14 San Blas Tours (2024) – 1 to 4 Days on the Best San Blas Islands

Author Carina Klein
Carina
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14 amazing Panama San Blas Islands Tours from one to four days!

We have visited the San Blas or Kuna Yala islands on our 6 month Central America trip and they were one of our absolute highlights.

If you want to visit this remote island paradise, San Blas Islands Panama Tours are by far your best option.

Super Quick Travel Guide for Your San Blas Trip

  1. Individual tourism is tough to organise: You will only find very few accommodations on booking.com. Even if you do, you still need a transfer to the island. Furthermore, you are dependent on your accommodation for food and activities so a (guided) tour is the most convenient choice.

  2. Book a transfer!!! While you can theoretically drive yourself, you need to have a 4WD car and you have to pay all the fees to the Kuna people.

  3. Bring cash. You never know if you want to buy a drink or an extra. There are no ATMs on the islands and credit cards are not accepted.

  4. To be honest, the tours are mostly very similar. They differ in

    1. Length.
    2. The island you stay on.
    3. Type of accommodation (shared, private, over water, …).
    4. Tours you do (most tours will visit the Cayos Limones, go to the Cayos Holandeses to get off the beaten path!)

    We tried our best organising them accordingly for you ❤️

  5. If you can, opt for an overnight stay. The drive is long and rather bumpy. Also, being away from civilisation for one night or more is such a gem.

Top 3 Picks for San Blas Islands Tours

#1 TOP PICK

Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands

See the highlights of the San Blas Islands in 1 day!

  • Niunuidub
  • Iguana Island
  • Isla Perro
  • Natural Swmiming Pool
#2 TOP PICK

2D/1N Isla Diablo San Blas in Oceanfront Cabin with Tour & Meals included

  • The most budget-friendly way to spend a night at the beautiful San Blas Islands!
#3 TOP PICK

3-Day / 2-Night in San Blas Including Trip to Cayos Holandeses

  • If you have the time, don’t miss the stunning Cayos Holandeses!!
  • Get even more off-the-beaten-path.

Best San Blas Tours

1 Day Trip to San Blas

1. Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1157 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands is perfect if you want to see the best of what the San Blas Islands have to offer in just one day.

This tour includes everything you need: Round-trip transport with hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and activities.

Your 4 stops will be:

  1. Niunuidub where you can kayak and paddle board – or rest.
  2. Iguana which is famous for its beauty.
  3. Isla Perro is one of the nicest islands in San Blas. It has a white sandy beach and the famous shipwreck located right off the beach which invites you to snorkel.
  4. The Natural Pool is a sunken island allowing you to stand waist-deep on fine sand in the middle of the ocean. There’s the possibility to spot sea stars.

Including:

  • Shared transportation from Panama City – Port – Panama City for 6 passengers
  • Shared Boat transportation from Port – Islands– Port
  • Tours to Iguana, Perro Chico, Niunudub and Natural Swimming pool (4 Islands)
  • Traditional Lunch (fresh fish with salad and rice)
  • 1 Drink (beer, bottle wáter or soda)
  • Kayaks & Paddel board
  • Umbrellas, chairs and towels under request and upon to availability
  • Snorkel & mask
  • Welcome snack (fruits)

*Breathtaking and Well Worth It!! What can I say other than that this tour was more than worth it — it was a highlight of our entire trip! Yes, it takes a while to get to/from the San Blas first by car then by boat, but both were beautiful, smooth rides ending with the most breathtaking islands. The San Blas (GunaYana) islands reminded us of our honeymoon in French Polynesia, with beautiful white sand, turquoise crystal waters, mini Islas peppered across the sea, each spotted with tall palm trees which created a perfect backdrop for a relaxing lay in the sun. Unlike other tours, we spent HOURS at each beach destination which was incredibly relaxing. The guides were also great, and very informative along the drive and boat rides.*

– Devin (see more reviews)

Picture of Kuna woman on San Blas beach
Kuna woman on San Blas beach

2. San Blas Money Heist Island Day tour - Visit 3-islands + Natural Pool

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (3 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The San Blas Money Heist Island Day tour is not only great for fans of the Netflix show Casa de Papel as it brings you to the less travelled and more pristine parts of San Blas.

  1. Isla Pelicano was made famous by the Netflix series "Money Heist" (remember where Denver and Tokyo had their island hideaway?). You can snorkel or lounge on the white sand beach. SUP boards and kayaks are available. – You’ll most likely not visit this island on any of the other tours.
  2. The Natural Pool is a sunken island allowing you to stand waist-deep on fine sand in the middle of the ocean. There’s the possibility to spot sea stars.
  3. Isla Naranjo Chico is one of the larger islands in San Blas and houses a little Kuna community. This island also has an amazing white sand beach.
  4. Isla Ucubsui lures you with its palm-fringed beaches and azure waters.

