El Porvenir Tours
THE 10 BEST El Porvenir Tours & Excursions
El Porvenir Tours
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
Multi-day Tours • Boat Tours
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What travelers are saying
- Cassie H17 contributionsIncredible itinerary. The views, meals, crew, chef, and locals were wonderful, kind and considerate. We had a magnificent time.Written February 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cathi4 contributionsMy family and I spent 3 days on the Flying Ginny with Lea and Angie and would have liked to stay much longer. Lea and Angie sailed with us to different San Blas islands, whether it was a deserted island or something more busy, the islands were super beautiful. Our time on the boat was great, we learned a lot and ate really well. Malu and Nali always kept a close eye on us when we were in the water 🙂 We would set sail again in a heartbeat with the Flying Ginny, it was a great experience, even for sailing newbies.Written February 12, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Heidi H1 contributionWe spent three magical days sailing the San Blas Islands with our captain, Marcos, on his Heritage 46 sailboat, which was the perfect size for the three of us. Not only is Marcos an excellent sailor and chef, he is also a very experienced diver. He took us to some of the best snorkelling areas!
We felt so fortunate to eat fresh seafood including lobster every day. Marcos is a fabulous host, who made us feel very much at home. It was difficult to say goodbye to Marcos and the peaceful San Blas Islands after these three incredible days! We hope to return to San Blas some day! Anemoi Sailing made the booking process very easy for us, arranging all of the various details. They are a wonderful company to deal with! I only wish we would have booked a longer sailing trip. Three days was lovely, but we could have easily spent a week or more sailing with Marcos!Written February 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Vanessa P1 contributionJepi and the crew were amazing ! Very welcome, friendly and amazing vibe! The catamaran has all you need for snorkeling, SUP and a perfect star link WiFi! He is very friendly with kids and helped us finding sharks!! I definitely recommend his Catamaran for a family trip! Last but not least, Jepi makes great cocktails as well!!Written January 27, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vi n2 contributionsOne week in Panama, including 5 days in the San Blas islands. Here's my unfiltered review: it's a bit of an adventure, but absolutely worth it.
I chose to go during the off-season, partly because it was cheaper, and also because it coincided with my son's school holidays. A trip just for the two of us.
We arrived the day before in Panama City and booked a room at "Mamallena". It's a great option for budget travelers: clean and just a 10-minute walk from the waterfront,it was nice but it's pretty basic. If you have a bit more to spend, I’d recommend staying in the old town – it has way more charm.
For the transfer to San Blas, we followed the advice of our booker and chose Lam Tour. The night before, I got a WhatsApp message confirming the taxi would arrive at 5:15 AM. Right on the dot, a lifted 4x4 pulled up. It was comfortable, and there were six of us in the car. The ride took about 4 hours, with non-stop rain, making me second-guess whether summer was the best choice for a vacation... The roads were in good condition but full of twists and turns, so watch out for motion sickness! If you can, try to grab a front seat. After that, we hopped on a "lancha" for a 1.5-hour boat ride. As we got closer, the sky started to clear, as if the clouds were clinging to the mainland.
We finally arrived at the catamaran El Gitano del Mar, which we had booked directly through catamaransanblas.com because they are the owner . Write better:
We got around 15% better deal by booking through their site instead of using boat platforms
The boat looked just like the photos, and we were welcomed with fresh fruit and juice. As soon as we dropped our bags, the captain took us to a tiny, absolutely stunning island – straight out of a postcard. The perfect place to feel like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.
Every day, we explored new islands. It was the perfect opportunity to try paddleboarding (way harder than it looks!). The islands are incredibly beautiful – small patches of white sand with palm trees and huts made of palm leaves. During the off-season, we had the islands to ourselves, which was an amazing feeling. It’s surreal to think that we were probably among the happiest people in the world at that moment, enjoying such peace and beauty. Real privilege.
The weather was mostly cloudy during our 5 days, with a few scattered showers, but honestly, that was a relief – the sun is strong, even through the clouds. The crew was wonderful: warm and friendly, but also discreet, creating a relaxed atmosphere. We enjoyed giant crabs, lobsters, fresh fruit – all natural and delicious. It was no air conditioning, but during the day it’s not at all an issue since we were mostly outside, taking a dip in the water every couple of hours. However, at night the cabin did get pretty warm. Thankfully, they provided a big portable fan that you can clip anywhere in the cabin, and it made all the difference. Without it, sleeping would have been difficult, but with it, the comfort level was completely transformed.
Honestly, if I could have, I would have stayed two extra days. The calm and beauty of the place are just irresistible.
