Things to Do in San Blas Islands with Kids
THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in San Blas Islands
Things to Do in San Blas Islands with Kids
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Multi-day Tours • Boat Tours
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What travelers are saying
- kelvibay area, ca218 contributionsWe stayed here for 1 night in July 2024.
- We got a private room and shared bath option.
- The boat dropped us off around 10AM on day 1. Our the agency thru which we had booked the stay did not include snorkel , but we rented equipment from the island for 5$ - it is worth it - the sunken ship isnt too far off the coast and you can see parts even if you cannot swim.
-Food: We are vegetarians - so food was rice (sometimes with coconut), a salad and some plantains. It was monotonous (all three meals) , but perfectly acceptable. A drink also comes along with each meal.
- Accommodation : The room has beds , 2 fans and a small stool to keep your bag; Oh and a light. That's it. But it was clean . the sheets were clean , we had great ocean views from the room. I had a great night's sleep - Absolutely no issues.
It also rained heavily in the evening , nothing got messy.
- People : the locals in the island are friendly. They know to give you space and keep out of your way. But will look out for you too.
-Island : it was crowded with the day tours , but once the crowd goes, it is amazing. Do you get bored? No way !
We went on island tours on Day 2 but honestly , staying at the island on Day1 was awesome. Don't get me wrong , the day tours will let you hop islands and go with the crowd and get you a busy day - but the stay the previous day and chilling out was the highlight for me.
Overall: I loved it . if we had time , we would have taken the 2N-3D option which would have been perfect. Cannot wait to go back.
You cannot go wrong with any island you choose.Written July 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Peter Z12 contributionsPelicano island has beautiful and tranquil place, njce beaches, pretty little snorkeling around, gorgeuos sunsets to enjoy..Written April 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BRDman7Vancouver, Canada347 contributionsThe San Blas Islands are amazing and Chichime Isle was a perfect place to stay for two nights. The people living here are very welcoming, beauty is all around and the meals they prepared were fresh and delicious. Cold beer, water and other drinks are available for a very reasonable price. From here you can go on excursions to other isles.Written February 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kelly MSan Diego, CA320 contributionsHuge thanks to Captain Luis and his lovely girlfriend and fabulous cook, Sol!
Chartering a live aboard had been a bucket list item for our small family and sailing the mostly uninhabited San Blas with them and our adult daughter, was an off-the-beaten path, experience, we recommend to the adventurous.
Meeting Guna people who brought us fish, lobster, and hand made molas to the boat. celebrating Christmas Eve at a very small island with locals and a few tourists (all of us coming and going at night by dingy), going to bed listening to the gentle waves and waking up to beautiful island views was extraordinary. We swam, paddled, read, napped, played cards and listened to music in the beautiful weather. We, sat and watched as rain storms came in across the ocean - soothing and cool to watch.
Luis knows the islands and the local people - and, even though we speak little Spanish, his English is great- between us, we communicated fine. Sol cooked three gourmet meals a day (using only a hot plate and a toaster oven~ amazing!!) She grilled lobster for salads and made pastas, an amazing risotto with fish and veggies and shrimp and octopus (don’t eat octopus? 😜they ask for meal preferences before your trip!)
In addition, they went above and beyond helping decorate the cabin for Christmas and my husbands birthday. And, they got a cake and extra champagne as I’d requested in advance for a little celebration.
They even had balloons (not sure how way off the grid).
Now, for the the downside to our once in a lifetime sail. (It had absolutely nothing to do with the crew).
unfortunately, the specific boat we ended up on, Edelweiss had seen better days. Launched in 2014, her age showed. even as we arrived by dingy the exterior wear was clear- paint chipped, duct tape holding up solar light, flags tattered and faded, the outdoor shower had broken and owner hadn’t replaced (so no hosing off on deck after being in the water), bathrooms needed floor attention.
our crew were skilled and worked around needed repairs. They were professional, fixing and working with what they had.
Sol bought new brightly colored pillows that made an immediate, difference, Luis got a new paddle board that we appreciated. But, like a house or hotel, a boat needs love- replacing, repairing and updating with age. It was obvious that the owner hadnt invested in important mechanical or cosmetic issues recently.
charter’s aren’t cheap, and booking company photos and descriptions should accurately depict the specific boat - today. Edelweiss now does not look like she did when the photos were taken.
Working with Catamaran Adventures was easy, no issues with payment, communications or arrangements for getting to islands. That said, warts should be explained and boats priced accordingly.
FYI- We do hear that Edelweiss is now retired.
