San Blas Islands Tours
4 days / 3 nights in San Blas with trip to remote Cayos Holandeses + Boat Tour
4
4 days / 3 nights in San Blas with trip to remote Cayos Holandeses + Boat Tour
By Tao Travel 365 - Panama
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About
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 4 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Tour to Cayos Holandeses
- Tour to Cayos Limones
- Entry/Admission - San Blas Islands
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, 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 5:30 am, 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: 127626P57- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am. You are welcome to stay until 3pm with return to Panama City between 6-7pm, or leave in the morning returning to Panama City by 11:30am
- If choosing the option of roundtrip transportation, please be prepared for a 2.5 hour car journey each way over bad roads with potholes and slow curves! Please do not leave bad reviews because of the road. We try to warn you ahead of time :)
- 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.
- 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.
- If choosing our transportation option, departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is 5:00am.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- 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
- 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.
- Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salinity level
- We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
- 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, your hosts, will guide you on your journey to the island. Services Provided: 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.
- Disclaimer: The Holandeses Tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate and is subject to favorable weather and ocean conditions for safety. In the event the tour is canceled due to insufficient participants or unfavorable conditions, we will reimburse $70 per person. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
- 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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience 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: 127626P57
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Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- PuenteLago0 contributionsHorrible experienceThe 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
- Getaway254126603570 contributionsRecommended TourAll 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
- bradleysL6007SA0 contributionsGood timeThis 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
- lovisat350 contributionsLovely experienceWe 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
- ScottF17320 contributionsThis is a “Must Do” tour when visiting PanamáThis 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 P0 contributionsMonkeytastic tourHad 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 C0 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
- mercedese2780 contributionsGreat 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
- CollegePrep0 contributionsExcellent Cultural ExperienceThis 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
- 880richp0 contributionsAmazing Restaurant and ResortWe 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 W0 contributionsI 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
- raddavies0 contributionsAwesome Tour Highly recommendedOscar 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
- coconutb20210 contributionsworth 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
- Koeger1190 contributionsGreat tourAmazing 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 againWritten December 8, 2024
- AngelaLuz010 contributionsGreat tour in paradiseDespite 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
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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Irene B
1 contribution
Mar 2022
We enjoyed one of the most memorable experiences of our lives here.San Blas is one of the last. Real hidden paradise gems that is still authentic to its culture and traditions.Tao Travel has been amazing throughout the booking process and extremely professional and responsive.Overall 5*
Written March 8, 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.
Dear Irene, we are happy you enjoyed your stay in San Blas. We strive to provide the best service possible for our guests and give them unforgettable experiences.
Thank you again for trusting in our service and we look forward to hearing from you again when you return to Panama.
Written March 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy_Niu
Manila, Philippines4 contributions
May 2023
We loved our stay on this beautiful island. Centrally located we took the boat to different islands to snorkel and swim. The tour to Holandeses was spectacular! Highly recommend this trip and the agency who meticulously arranged our stay.
Written June 12, 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 kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay on our beautiful island and that our agency could help make it memorable. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written June 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Astrid B
4 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Paradise Vacation
My husband and I spent 3 nights on a beautiful San Blas island. We really enjoyed this little paradise as it is an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Facilities are very basic and the Kunas live very simple, sleeping in hammocks and catching fresh fish in their tree canoes. If you are looking to get away from busy civilization to unwind and soak in the tropical sun, swimming in a clear ocean, this is the trip for you! The tour to Cayos Holandeses was another step up fro the paradise we found on our island. The ocean looks like a postcard picture and the atmosphere is indescribable. We felt 3 nights were not enough for us and we hope to be back one day to stay longer.