My son was really happy and even got to steer the boat, and the crew took the time to teach him paddleboarding, chess, and swam with him from island to island (with a float). He came back with a head full of memories, and for that alone, the trip was priceless.Written August 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - David W2 contributionsWe had a fantastic family trip on Haya: Mum,Dad, 15 & 13-yr olds. The crew (Louis & Andreas) could not have been more helpful. Excellent sailors, amazing meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner with fish, octopus, cambombia & lobster bought that day! Andreas’ music was also great! Snorkelling & SUP kit all excellent. San Blas really is paradise with beautiful seas, islands, beaches; and very friendly people.
The only downside were the thunder & lighting storms: but it was rainy season. They were spectacular but a bit scary for those not used to it!
We did a 3 night charter, would love to have had longer. A trip we will remember for ever!Written August 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lela B1 contributionSan Blas is a true paradise, away from the word - and it requires very complex organisation, logistic and timeline - Abisua travel did everything spotless for me and my 5 colleagues. We enjoyed serene beauty, ate fresh lobsters, connected with the local tribes and their couture that remained unique as it’s protected by its remoteness but also by persistant cultivation of the Guna Yala peopleWritten November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan E.11 contributionsIt was a big highlight of our trip. The lovely family received us with open arms and made us feel like home. The boat is incredibely beautiful and big. You can enjoy the view from the hamocks on the boat or go kayaking in the beautiful waters of san blas. Captain Morgan takes you to beautiful quite islands where you can enjoy the sun, go snorkeling or maybe drink a delicious piña colada. Petra is an amazing chef! The food was beyond delicious. We had a lot of fresh seafood (the guna yala people bring the fresh caught fish, crab and lobster to the boat to sell). Their kids are very kind and funny. We had an amazing time on the boat renaissance with Captain Morgan and his lovely family. Thank you for making this trip special!Written January 26, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rebecca BWashington DC, DC9 contributionsAmazing experience. We were admittedly a little reluctant to take a trip on a boat called “f-in bueno” with 3 kids—ages 14, 9, and 3—but we just decided to call it “forkin bueno” and it was a blast. Every minute of the trip was incredible. We boarded the boat to a beautiful spread of fruit, nuts, veggies and hummus and even chocolate chip pancakes for the kids. The boat was super luxurious and huge — the pics don’t do it justice. Captain Elena took us everywhere we wanted to go including private islands, a Kuna village, and great snorkel spots. She even arranged a bonfire for us on the beach. We filled our days with amazing food, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and even buying crafts from the local Kuna people both on the islands and the ones who came up to our boat. At night we had amazing meals from the fresh fish and crabs and lobster that Captain Elena bought for us. Then we went up to the top of the boat and gazed at the star filled sky. We all had the experience of a lifetime and I cannot recommend this enough. Also, Captain Elena’s communication was amazing. She answered all of my many questions in the two weeks before our trip and her knowledge of the local people is terrific. She took us on a personal tour of a Kuna Village and introduced us to some locals which was really enriching for the kids. Captain Elena and “Forkin Bueno” gave us an incredible trip in the beautiful San Blas islands. We loved the crew too, especially Tiana!Written February 25, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kristine S1 contributionWe are very greatful to the Okumé team for the unforgettable experience in Guna Yala. The scenery was spectacular, the food delicious and the team was very friendly and responsive to all our needs (including helping obtain medical assistance for one of our kids, who got sick unexpectedly, arranging pop-up yoga class on one of the islands, bringing us to the reef for snorkeling, and making a winter solstice bon fire on the beach). We appreciated the team’s sailing expertise, knowledge of the area, cullinary skills, perfect mix of friendliness and professionalism, and excellent taste in music. Great experience overall!Written December 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- andy.karlaOttawa, Canada1,618 contributionsWhat started out with and could have been an amazing five-star experience ended with an opportunistic owner who knowingly and admittedly double booked our final day and then refused to return the $900 we paid for the said day on the pretense that our flight times changed (By One hour) which thereby entitled them to keeping our monies!
We had paid $1,200.00 per over night and an additional $900.00 for a final day on the water that would equate a full day of sailing, snorkeling and enjoying the islands as per the previous three days with the added-on day ending at 5:00 PM and our delivery to the air port landing strip!
What we got for $900.00 was a short early morning snorkel and then the boat was moved and anchored at the end of the airport runway, where we would sit at the table outside the galley observing the crew clean our suite and the rest of the boat, unable to participate in any activities or take a final pre flight shower.
The boat crew informed us on our second last day that they had been informed that the owners had taken a last-minute booking and also that our landing strip had changed to a different island.
Yet ownership has responded that there was no last-minute booking, however they have admitted to our agent that they mistakenly double booked our last day.
How could they be so mistaken in their responses?
Adding further insult and injury to our experience, the owners have seen fit to insinuate that my husband is suffering from a “terminal illness” and due to his “delicate emotional state” has fabricated the facts!
