San Blas Islands Tours

2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour

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Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation

Ages 3-99, max of 14 per group

Duration: 2 days

Start time: Check availability

Mobile ticket

Live guide: English, Spanish

Lunch
Lunch
Breakfast
Dinner
San Blas Boat Tour
Snorkel Equipment (Mask & Snorkel) during boat tour
Round-trip transportation from Panama City (if option is selected)

What's not included

Guna Entrance Fee paid to border patrol ($22 for Internationals, $7 for Panamanian residents)
Beverages

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.

Carti Parking and Boat Terminal, F23C+W2C, Warsobtugua, Guna Yala, Panama
The 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 offered

During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.

Airport pickup offered

During 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: 127626P33

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate
Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am
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.
Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salt conent. Please preapre accordingly and bring your own shower supplies to feel clean and comfortable, such as liquid soap, prickly heat powder or baby powder to remove salt from skin or wet wipes.
Aside from using generators for electricity, there are no amenities and utilities as you are used to from the city. Electricity only available between 6pm and 6am. Food is basic, yet freshly prepared such as fresh fried fish, mixed seafood, chicken or lobster (at extra charge) with salad, rice or plantains.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
Please be advised that San Blas is in the Kuna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic and most cabins are minimalistic. The Kunas 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.
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.
The boat transfer from the port to the islands may be bumpy with some sea spray. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication. You may also get wet, so please bring some water protection for your luggage and yourself
There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
“Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas
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 :)
SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ! While San Blas is a beautiful island archipelago with stunning beaches and clear waters, it also has its downsides, for which we would like to make you aware off. In San Blas only the Kuna population is allowed to work in the territory. The services and infrastructure are not what most of us are used to. Kunas are not very service oriented and can often seem shy or reserved. A stay in San Blas can be compared to a camping vacation that offers minimal comfort, services and amenities. We strongly advise those who have 5 star expectations to think twice before embarking on this adventure. We do have alternative tours in Panama with more high-end services. We really care about our reputation and we want our guests to enjoy their vacation with us. We attempt to be as transparent as possible in order to set guest expectations from the start. We do not own any of the islands and we pride ourselves in providing excellent service during your booking process and attempting to assist you during your San Blas vacation. However, please remember that we cannot guarantee the same excellent service during your stay in San Blas. Please read all the below information well! San Blas is very rustic without the amenities and standards you might be used to from home. Compared to places such as Tahiti and Maldives that are managed by international hotel chains, San Blas has remained autonomous without the influence of outsiders. When visiting San Blas, it should be viewed as a cultural experience where guests live with the Kunas and respect their traditions and their primitive ways of living. No air condition - None of the islands offer A/C, some cabins don’t have fans either. No Wifi - You can buy a prepaid SIM card (Tigo or Digicel), which may or may not have signal. No luxury facilities - Bathrooms may be dirty, sinks may get clogged, sheets may be old Electricity is only available between 6:00pm and 6:00am. Cabins don’t have outlets. Electric devices can be charged in the restaurant. Water is a precious commodity in San Blas. It is either brought in by boat or pumped from the island well, which may have a significant salt content. Oftentimes pumps can malfunction and cause water outages. Beds and mattresses can be uncomfortable and sheets are old and worn. What seems like trash and clutter around the local huts, are items and tools that Kunas re-use for their daily lives. Please respect the fact that you will spend your time living alongside the Kunas who have different traditions and values. All services will all be handled by the indigenous Kuna. While we strive to provide the best service possible and train the Kuna in customer management, some of the below services are often out of our control. Car transportation - the ride to San Blas takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with 1.5 hours over slow, curvy roads. For those with motion sickness, please prepare accordingly. The transportation is in a shared 4x4 SUV, with one seat up front, three seats in the middle row and 2 seats in the back row. Seats are assigned randomly. Those who require additional space in the car must purchase an extra seat. Pick up from your lodging is scheduled between 5:00am and 5:30am, but can sometimes be as late as 5:45am depending on the timeliness of other guests that we pick up. Out of respect for all others in the car we ask everyone to wait in the lobby of their building at 5:00am. If you are not at the designated meeting point, the driver will make an effort to locate you, but he cannot delay the transportation by more than 10 minutes. No refunds are awarded to guests who don’t show up on time. Boat transportation - depending on weather and ocean conditions, the 20-40 minute boat ride might