My husband and I spent 3 nights on a beautiful San Blas island. We really enjoyed this little paradise as it is an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Facilities are very basic and the Kunas live very simple, sleeping in hammocks and catching fresh fish in their tree canoes. If you are looking to get away from busy civilization to unwind and soak in the tropical sun, swimming in a clear ocean, this is the trip for you! The tour to Cayos Holandeses was another step up fro the paradise we found on our island. The ocean looks like a postcard picture and the atmosphere is indescribable. We felt 3 nights were not enough for us and we hope to be back one day to stay longer.
Written May 18, 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.
Carl B
Carlisle, MA230 contributions
Our trip started ominously with six passengers plus the driver crammed into an SUV with no room for luggage. The driver put our duffle bags on the roof so of course it rained and our bags and contents got soaked. If they had limited the ride to five passengers, our luggage would have fit inside and there would not have been a problem.
Don’t get me wrong, the San Blas islands are beautiful, especially as you cruise through them by boat. The islands themselves, however, are a different story entirely. We spent three nights on Yani island, which like most of the San Blas islands is overbuilt and underprotected. Scientists predict that the San Blas islands will entirely disappear in the next few decades due to erosion, exacerbated by climate change and poor environmental management. Yani, at about two acres may be one of the first. Honestly, as I looked out over the sea of tents, I imagined I was looking at a homeless encampment in an overtrodden city park in California. Forget the romance of a deserted island the advertising would like you to believe.
We stayed in a private room. The walls of this room were only seven feet high, above which there was an open space connecting all of the rooms in the building. Really, it was more of a stall than a room. Our stall was tiny and contained nothing more than a bed. The sheets were old and ripped and constantly came off from the corners. Since there was no mattress pad, this meant that our bare flesh often encountered the bare mattress and I seriously doubt the mattresses are ever cleaned. On top of that, we never observed the staff changing the sheets upon arrival of new guests every one to three nights. They never sweep out from underneath the beds, either.
Outside the room, there was no place at all to sit. Only two very cheap hammocks, one of which was broken.
The bathroom facilities were gross. Only one of the toilets across the three stalls actually flushed properly. The trash bins were constantly overflowing with used toilet paper. The two working showers were nothing more than bare pipes feeding smelly water by gravity from a cistern full of seawater stewing in the tropical sun. Why not collect rainwater from off the roofs?
Meals were generally okay, but portions small. I recommend bringing snack food if you have a healthy appetite.
The write up for this tour advertised two daytime excursions. One to a remote island no longer happens because the resident family no longer accepts tourists, but this tour still appears in the online writeup. The one daytime excursion that was available lasted only two hours, which means we barely left Yani island at all in 3+ days. As a result, we felt that one or two nights rather than three would have been sufficient.
I’m scratching my head as to what makes up the cost of this tour. Transportation I can understand but the accommodations are worth little and the food is locally caught (fish) and sourced (plantains) and can’t cost much to prepare. I conclude that somebody is making a lot of money without caring to improve the living standards of their guests, I expected rustic, not neglect.
Don’t get me wrong, the San Blas islands are beautiful, especially as you cruise through them by boat. The islands themselves, however, are a different story entirely. We spent three nights on Yani island, which like most of the San Blas islands is overbuilt and underprotected. Scientists predict that the San Blas islands will entirely disappear in the next few decades due to erosion, exacerbated by climate change and poor environmental management. Yani, at about two acres may be one of the first. Honestly, as I looked out over the sea of tents, I imagined I was looking at a homeless encampment in an overtrodden city park in California. Forget the romance of a deserted island the advertising would like you to believe.
We stayed in a private room. The walls of this room were only seven feet high, above which there was an open space connecting all of the rooms in the building. Really, it was more of a stall than a room. Our stall was tiny and contained nothing more than a bed. The sheets were old and ripped and constantly came off from the corners. Since there was no mattress pad, this meant that our bare flesh often encountered the bare mattress and I seriously doubt the mattresses are ever cleaned. On top of that, we never observed the staff changing the sheets upon arrival of new guests every one to three nights. They never sweep out from underneath the beds, either.
