. We have many guests who arrive in a regular SUV (such as Hyundai Tucson or similar), but are not allowed to enter, because the SUV is not a 4x4 and is considered too small or not suitable for the treacherous roads.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Tocumen Intl Airport, Panama City Panama
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 127626P22- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
- You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE GUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- Please be advised that San Blas is in the Guna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic. The Gunas will be providing all touristic services, such as meal preparations, car and boat transportations, lodging, and tour guiding. We are proud to be working with this friendly tribe and with each booking we give back to the community, supporting their customs and their traditional way of life. We kindly ask you to respect this beautiful culture and their simple way of life, leaving your expectations behind and learning about their innocent culture.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs, please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- Infants need to sit on laps
- PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR A 2.5 to 3 HOUR CAR JOURNEY EACH WAY OVER CURVY ROADS! THERE IS ALSO A 25-30 MINUTE BOAT RIDE TO YOUR FIRST ISLAND WHICH CAN GET QUITE BUMPY AND WET. We feel that the islands are worth the long drive, but some travelers have complained about the drive and the fast boat ride from and to the port. While we strive to provide our guests the best service and an unforgettable experience in San Blas, we are not responsible for road and ocean conditions, and we would like you to be aware of this fact :)
- The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
- AGAIN!!! Please be prepared for a 2.5 hour car journey each way (1 hour on a highway and about 1.5 hours through the mountains over curvy roads! Please do not leave bad reviews because of the road. We try to warn you ahead of time ;)
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 127626P22
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₱5,021.14
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- johnpP1138PG0 contributionsNot worth the price!Got picked up around 6:45am from the hotel. Spent a good amount of time in the shuttle. Finally got to the boat launch place and took a 25 min boat ride before we got any sightings of any monkeys on the monkey island. Be aware that there are quite a few tour operators that are looking to do the same thing as you. Boats will literally bump into each other all to get a shot at being able to have the monkeys feed out of your hand. Put another way, there might be three monkeys in proximity and 15 hands waiting to get a shot. Our boat only had 4 tourists including myself, plus the tour operator and the driver of the boat. The tour operator got to feed as he was demonstrating how to do it. Perhaps he should've paid us for the tour instead of the other way around. By the time I was able to get to the front of the boat to have a shot, the monkeys were gone. So, I was able to get a few photos of others.. The butterfly, frog, sloth exhibit was also very underwhelming. I would not recommend this tour at all. Next time I would hire a private guide and create my own schedule and spend whatever amount of time I desire doing any specific activity.Written November 27, 2024
- 160chuckt0 contributionsDefinitely worth seeing the sloths but remember they don’t move much.We were very happy to get up close to see the sloths and we also saw the 3toed sloth in the wild. The butterflies were ok but seeing the frogs was super cool (but they are tiny). We hired a driver to take us & that was very helpful as we could go at our own pace & he had a great eye for the sloths and knew a lot about them.Written November 24, 2024
- Alexia D0 contributionsPerfect beaches, plenty space for everyone.Pleasant trip and wonderful beaches. Food was great too. Try the Coco Loco. Bring ginger pills if you arent comfy riding a roller coaster for 2h straight. The hills of San Blas are a nice little bonus experience but most will need a little something for the nausea to enjoy them.Written November 23, 2024
- 89lisettel0 contributionsSloth lover!The sanctuary is on the small side, they have 4 sloths which are lifers. The staff is very nice and helpful however the displays were kind of lacking…..Written November 21, 2024
- ducki170 contributionsbook this tour! such a great small group experience.This was such a great experience, we were lucky to have just us, another guest and Mario our guide for our tour. We were picked up at our hotel and driven to the lake where we boarded a boat and were taken thru the lake and river as far as we could go then we put on our water shoes and walked thru the creeks to the waterfall. After some time enjoying a swim there we went back to the boat and then went to visit the village of the Parara Puru. We had a nice visit and lunch and were able to purchase some nice items that they made. They were very welcoming and such nice people. I would definitely go back if I come to Panama again. tips are make sure you bring bug spray and are ready and able to walk thru rocky water and do some climbing. we had water shoes that were recommended by the guide and so helpful but we saw other tours and their guests had on loafers and jeans and they were struggling.Written November 18, 2024
- 235rhondak0 contributionsGreat tourOur tour guide was great. He explained what we were seeing on the way to the canal and the Fort. He was knowledgeable, accommodating and kind.Written November 12, 2024
- Belinda M0 contributionsRide from hellHorrible driver there’s no tour just maniac driving. Making passengers ill. Never made it on the boat because my husband and another passenger were throwing up and shaken from the horrible driver. Then he laughed when we needed to get back to the hotel. We paid 130 US dollars to get back.Written November 10, 2024