be bumpy and wet with ocean spray. Luggage is stored in the front of the boat and covered with tarps. Island cabin management - cabins are very rustic and facilities, such as showers and bathrooms are often “home-made” with PVC pipes. Some guests have complained that sheets are old. Please bring your own if you require fresh smelling sheets. Island kitchen - meal plans are repetitive and food might taste bland, without the use of spices. Additional food, drinks and snacks can be purchased on the way to San Blas. The driver will stop at a grocery store. Most Kunas DO NOT speak English. Please attempt to resolve any cabin related issues and requests directly with the island management. Trash is a worldwide problem and unfortunately San Blas has not been spared from the ever increasing issue. During certain tides and ocean and wind conditions plastic trash from throughout the Caribbean ocean accumulates on the beaches of San Blas. While the local Kuna are working hard to collect the constant flood of plastic trash washing up on their beaches, guests will nevertheless find evidence of plastic spread out on the island. Furthermore, Kunas tend to collect certain “trash” and re-use it for their purposes. For instance, a collection of empty gas canisters has been re-used to create a Christmas tree. During the wet months (April - December) or during windless days, all of San Blas experiences sandflies, which are little blood-sucking flies that leave itchy marks. Please ensure to bring insect repellent and prepare to return to Panama City with a few itchy memories. Some islands, such as Isla Wailidup tend to have more than others. Weather: Panama is located in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which means that the weather is very unpredictable and is impossible to forecast with accuracy. The weather forecast will usually show rain and thunderstorms for most days of the year, when in reality there are oftentimes beautiful, sunny days in San Blas. Please do not rely on the weather forecast in Panama. Due to the tropical conditions in San Blas rain can occur at any time and we do not offer refunds for rainy days. Guests who stay in cabins and would like to return earlier than their scheduled departure date must notify our reservation team one day before by 5:00pm via WhatsApp found on your ticket, in order for us to arrange your return transfer. No refunds apply for early departures. Due to the complexity of the logistics involved with each reservation in San Blas (arranging cars, boats, tours, cabins and meals), we kindly ask our guests to adhere to the itinerary schedule sent to them in advance of their trip to San Blas. For any changes in schedule, you must first contact our office at least one day before by 5:00pm and we will attempt to accommodate your request. Travel Emergencies: The San Blas islands are located in a very remote region of Panama. We ask all guests to be responsible for their own well being and to be aware that medical assistance can often not be provided right away. The closest medical facility in San Blas is very basic and can only provide assistance for minor issues. Guests with injuries such as broken bones that require more specialized treatment need to be transported to Panama City. Guests are responsible for all charges arising from a medical emergency, such as boat and car transportation and medical care. We suggest all guests to carry a Travel Insurance to cover emergency expenses. For more information, please check your ticket for the travel insurance link. We kindly ask our guests to lower their expectation when visiting San Blas and to focus on the beautiful remote paradise that San Blas has remained despite the effects that modern society has caused to them. The Kunas are very gentle and kind people, but can also be somewhat shy at times. When approaching them with a smile and an open heart you will be guaranteed an innocent, happy smile in return. Arriving with the right mindset and expectation usually guarantees an unforgettable experience, where guests are able to focus on the beauties of the islands, beaches, ocean and the people, rather than on the limitations that we mentioned above.
The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc
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 ;)
Important Information for Guests Staying on Yansailadup Island Welcome to Yansailadup Island! To ensure your stay is enjoyable, we’d like to share some key details about the services and guidelines on our island: Arrival at the Port Upon arrival at the port, please be patient as we await all guests to finalize the entry list. Once ready, the Yansailadup Island family, your hosts, will guide you on your journey to the island. Services Provided by the Yansailadup Island Family The Yansailadup Island family will manage essential aspects of your stay, including: Boat transportation Accommodation Meal preparation Tours (if included in your booking) Tour Information Please note the following about our tours: Tours are not guided, and not all host family members speak English. We encourage open communication to ensure a fulfilling experience. Snorkeling and other activities may be canceled due to rain or strong winds for safety reasons. Guests will be notified if any changes occur. Dining and Dietary Considerations Our meals are prepared using available ingredients, and while we aim to accommodate vegetarians, we do not have a specific vegetarian menu or restaurant facilities. Environmental Awareness The ocean currents may bring floating debris ashore, and while we strive to keep our beaches clean, some factors are beyond our control. Your assistance in maintaining cleanliness during your stay is greatly valued. Feedback and Communication We encourage you to share any questions, suggestions, or concerns with us during your stay so we can address them promptly. Real-time feedback helps us improve your experience. Please understand that we cannot accept negative comments after your trip. Thank you for choosing Yansailadup Island. We look forward to hosting you and ensuring your stay is a memorable one.
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 14 travelers

