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Arrive before major holidays or weekends. The island itself is big enough when it's not crowded, with accommodations from shared cabins to private rooms with a balcony. I dined only at the bigger restaurant. Amazing foods. Selection is limited (like everything else in Guna Yala, you need to just be there to enjoy, not expect life back home). There are small white-sand beaches, corals for snorkeling, and volleyball courts. With a big group you can "convince" the chief to take you on an afternoon tour for extra fees. Bathrooms are as other people have described. See advice above about just enjoying being there. Most hosts are nice but don't treat them like staff. The Guna Yala (San Blas) tour was five stars but most of it has to do with my fellow travelers, the islands we visited, and the experience. Some of the people (always the men) made so many racist comments (not many Asian overnight tourists here) and some sexist comments too. The chief said so much toward one female in the group that she got scared and I ended up leaving her my SIM card just in case (Digicel LTE works in many parts of these islands). I was there to enjoy my vacation, and most people won't even be impacted, but it needs to be said so hopefully things will improve. I mean, I'm sure they wouldn't like it if I start saying random things to them in other indigenous languages. Panama Travel Unlimited has a lot of info and I highly recommend you read them all before going to have the right mindset.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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.
The pick up was fine. The driver was on time. He did make a stop at the store for our convenience.
The boat ride to the island was cool. FYI sit in the back to save your back from the bumps.
La Isla Diablo was meh at best. Only 1/2 of the island is accessible. 1/4 of it is literally trash. And it smells like trash.
The Guna Yala people are not engaging. The only interaction is with those serving food or drinks. And it's only to serve your food/drink. Nothing more. Nothing less. And it's not because they can't. They chose not to.
The food was terrible. The fish was way overcooked. The rice was undercooked.
The accommodations were like camping, as is explained in the description.
If you go alone, be prepared to be alone. If you stay overnight, you will share a room with whosoever will.
Choose a different island. Not Diablo. It's a pretty place. But there's better than this in San Blas.
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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.
I was going to leave a raving and glowing review (and I will), but I just read the review posted prior to mine. My experience and time at Niadub Cabanas on Isla Diablo was AMAZING. I was highly impressed with many things, one being how they managed to keep up with where everyone was without computers. Apparently this isn't always the case, and you should read the post before mine, and be prepared for that. I could see that scenario playing out on busy weeks.
My time there however was incredible. It's a simple island without many creature comforts. You only ate at the times specified on the board. Though you could walk up to the counter and grab bagged chips and drinks, no real food was ordered otherwise. Having a constantly growling stomach, this was a bit of a shock. When I go back, I will bring more of my own food...and more sunscreen.
Falling asleep in a small hut with the sound of the waves only a few feet away is worth the hassle and inconveniences of getting out there. If you are the adventurous type and can accept paradise with a few inconveniences along the way, then I highly recommend this place.
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Date of stay: December 2018
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
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.
I regret that I spent any money to come to this island. It was very crowded, and not much of a paradise at all. There is a small beach which is nice, but it easily gets overwhelmed and very loud with the huge amount of day trippers that come here. Only a few hammocks and chairs to sit in. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a little while on a quite and/or remote beach, this is definitely not it!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
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 stayed on Isla Diablo for 3 nights. The island itself is really beautiful with white sandy beaches and plenty of coconut palms. There are actually 2 "resorts" there, we stayed at the one facing the shipwreck called "Dad Igwa". The cabañas are very simple, we stayed in one of the newer ones with a proper roof. The beds are handcrafted, as are the bungalows. Some of the mattresses were really thin but ours was a bit thicker and quite new - unfortunately still not very comfortable. There are no mosquito nets but no mosquitoes as well. The food was alright, especially the octopus stew was tasty. Breakfast was scarce though. The restaurant was attended by locals as well, on Saturday night they got really drunk and had a very loud party. You might want to keep that in mind if you're seeking relaxation and planning on visiting San Blas on a weekend. Furthermore the bathrooms are very simple, which I don't mind, but very dirty most of the time, which I do mind. I once asked the only English speaking guy to please make sure that they're cleaned but nothing happened. All in all the experience was rather disappointing considering the steap price you gotta pay for staying there (USD 50 per person per night in a cabaña).
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
If you like resorts, hot water ,menu choice ....this is not for you .Simple huts ..fresh fish and rice .
Nothing to do . I would like from Veronica ...to thank everyone for an amazing place ...and hospitality .I will never forget .xox
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Traveled with friends
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.
There are too many tourists. The sanitary fittings are old and in a bad condition. Half of the Island was a waste disposal site, the other full with Cabins and Tents. In the evining was a loud and noisy party in front of our cabins.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
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Visit included as part of my tour purchased on Viator, the island is wonderful, paradisiacal, it makes you feel like you were in the past, do not expect luxuries or extravagance, it is a community that has survived for years without government intervention, prices are high at In my opinion, a cabin is 150 USD per night, a coconut, coke or soda is 4 USD, the food is included in the tour and is delicious, the people are very friendly and the atmosphere is charming, worthy of a place to remember.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
There are more places to choose from in the San Blas Islands area.
LOCATION
PanamaGuna Yala RegionSan Blas Islands
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