I can attest that neither my husband or myself suffer from a terminal or emotional illness that could attribute to either of our distortion of the facts – However this response along with others is very troubling and offensive to us on a personal level!
Is this some sort of diabolical character assassination by the boats owners in a weak attempt to white wash the facts or a gross misunderstanding on their part?
In early afternoon on our final day we checked the radar and along with the boats Captain verified that the aircraft had not left Panama City before changing into our swim suits and entering the water, knowing we had a least an hour cool off in the water, change and still check the radar for the appropriate time to leave the boat for the short trip to the landing strip.
While swimming off the end of the boat we had the captain now on the phone calling us back to the boat and telling us the owner had ordered us off the boat to the landing strip where we would wait standing on the grass for the aircrafts late arrival. (There is no waiting area)
We would also observe the last minute booked guests arrive while we were still on board to start their adventure on our paid day. They had puzzled looks on their faces not expecting to see other guests on board.
This would of course be the logical reason the owners and not the Captain were ordering us out of the water off the boat to the landing strip!
While waiting on the landing strip we could observe on the radar that our aircraft had just taken off from Panama City – We would also take photos of the aircraft landing with the Captain waiting with us as the next guests incoming supplies were on board the incoming aircraft which we booked and paid for our own use only!
It is therefore quite puzzling for the owners to again indicate that the plane was waiting on the runway when we went for swim and that we had somehow refused to leave the boat.
Another misunderstanding by ownership or more white washing?
This is not Ok with us and after a thorough investigation by our booking agent it was also not ok with them and they informed us that they are in the process of removing this owner and their boats from their web site and will no longer sell tours with them.
After considerable stress and further the discussion through our agent the boat owners grudgingly agreed to refund a token $250 and the agent would top that up with an amount that after bank transfer fees was considerably less than half the $900 we paid for a full day on the boat.
The Catamaran boat is quite nice and in like new condition, however the generator was non-functioning which meant no A/C and a couple of sleepless nights spent in the over 30-degree temperature in our cabin. While break downs and delayed repairs are an unfortunate occurrence on boats we can be understanding on this issue!
Our agent sold us the air conditioning package and while onboard we observed Captain Thomas spend some 3 plus hours attempting to start the generator that powered the A/C while indicating that the generator had just been repaired but apparently now had fuel problems!
Again, ownership has responded that we did not pay for A/C and that the A/C had been disabled. Yet it was not the A/C that did not work but the generator and they failed to inform their own employee of all these facts, allowing him to spend the best part of an afternoon attempting to start the generator that powered the A/C
The list of misunderstandings or potential white washings are adding up in a very substantial and troubling way!
The crew consisting of Captain Thomas and Candela were the absolute best and they could not do enough to make us feel comfortable and involved in daily activities and meal choices.
We cannot say enough about this pair of gems and it was our absolute pleasure to sail with them and spend time interacting daily as we watched their dedication to guest satisfaction at a level that would equate the Ritz Carleton butler service!
Candela is an awesome cook – The seafood (Lobster, Crab etc.) were cooked to absolute perfection and the presentation was Michelin five star.
Thomas is a great captain and practices safety first, meaning we felt at ease and relaxed while onboard under his very capable hands. Thomas’s experience and choice of snorkeling spots was always bang on and suited our experience level.
The snorkeling sights were mostly top notch, the reefs healthy and picturesque.
The sheer beauty of the San Blas islands along with interacting with the Kuna peoples is an experience not to be missed!
The crew did their best on our final day and we fully understand that they were following instructions from the owner to close down the owners cabin and boat for cleaning.
Regrettably our San Blas experience could have ended as it began.
Unfortunately, in our opinion the ending can only be described as an abuse of power and complete lack of integrity by greedy owners forever tarnishing a once in a lifetime experience!Written April 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ale G.Newton, MA65 contributionsJP and Gabi were the best hosts ever. Food was super excellent and their kindness and dedication to our well being was just amazing! Highly recommended, the catamaran is wide and comfortable and the tours around the islands simply amazing!Written December 30, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ana M3 contributionsJust want to warn people about Manuel Garrido since his phone number (507) 60137296 pops up a lot for reservations of tours to San Blas. He asked me to deposit $235 to a bank account in Panama for a 2 day tour to San Blas. He did not take paypal or credit cards. After I transferred the money he told me there was no rooms available and would refund me in the next few days. Two months later, I haven't seen a penny nor think he intends to refund me.
Fui estafada por el Sr. Manuel Garrido, quien me vendio un tour a San Blas por $235. Despues que le transferi el dinero me informo que no habia lugar para mi y que me iba devolver el dinero. Han pasado 2 meses y no tiene ninguna intencion de devolverme el dinero. No se confĂen de esta persona.Written May 22, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