If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

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: 127626P33

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₱9,680.98

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:

Tao Travel 365 - Panama
360
Panama City, Panama
Joined in March 2019
PuenteLago
0 contributions
Horrible experience
The ground transportation was pretty good but the day was horrible! (Rainy cloudy and cool ) Talking with someone from the isles the weather was horrible the last three days, and Tao did not cancel the day trip, even knowing that. I felt cheated. We did not enjoy at all the experience. I hope nobody buy in advance as me the tour.
Written January 15, 2025
Getaway25412660357
0 contributions
Recommended Tour
All activities were great and well chosen. The boat was always on time for pick-up. The boat driver, who was also the guide, was open and friendly. When we didn’t see any sloths in the mangrove forest, we were taken to another spot where some could be seen. However, don’t expect detailed explanations about the animals or activities here. All in all, it was a lovely day with many wonderful impressions.
Written January 14, 2025
bradleysL6007SA
0 contributions
Good time
This tour was exactly what was advertised. We saw sloths, starfish and got to snorkel and swim at beautiful beaches. We also stopped for lunch and it was pretty decent. The local guides spoke both English and Spanish well and there was good communication before the trip (Where to meet, what to bring, where to buy the tickets for the island we went too). Overall it was a good experience and we got dropped off at the end right at a dock next to our hotel in bocas. Support local, Make sure to bring cash to tip the guides: it’s their job and they do it well!
Written January 13, 2025
ScottF1732
0 contributions
This is a “Must Do” tour when visiting Panamá
This was an AMAZING DAY & we loved the tour. Most importantly, DON’T be dissuaded by reviews that complain about the drive from the city to the port. Is it long - yes, but you get to see a lot of the countryside/rainforest and it’s an opportunity to talk with your driver Juan was so awesome - we connected the day prior via WhatsApp (make sure to give them your number when you confirm) and really made the day great, also, don’t be dissuaded by the windy road … yes, it’s like a roller coaster at times, but the drivers do this every day & it was fascinating! There is a stop at a gas station before the windy part for restrooms & snacks. The history & info about the Guna people and the Guna Yala was really interesting. The transition to our boat and Guna guide for the day was smooth. The islands were amazing … we stopped on 3 and also at the “Natural Pool” which is a shallow area where people could snorkel, enjoy the super clear water! Time at each island was really well thought out … 1 to 1.5 hrs at each and the meal (fried fish or chicken or I think a veg option) was good. This was an amazing day … just do it!
Written January 5, 2025
Thomas P
0 contributions
Monkeytastic tour
Had a great tour last Saturday. Saw 3 different types of monkeys. Saw sloths. Saw Iguanas. Before we got to the canal, we went to a store and had very flavorful fruit.
Written January 4, 2025
Airen C
0 contributions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was an amazing excursion, a semi private tour averaging between 11-12 hours. Ana Lorena was amazing, knowledgable, and passionate. All of the tour was excellent, but the highlight for my group was swiming in the natural pool within the mangroves. Overall this was an excellent way to explore Colon and the surrounding areas.
Written December 26, 2024
mercedese278
0 contributions
Great experience!
Nice experience! The water is beautiful and we were able to see the different islands. Even though the trip is long and the roads are very curvy, it is worth it and our driver Javier did a good job.
Written December 18, 2024
CollegePrep
0 contributions
Excellent Cultural Experience
This was a fabulous cultural experience! The lake and indigenous people are beautiful. We lunched on fresh fish they caught and prepared for us and a delicious array of fresh fruits. Twenty five families live in the village. We learned about their culture and survival.
Written December 15, 2024
880richp
0 contributions
Amazing Restaurant and Resort
We stopped for drinks and a snack after a tour to Monkey Island. WOW !!!! Amazing view and location and facilities, (and really good food) and we think our son and his fiancé should come get married here !!!
Written December 15, 2024
Jess W
0 contributions
I recommend this tour :)
I was only here for a weekend, so I wanted to make the most of my time. I was able to see a lot of wildlife today. Also, the guide made the tour really interesting and fun.
Written December 14, 2024
raddavies
0 contributions
Awesome Tour Highly recommended
Oscar was an awesome tour guide, super friendly and very knowledgeable! He gave great insights and knew the locals. The boat ride to the waterfall and local village was an amazing experience filled with breathtaking views!! I highly recommended tour!
Written December 11, 2024
coconutb2021
0 contributions
worth every penny!!!! It was AMAZING!!
Absolutely fantastic experience! The island-hopping day tour from Bocas del Toro to Zapatilla was a dream come true. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush greenery made every moment breathtaking. The tour was well-organized, and the crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the area. Snorkeling among the colorful marine life was a highlight, and the stop at Zapatilla Island felt like a visit to paradise—pristine beaches and serene vibes. We even spotted dolphins along the way! It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Bocas del Toro. Worth every penny!
Written December 8, 2024
Koeger119
0 contributions
Great tour
Amazing island tour. The guide was very nice sweet and went out of his way to show us more than we had expected. Loved it and would book it again
Written December 8, 2024
AngelaLuz01
0 contributions
Great tour in paradise
Despite the western we enjoyed the tour, the comunication and puntuallity Was awesome! Please remember is a small town with locals living of tourisim... be nice! 😁
Written December 8, 2024
O1727KRsarahs
0 contributions
Beautiful Bocas del Toro
Awesome tour in an awesome place! Bocas is a paradise, totally reccomended! Tao Travel 365 was in contact with us since the moment of our booking until the end of our tour, good customer service experience.
Written December 8, 2024