Including:

  • San Blas Day Tour.
  • Shared boat/lancha transportation all day.
  • Lunch.
  • Snacks.
  • One Beverage: Bottle of Water, Soda or Beer.
  • Snorkel Equipment.
  • SUP paddle board.
  • Towels.
  • Chairs.
  • Island Taxes.
💡
San Blas tours from Panama City: The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

Visiting Isla Pelícano and having lunch under the palm trees. The boat riding was also a very funny experience and the people at Guna Yala hosted us with so much kindness and love.

– Javier (see more reviews)

Picture of Money Heist Island Island Isla Pelícano
Money Heist Island Island Isla Pelícano

3. San Blas Day Tour on SAILBOAT Island Hopping ALL INCLUSIVE

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (6 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The San Blas Day Tour on SAILBOAT Island Hopping ALL INCLUSIVE is a relaxed way to visit the best islands in the Archipelago with an experienced crew.

  • Banedup where you can snorkel the untouched coral reefs or have a walk around the island.
  • Lunch on the boat or island. Meals are freshly prepared and based on local products.
  • Visit a second island and do some snorkelling.

Including:

  • Lunch.
  • Soda/Pop.
  • Use of snorkelling equipment.
  • Shared speedboat to the sailboat.
💡
San Blas Islands tours from Panama City: The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

[…] Nico was a lovely host. He greeted me with a yummy breakfast spread. I hopped into the water for a bit, and then he took me to one island to buy gifts and to another island for lobster lunch. It was a cloudy day in San Blas, but it was still gorgeous.

– Elizabeth (see more reviews)

Picture of Little Islands in the San Blas Archipelago
Little Islands in the San Blas Archipelago

2 Days San Blas Islands Tour

4. 2D/1N Isla Diablo Oceanfront Cabin, Private Bath with Tour & Meals

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (10 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The 2D/1N Oceanfront Cabin, Private Bath in San Blas INCLUDING Day Tour + Meals is for travellers that don’t just want to take a speedboat to one island and call it a day. It’s for travellers that want to travel a little slower and see more of the archipelago.

On day 1, you’ll arrive on Isla Diablo (Niadup) where you can relax for the day and stay the night in your private oceanfront cabin with a private bathroom.

On day 2, you’ll go on a San Blas Island Tour with 2 Stops:

  1. Isla Perro with its famous sunken shipwreck.
  2. Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Overnight accommodation on Isla Diablo with a private bathroom.
  • San Blas boat tour.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guides.
  • Snorkel equipment during the boat tour.
  • Breakfast.
  • Lunch (2).
  • Dinner.
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

This was the highlight of our trip! Everyone was so friendly, and the trip was very well coordinated — impressively so! San Blas is incredibly beautiful, if you have the opportunity don’t miss out!

– Kathryn (see more reviews)

Picture of Example of Beach Huts San Blas
Example of Beach Huts San Blas

5. 2D/1N Isla Wailidup Private Cabin Over-the-Ocean with Tour & Meals

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (2 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The 2D/1N Private Cabin Over-the-Ocean INCL Meals & Day Tour is a hassle-free way to visit the San Blas Islands overnight.

Enjoy your first day at Isla Wailidup. You can swim in its pristine waters, explore the island, rent a kayak or a paddle board, enjoy a beautiful sunset and taste its delicious meals. Spend the night in a comfortable over-the-ocean cabin with gorgeous sea views.

On day 2, you’ll go on a San Blas Island Tour with 2 Stops:

  1. Yansailadup (Yani) island, a beautiful island with crystal clear water. You can snorkel, swim and take beautiful pictures.
  2. Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Accommodation: Overnight at a private cabin over the water on Isla Wailidup. Private bathroom and shower
  • San Blas boat tour.
  • Snorkel equipment during the boat tour.
  • Breakfast.
  • Lunch (2).
  • Dinner.
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

the services to and from the island and in the island was very professional, kind, efficient. The drivers were very pleasant, professional (which was very significant with the road to and from the islan). The island itself is very basic- as expected. no hot water, no electricity during the day- only between 7 pm and 4 am. The food- very basic. The place itself magnificent.

– Efrat (see more reviews)

Picture of San Blas Sunset
San Blas Sunset

6. 2D/1N Isla Yansailidup Private Room with Tour & Meals

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (10 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour is for people who want to completely relax because you spend a lot of time on Isla Yansailadup / Yani Island.

Arrive early on day 1 and spend your day on Isla Yansailadup. This hidden gem offers everything you could wish for a perfect island getaway. Bathe in the balmy blue ocean, snorkel around the reef, lounge in a hammock, observe a spectacular sunset, and count the stars at night.