- Sherpa682193657660 contributionsBeautiful sites, but poor executionThe scenery was great, but the tour itself was poor overall. The tour guide was hard to understand and didn't speak very good English. The activities described in the advertisement happened, but in a completely different order. What was most disappointing is that we did not get lunch until 3 pm. And then right after lunch was the only opportunity for snorkeling (which should have occurred before lunch which was supposed to be at noon.). The Zapatilla Cay we stopped at had beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. We were supposed to be there 2 hours, but the police stopped by and asked everyone to leave the cay about an hour and 15 minutes into our visit there. We were given no reason why.Written November 6, 2024
- 457imah0 contributionsDon’t miss this experienceThis was the best tour I have had in year. Daniel our guide was fantastic and so knowledgble. We hiked all of India Dormida and saw Anton Valley highlights. Dont miss this experienceWritten September 19, 2024
- rebecasX5326HT0 contributionsDont miss it!We loved the new island! I have been in San Blas islands before but visited touristy islands! This island is brand new and just opened. The gunas are very welcoming! Tao Travel 365 is very communicative, helpfull and replied all of our doubts! 100% reccomendedWritten September 19, 2024
- rebecasX5326HT0 contributionsBeautiful India Dormida and amazing guideThis is a full day tour, be ready to spend a beautiful day outside of Panama City hiking the beautiful India Dormida! It is full reccomended. Ali was an excellent guide!Written September 19, 2024
- rebecasX5326HT0 contributionsAmazing tour!Amazing tour at an affordable price! Pick up was on time, good guide/boat driver and Bioluminescence experience was awesome! Totally recommended Tao Travel 365!Written September 19, 2024
- N4606JNstephanies0 contributionsYou'll love it!If you want to get up close to at least 3 different kinds of beautiful monkeys, this is your tour! We also got to watch sloths and have a lovely boat ride on the Chagres River.Written September 1, 2024
- Rizzle8Cinco0 contributionsAmazing!This truly was a unique experience! From boating along the river to hiking in the jungle to swimming at the beautiful waterfall. At the end meeting/eating and dancing with the beautiful embera tribe. Amazing day!Written August 20, 2024
- Rizzle8Cinco0 contributionsGamboa adventureAn amazing beautiful sanctuary! Great place to connect with nature! The gandola ride to the top was very relaxing..just you and nature with a great view at the top over seeing the canal. It was great to see the sloths at the sanctuary (spoiled little fur balls ❤️) and all the other animals (butterflies, rain frogs). Had an amazing time overall. There is also ziplining but you need to book in advance.Written August 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
23 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Christine G
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
From Panama City, it is a 3-5 hr drive to the boat. Then 2.5 hours on a very bouncy boat to the island. Snorkeling was promoted as part of the tour. We saw ONE starfish. If you have traveled to the Res Sea or Southeast Asia, you will want to skip this tour. Expensive and a 13 hr tour. Ugh! I would never recommend this.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Christine, we are sorry to hear that our tour did not meet your high expectations. San Blas is one of the last true remote paradises in this world. While the snorkeling aspect may not compare to the Red Sea or Southeast Asia, San Blas trumps them all with its unique island archipelago, pristine beaches and clear waters, along with the indigenous Kuna culture. Some enjoy the 2.5 hour car drive through the jungle, gazing at the lush nature and spotting wildlife, others see it as a rough drive. Some enjoy the boat ride, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze and taking photos of the islands we pass, others may be annoyed by the bumpy ride.
We suggest to all of our guests to read the whole tour listing and its description and the disclaimers, which are intended to prepare everyone for their tour and align expectations.
Thank you for sharing your perspective of your experience and we hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your Panama vacation.
Written May 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan S
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Sorry, but I must tell the truth. The ride in the back of a small Toyota SUV was the worst experience of my life. The SUV's hold 6 people and if you are unfortunate to sit in the rear seats beware. I'm 5'9' tall and not over overweight. I could not straighten my legs out for 1.5 hours. The ride was terrible. It was the worst and the roads to the islands are filled with potholes, it takes about 3 hours for the one way trip. 1.5 hours on the bumpy road. Once we arrived at the Islands it was nice and we got to see Dolphins on the way. If you are older or have health issues, please consider a private boat and car. The people were extremely nice! Our driver pasted our hotel twice to drop off the passengers in the comfortable seats, while we continued to suffer in the back!
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlandoBE
Fort Lauderdale, FL116 contributions
This tour company was able to make us very happy since the very beginning of our booking. They booked us with a very skilled and professional driver Mr. Joys , for the ground transportation which we decided to do my wife and I only due to the long driving and the condition of the roads to San Blas meeting point. Once there we met the Kunas. They are very organized and its Boats riding were very fun thing . The experience at the Islands were an unique experience, the Lunch was very delightful, one drink included. Visiting some spots on the Ocean were espectacular , like a dream !. We felt very at safe at all times. And we recommend this Tour and this company to all of the people. Thank you to all of you that made possible such a Bless Experience 🙏❤️
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad to hear that you had a great experience with us! We are delighted that you enjoyed the ground transportation with our driver Joel, who is indeed one of our best and most professional drivers. We try to make this San blas trip a memorable experience and we are glad we succeeded :)
Thank you again for your kind words and for recommending us to others.