See all 360 reviews

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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Erin B

New York City, NY130 contributions

Unforgettable Experience

Dec 2021

So grateful to Tao Travel for making this experience possible for us. Because of Covid our initial travel plans were cancelled and we ended up coming to Panama last minute during their busy season. Tao Tours was able to accommodate us, booking our San Blas one night trip with a private cabin only a few days in advance. They were very responsive and easy to communicate with over whatsapp and phone. The trip's fees and breakdown were clearly communicated and things went smoothly. After a long ride on a bumpy road and a boat trip that was also bumpy, we were dropped off on a beautiful beach for an unforgettable experience. While the accommodations are simplistic, anything fancier would detract from the sublime experience of being on an island in the middle of nowhere. You can walk the island's circumference in ten minutes and can fall asleep under the stars listening to the waves. We were picked up the next morning and had an amazing day exploring three other islands and the natural pools with starfish. Throughout, every guide or driver was friendly, communicative and we were well taken off. This is a hard working company with a hard working crew. I am so glad this trip worked out and we got to experience the wonderful San Blas Islands!

Written February 6, 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.

Natasja A

7 contributions

Not really worth the hype

Very nice place for a get away from the everyday life. Nice and calm place. Not much to do on the Island except swimming, reading and playing games. It was a very very bumpy ride to the port. We got very delayed because of a storm which is fair, but no one told us anything about it so we just sat in the car and waited for 40 minutes. We then got to the Island and found out that water was not included in the price and we didn't know we had to bring our own water... So we had to pay 2USD $ for 0,5L bottle of water... For two people we ended up buying 10 bottles... The food was mediocre with little variety (rice, fried fish or chicken and some Vegetables) which wasn't great for Vegetarians... We met some lovely people on our trip and talked for hours after dinner and watched a storm in the distance with a lot of lighting. The people on the Islands doesn't really speak English so be aware of that.