Luis and Sol will Captain another boat soon - ask for them when you book!!Written January 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anton CSingapore, Singapore4 contributionsIncredible experience! Paradises island with awesome views m. The company organized everything properly and with a great cost! Totally recommendedWritten June 30, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lucasmarderBalneario Camboriu, SC34 contributionsSpectacular days with this crew! The boat is excellent, very spacious and comfortable, both in the cabin and in the outdoor area, with plenty of space for meals, but also for enjoying the sea while sailing.
We put together an itinerary according to our desire, which was to visit more remote places, with crystal clear waters and calm beaches. For 4 days we visited the secret places of San Blas and were able to enjoy everything we wanted to at the beginning. The crew knows every detail of the place and that makes all the difference (beaches, snorkeling spots, etc.). Elena and Lea took perfect care of the sailing, which was very calm and enjoyable at all times.
Another point to highlight is the meals! INCREDIBLE! Delicious dishes, prepared by chef Anzhelika. Breakfast is delicious and the meals are always a surprise, with fresh seafood and very tasty recipes!
And on top of that, you will sail in the company of the great Naly, the dog/shark who is very friendly and adds even more shine to every moment. I can only thank this team that provided unforgettable moments for us, better than we imagined!
We will return and recommend it whenever possible. Thank you Flying Ginny team!Written December 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - nn n10 contributionsWe spent three nights on the Lagoon 55 „Spartivento“ of Polo and Sophie, but we wish it would have been forever.
The experience was absolutely wonderful and outstanding in every respect. We had a few lightning heavy nights but were in the best hands possible with likely the most experienced captain in San Blas, Polo. Particularly outstanding was the food on the boat. Sophie is a chef, and what she cooks is worthy of Michelin star restaurant. The boat is not new, but Polo is constantly improving it, and there are features, such as the aft deck, that are absolutely great.
I could not be more thankful for the experience. Polo and Sophie make you feel home, and you get the best possible service.
The Organisation by Anemoi Sailing was excellent, too. Very fast, reliable, flawless. You are always somewhat suspicious to transfer money to a bank account somewhere, but Anemoi is absolutely trustworthy.
All in all, wonderful in every respect.
KarlWritten August 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - opensourcesoluti2023Mandeville, Jamaica1 contributionVery professional and courteous staff. Flexible team especially when you have a large group who wanted to do different stuffWritten August 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roger C2 contributionsWe had a great time! The captain and the crew are fantastic. The Gina people are very friendly. The food was delicious and fresh. We had lobsters, fish and crab straight out from the water by the fishermen. The snorkeling was Amazing. It was truly a fantastic experience. This place is PARADISE! I will definitely be coming back as soon as possible. Thank you JP & Helena!Written August 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynda F5 contributionsWe recently returned from 3 days sailing around the San Blas islands in Panama, and it was off the charts amazing (July 2023).
We booked with Native Tours / San Blas Sailing, and hired the Ti Kay catamaran
Our captain was Sebastian and Sayra was his first mate, who did all the cooking and looking after the boat.
I honestly cannot speak more highly for everyone. When I booked I was a little nervous sending money into Panama without really knowing much about the tour company. I did as much research as I could, but ultimately had to pay the money and hope.....they delivered on everything they promised. My contact at SanBlasSailing was extremely responsive and they arranged everything for our trip to the San Blas, including the transfers.
The boat Ti-kay was perfect. I was travelling with my husband and 2 kids (8 and 10), and the boat was more than big enough for us. There was a really comfortable outdoor eating area and the netting at the front of the boat was pure bliss.
I cannot find anything to complain about with the trip.
Sebastian and Sayra (with their dog Bela) are not the normal crew for the boat, and they were amazing. Sebastian knows the San Blas islands so well, and was able to show us the best places to snorkel and explore. He was a very accomplished captain. He also has a story for every occasion and is fantastic company.
Sayra is a phenomenal chef, we had octopus, and lobster, fresh fish daily. It was amazing. My one advice to travelers is the food is high quality, which I was not expecting on a sailboat, I was expecting rice and beans! My 8 year old daughter (who likes plain food) did struggle a little, until Sayra produced plain pasta and grilled fish and then she was happy. So expect fine dining and advise of any food preferences before you go. My fault for not doing that!
Sebastian and Sayra both made for a very enjoyable trip around the San Blas Islands. They are incredibly respectful of the local Kuna people, and treat the locals like family. It was really great to see, and lovely to meet so many people on the islands.
The Kuna people do rely on tourist money, so be prepared to buy a few things to help support the local community.
As for the Islands themselves. Imagine an untouched Caribbean paradise, and that is the San Blas.....utterly breathtaking. Cant wait to be back.
Could not recommend the tour company, boat and crew more highly.Written August 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