Written May 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carlos I
7 contributions
Great day trip to the Guna Yala archipelago! Very well organized, and on time. The driver was prompt and courteous. The guide, boat captain, and assistants were exceptional. The food was as expected. Yadiel tours was in charge of our trip. Two thumbs up!
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your positive feedback! It's wonderful to know your trip to San Blas with us was a success. Thank you!
Written August 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessy G
1 contribution
May 2022 • Friends
Honestly it could’ve been better, for the price you pay. Because they add an extra $70 for you to get to the island so now the price is like $150. The ride there is 4 hours to go and 4hours to come back be ready. The first island was beautiful and nice, the second place was just a shallow place in the middle of the ocean. And the third place wasn’t even worth it. The food can be better. Make sure to bring your own drinks and food. The experience was good but it could have been better. Also keep a watch on your items, my sandals was stolen so had to leave the island with no shoes on my feet all the way to back to hotel. They didn’t do anything to help me find it or even care to help look. It was the other people who was on the excursion with me that try to help me. It wasn’t worth the $150. It could have been way better and manage
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear about your experience in San Blas. Firstly, the road to San Blas takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way. We clearly outline the bad conditions of the road in our listing several times and we ask our guests to take this into consideration before booking a tour to San Blas. Since you did not include the roundtrip transportation option in your tour when booking it, we charge $50. There is also a $22 entrance fee, which everyone has to pay at the border crossing, unless you book our ALL INCLUSIVE tour.
We are sorry. to hear about your sandals and we are sure it was a mix up with another guest. In the last 10 years we have not had any theft in San Blas, which is virtually crime free.
We hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your Panama vacation and hope you give San Blas another chance in the future
Written May 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry W
Sudbury, Canada3 contributions
Jan 2020
The day in the islands was beautiful. if the water is rough though , sit farther in the back of the boat. I was in the front at the start and found it very hard on my back with the slamming down of the boat..
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yuridelis D
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
Amazing! Love the people I ended up with, had a great time. Both tour guides were great! (The driver, Adrian and then the Guna Yala guide). The beaches, Caribbean Sea is beautiful! 100% would do it again 🫶🏽😁
Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear you had a great time with our tour guides, Adrian and our boat guides. Thanks for appreciating our service and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Looking forward to your next visit!
Written October 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pioneer32644011033
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Wonderful experience from drive with sitings of toucans and orchids to miraculous beaches and meal. Coco Loco rules! Ask them to peel it when you're done with drink, sweet meat.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're delighted you enjoyed your experience, the toucans, orchids and our Coco Loco! Your suggestion about peeling it after drinking is noted. Come back soon!
Written September 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
silviozalc z
Sao Paulo, SP7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Very beatifull islands. Unfortunately were few sea lives. May be more umbrelas and chairs on rhe beach
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us. Sea life depends on the ocean conditions. Unfortunately we cannot predict when the reef fish decide to show up :) Usually we find various sea life on the shipwreck on Perro Island.
Each of the islands we visit has palm trees that provide shade for our guests. We do offer beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as SUP boards on our "San Blas Money Heist Island Day tour - Visit 3-islands + Natural Pool". Both of our tours are great values and we are proud to offer them to our guests :)
Written April 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jj P
6 contributions
If you’re looking for a day packed full of adventure then I’d look no further. I won’t spoil all the fun details but if there’s a fun and affordable day trip while in Panama, then I highly recommend booking this trip!
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boa noite, gostaria de saber se vocês também tem a opção de buscar os viajantes no hotel na cidade do Panamá e se isso acrescenta algum valor a mais ???
Written November 23, 2024
Crystal
Georgetown, Guyana
I can’t swim. But I would love for this trip and snorkel. Is it still possible for me?
Written March 5, 2023
Hi do you pick from hotel riu plaza and have availability for tomorrow for 2 person
Written December 29, 2021
Hi
Do you pick from Hotel Riu plaza, Panama .
And have a availability for 2 people
Written December 29, 2021
Hello, do you accept pickup (Airbnb, not hotel) in Panama City?
Written December 14, 2021
Hello’ do you accept pickup (Airbnb, not hotel) in Panama City?
Written December 14, 2021
Hola, viajaré a Ciudad de Panamá y quiero ir a las islas. ¿El tour de un día incluye traslado de Ciudad de Panamá a las islas ida y vuelta?
Written October 3, 2021
Hi,
We plan to come to Panama in September. Can we visit San Blas islands in this time of pandemy ? And do you think September in a good period to visit islands ?
Best,
Maelig
Written August 16, 2021
Hi, is it currently open for international tourists? I was told San blas is open only for Panamanian residents
Written July 14, 2021
Es necesario tener experiencia previa en hacer snorquel? o allí te enseñan a cómo realizarlo?
Written January 9, 2020
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