Written July 19, 2022

Tao Travel 365

Natasja, we are sorry you id not enjoy your trip to San Blas. San Blas is an island paradise, which invites guests to enjoy and get away from everyday life, as you had mentioned. The islands have remained this kind of paradise because of their remote location and the lack of amenities that can be found in the many commercialized places. Swimming, reading, snorkeling and getting to know the shy Kunas is the way of life here. Regarding the extra charges of water. We clearly state in our listing that drinks are excluded. In the itinerary that we send two days before the excursion, we also list the Inclusions and Exclusions (such as drinks). We ask our guests to take a few minutes and read the communication that we send. We also have a lengthy San Blas disclaimer that can be seen in this listing and that we send again to all guests, which properly prepares all guests and aligns expectations.

Written July 19, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

M. Vermeij

Vaassen, The Netherlands6 contributions

2 nights getaway

Dec 2019 • Friends

A dream coming true visiting this place! Awesome day trips to different islands and waking up by the sound of the sea and the sound of wind through the palm trees made me feel like I was in paradise, but well, I think I was! An unforgettable experience and almost a private island to ourselves! Paula and Michael are just 2 amazing people who made it all come true! Oh, and take your drone if you have one!!

Written January 7, 2020

Lovisa T

Airlie Beach, Australia2 contributions

Lovely experience

Jan 2025 • Friends

We loves this trip! Everything was amazing, however the communication was probably not the best. A lot of times we didn’t know what was happening or what we should do but besides that everything was great.

Written January 11, 2025

Tao Travel 365

Thank you so much for your feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you loved the trip and found everything amazing. It’s wonderful to know you had a great experience overall. We apologize for the communication issues you encountered and understand how important clear instructions are during a tour. Your feedback is invaluable. We are consistently working with our Kuna tour team to educate them about customer service to ensure all our guests feel fully informed throughout their experience. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on another adventure soon!

Written January 15, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Daisygirl4624

Apex, NC24 contributions

Don't expect much.

Mar 2024 • Family

It's with mixed emotions that I write this review. On the one hand, the island was beautiful and peaceful and very relaxing. On the other, I found the disorganization of the operators to be stressful. If you're the type of person who feels the need to be kept in the loop, this is not the trip for you.

First, we were picked up at our hotel at 5:15 by a man driving an SUV a little smaller than a Toyota 4Runner and there were already 4 other people in the car. With three of us in the middle row and everyone's bags, it was pretty cramped. And the driver DIDN'T TELL US ANYTHING. We had no idea if he was taking us to a larger bus with more people or all the way to the port to catch the boat. Nor did he tell us anything about how long it would take or what time we'd be stopping for snacks or anything about the region we would be visiting. Literally, nothing. Turns out he did take us all the way to the port and please believe me when I tell you that trip is NO JOKE (especially being cramped in the middle row between 2 other people). The first part isn't too bad and I wondered why people complained about the road being so curvy. But I soon learned after stopping for snacks (side note: I highly recommend either bringing or buying a cooler at the convenience store where they stop and loading it with drinks and/or snacks because any drinks you want to buy on the island including water are $2 each).
It's the part of the trip AFTER the store that would have been unbearable if I hadn't taken prescription strength motion sickness medicine. The road is paved, but it's VERY NARROW and HILLY and CURVY....and it seems to go on FOREVER. Just when you think you are getting close to the end, you aren't. And I understand that the tour operators can't do anything about the road, but to not have any information from the driver and being cramped in an SUV was just not the least bit fun, much less relaxing. No one talked or got to know each other, we were just subjected to listen to the awful music our driver chose to listen to for the entire 3+ hours in the car.
Eventually we arrived at a rudimentary port and everyone got out of the car except for us. The only info we got out of the driver was that we had to go to another "port". Luckily, it was only a few minutes down the road. Once there, we moved to a shaded seating area where several other people were waiting.

Again, there was NO communication from the tour operators. It would have been nice to have someone explain the procedure so we would know what to expect, but everyone just sat around wondering what time we would be departing and how long it would take and where we were (like some history or information on the region). One man was going from group to group asking for names, essentially checking to see if everyone who had booked had made it there. We waited for about 20 minutes before being directed to a boat with about 18 other tourists on it and 3 "guides". The boat trip was about 40 minutes and wasn't bad at all.