Outside the room, there was no place at all to sit. Only two very cheap hammocks, one of which was broken.
The bathroom facilities were gross. Only one of the toilets across the three stalls actually flushed properly. The trash bins were constantly overflowing with used toilet paper. The two working showers were nothing more than bare pipes feeding smelly water by gravity from a cistern full of seawater stewing in the tropical sun. Why not collect rainwater from off the roofs?
Meals were generally okay, but portions small. I recommend bringing snack food if you have a healthy appetite.
The write up for this tour advertised two daytime excursions. One to a remote island no longer happens because the resident family no longer accepts tourists, but this tour still appears in the online writeup. The one daytime excursion that was available lasted only two hours, which means we barely left Yani island at all in 3+ days. As a result, we felt that one or two nights rather than three would have been sufficient.
I’m scratching my head as to what makes up the cost of this tour. Transportation I can understand but the accommodations are worth little and the food is locally caught (fish) and sourced (plantains) and can’t cost much to prepare. I conclude that somebody is making a lot of money without caring to improve the living standards of their guests, I expected rustic, not neglect.
Written March 2, 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.
Hi Carl, thank you for your constructive feedback. I would like to respond to some of your comments to give you more insight.
Firstly, we clearly state in our listing a disclaimer which, when read beforehand, would have prepared you better for San Blas or you could have canceled the booking to do another tour around Panama. We try to manage our guest expectation with this disclaimer, as San Blas does not have the standards and amenities most are used to from home.
- We clearly state that transportation is shared in a large SUV with 6 seats (one up front, three in the middle row, and two in the back row). Those who wish to have more room can either purchase another space or book a private transport, which we can help to arrange. Unfortunately, all transportation (and prices) is regulated by the Kuna government.
- We post a thorough disclaimer about San Blas in all of our listings as mentioned above. This disclaimer talks about the basic amenities in San Blas, about the beds, showers, meals, etc. San Blas is very remote and fully managed by the Kunas (prices, cabin management, food etc). While we continually attempt to educate the Kunas about improving their services it is mostly futile. As we take all of our guest feedback very seriously, we will also follow up with the island and share your feedback with them.
- The water used for showers is fresh water, filtered through coconut trees, and pumped from a well of to the bathroom. Again, it may feel and smell differently as the water you are used to from home or from a Hilton hotel. This is how the Kunas have been living for Centuries and they are proud to maintain their traditions, continuing to live very simple, yet very happy. When traveling to San Blas we invite everyone to come with an open mind and accept different standards, which is the essence of traveling and experiencing new cultures.
- We feel that our prices are some of the most reasonable when compared to other tours and cabins in San Blas. taking into account roundtrip transportation to the island (both car and boat), meals, staff, etc...
Thank you again for your feedback and we will do our utmost to keep improving our guest experience.
Written March 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kev Romero
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We booked the 3 night package to thoroughly enjoy the islands. Last year we visited San Blas with a day tour and felt it was not enough time in the islands. We are so glad having booked this island. Everyone was so welcoming and warm-hearted. Loved the generous meals and the serenity of this place. The tours were a great experience, visiting the remote atoll of the Holandeses Cays with pristine islands.
Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Written May 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 are so glad that you had a great experience with us and that you were able to enjoy the islands thoroughly. San Blas will be waiting for you on your next visit to Panama :)
Written May 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marcelo Zola Sorano
Armacao dos Buzios, RJ15 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wonderful island dog and island
Gunayala, Nugnudu.
2 nights in a cabin in total contact with nature, simply incredible
Gunayala, Nugnudu.
2 nights in a cabin in total contact with nature, simply incredible
Written February 11, 2024
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.
Estamos emocionados que você aproveitou sua estadia nas cabanas Nugnudu.2, em contato com a natureza na isla perro chico e islaGunayala. Sua satisfação é muito importante para nós.
Written February 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you purchase beer on Cayos Holandeses?
Written January 18, 2022
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