Once at the island, one of the "guides" who had been on the boat directed everyone to a seating area and asked for passports and money (if you had not already paid for the trip. If you had already paid, you had to show the payment confirmation). It took about 30 minutes for them to get to us and ultimately take us to the room we would be staying in. AGAIN, note that there is no welcome to the island with any explanation of where things were or what was available to us. For me, it would have made all the difference to have heard even a short 5 min spiel along the lines of "we are so glad you are all here. This island has been in our family for X number of years. You can find the bathrooms over there. We have kayaks for rent and at mealtime, simply sit down at one of these tables and we will bring your food out to you. After lunch today we will be taking a trip to island _______ where you can snorkle or relax in a hammock or swim".

There are 4 private huts on this island and one larger building with 8 individual rooms, which is where our room was. The walls of the rooms do not go all the way to the ceiling, meaning you can hear other people talking (and snoring!) in the other rooms. I expected our room to be very basic, but the only thing in it was a bed and a hook on the wall. There was no table or even a shelf so your only two options to place anything are on the bed or the sandy wooden floor.

We were served lunch (which I thought was delicious!) and then taken on a couple of excursions. The first one being a sand bar where you could snorkel or just swim and the second being another larger island where there was a sunken ship just off shore. This island has a small bar where you can buy tropical drinks. We were there for about an hour before returning to our island. The afternoon is open to do whatever you want which I found to be very relaxing, but if you have a hard time just napping or reading or playing solitaire or building a sandcastle, you might become bored pretty quickly. We went to bed right after dinner and left right after breakfast the next morning to head back to Panama City. Same thing on the trip back...cramped in the middle row with 2 other people and the ride seemed even longer that time.

All in all, I certainly didn't hate it but I can honestly say I wouldn't do it again. And I struggle to recommend this particular tour. Maybe some of the others are better at communication and execution, but this one is definitely lacking in both.

Written April 1, 2024

Tao Travel 365

Dear Daisy, thank you for taking the to send us your detailed feedback. It seems that you did not read our thorough San Blas disclaimer or the itinerary, which was sent to you two days before your trip. In this itinerary the whole excursion is broken down from start to finish. Reading the itinerary, you would have read that the car trip takes up to 3 hours, with 1.5 hours over slow curvy roads. You would have also read that our drivers only speak Spanish. They are drivers focusing on the road and not tour guides. In our disclaimer which is in our Viator listing, we mention the basic amenities of the islands and the lack of service in San Blas. Those booking a tour to San Blas usually visit for its amazing ocean and beaches and the peace and tranquility. San Blas is a place for people to unwind and get away from their phones and outside distractions. Those who easily get bored and require full attention would probably be better served staying in an all inclusive resort with professional entertainment options. We are sorry you did not enjoy your visit. Again, we feel that had you read the disclaimer and itinerary your expectations would have been better aligned with the upcoming experience. Rather than giving this amazing place a 2 star review, maybe it would have been a five star review instead ;)

Written April 8, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

amanda p

7 contributions

Rest and relaxation

Oct 2023 • Family

Sam Blas, the Island of Yani, was a beautiful relaxing time. The transportation was clean and timely. The road to the boat is paved, so smooth but very curvy. The driver was great handling curves. The island was welcoming, plenty of relaxing. Kayaks and canoes are available. Food was good The only thing that could have made it more comfortable would be a few more chairs to relax in. The island did had plenty of hammocks. I wish I would have brought a small battery fan for sleeping at night. Could have left our door open because there were not any mosquitoes.The people were accommodating ( took my son out to fish for a little while, and changed our travel time). Great rustic trip, would definitely do again.

Written October 12, 2023

Tao Travel 365

We're delighted you enjoyed your visit to San Blas. We appreciate the feedback about additional chairs for relaxation and will take it into consideration. We're thrilled you found our service and scenery great! Cheers to your next visit!

Written October 17, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alejandro R

Zipaquira, Colombia1 contribution

Excellent experience

Aug 2023 • Solo

Excellent views, it is a heavenly place, the food and accommodation is basic, however, it is worth the experience

Written September 7, 2023

Tao Travel 365

Gracias por tu reseña. Nos alegra que hayas disfrutado de las vistas y la experiencia en general :)

Written September 12, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Top rated

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour provided by Tao Travel 365 - Panama

Name: 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour
Brand: Tao Travel 365 - Panama
SKU: 19148127
Price: 9680 PHP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.0 (9 reviews)