Start your day 2 with a beach day. After lunch, you’ll be picked up for a quick tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Accommodation: Overnight on Isla Yansailidup – Private Bedroom with 2 beds, shared bathroom.
  • San Blas boat tour.
  • Snorkel equipment during the boat tour.
  • Breakfast.
  • Lunch (2).
  • Dinner.
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

*Do not miss this: Visiting the Islas San Blas was an impressive experience. We stayed on Yami Island for one night and really got into a kind of Cast-Away-Island feeling. Everyone we interacted with, from our driver to the boat crew and the people working on the island, was welcoming and polite. I can wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Panama.*

– Florian (see more reviews)

Picture of San Blas Natural Pool
San Blas Natural Pool

7. 2D/1N Shipwreck Island Private Cabin, Private Bath with Tour & Meals & Kayak

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (1 review)

Why choose this tour? The 2D/1N San Blas Shipwreck Island in Prvt Cabin, Prvt Bath + Meals + Kayak + Tour is the best tour for snorkelling enthusiasts as you’ll sleep on Perro Island / Shipwreck Island with the famous shipwreck right off the beach.

On day 1, enjoy your boat tour visiting 1 other island and the Natural Pool.

The rest of day 1 and all of day 2 are dedicated to relaxing on Perro Island. Lounge on the white sand beach, snorkel to the shipwreck or kayak around the island. Get lost in the spectacular sunset and indulge in freshly prepared meals.

Including:

  • Overnight on Perro Island / Shipwreck Island in your private island cabin with a private bathroom.
  • San Blas boat tour.
  • Kayak.
  • Breakfast.
  • Lunch (2).
  • Dinner.
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

Perro Chico Island is the place to stay for an overnight trip. Best snorkling ever - shipwreck and reef. Guna's were great hosts. Side trip to Natural Pools very cool. Recommend a cabin with a private bathroom and purchase transportation from Panama City.

– Howard (see more reviews)

Picture of Shells on San Blas beach
Shells on San Blas beach

3 Days San Blas Island Tours

8. 3D/2N Isla Yansailadup with Trip to Cayos Holandeses

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (7 reviews)

Why choose this tour? Don’t miss the Cayos Holandeses if you have the time and book the 3-Day / 2-Night in San Blas Including Trip to Cayos Holandeses!

On day 1 you’ll arrive early on Isla Yansailadup where you’ll have almost a full day of swimming in the ocean, snorkelling, and lounging in a hammock.

Day 2 is the highlight of this tour! Explore the super remote Cayos Holandeses Islands. As not many people visit these islands, they are still pristine. You will be greeted by white sand beaches and an intense blue and green ocean.

Relax the morning of day 3 away on Isla Yansailadup. After lunch, you’ll tour the Cayos Limones visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Overnight on Yansailadup Island - Either private room, oceanfront cabin or over-water cabin (depending on option). Shared bathroom.
  • Tour to Cayos Limones
  • Tour to Cayos Holandeses
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (2)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend tbooking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

This excursion was one of the highlights of our Latin-America trip. Well organised with pick-up at Panama City and the boattour to the islands. The environment is unbelievable beautiful with all the small tropical islands and the blue waters. The Kuna family we stayed with was very friendly and kind, the food was simple but delicious. It's nice to have a "basic" stay once in a while, far away from civilization.

– Jozua (see more reviews)

Picture of San Blas boat pier
San Blas boat pier

9. 3D/2N Isla Yansailadup Private Bedroom with Tour & Meals

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (6 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The 3-Day in San Blas Island with Meals, Boat Tour Private Bedroom is THE tour for beach bums.

On day 1 you’ll arrive early on Isla Yansailadup where you’ll have almost a full day of swimming in the ocean, snorkelling, and lounging in a hammock.

Spend day 2 doing the same.

Relax the morning of day 3 away on Isla Yansailadup. After lunch, you’ll go on a short tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Overnight on Isla Yansailadup – Private Bedroom with 2 beds, shared bathroom.
  • Boat Tour
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (2)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

The perfect place to chill out for a few days. There is a cell phone signal in the meantime, but as I had no data package I still managed to be deconnected from the world as there is still no Wifi. That was perfect. Food was simple but fresh, very good and healthy (usually it was fish for lunch, chicken for dinner, accompanied by rice or potatoes or fried plaintains, breakfast some egg with tortilla and fresh fruit). Facilities are basic but kept clean and in good shape as far as possbile. Perfect location to get in touch with travelers from all over the world or to simply snooze in a hammock the entire day. Kuna Yala Islands are tiny stretches of sand in the middle of the Carribean Sea, there is nothing but palm trees surrounded by turqoise waters. Picture postcard spot!

– Stephan (see more reviews)

Picture of Relaxing on San Blas Beach
Relaxing on San Blas Beach

10. 3D/2N Isla Wailidup Private Cabin Over-the-Ocean with Tour & Meals

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (1 review)

Why choose this tour? The 3D/2N Private Cabin Over-the-Ocean, including Meals & Boat Tour is for travellers who want relaxation in style.

Arrive early at Isla Wailidup where you can relax your first two days away in your private over-water cabin. Swim in the ocean, relax on the beach, explore the island, rent a kayak or a paddle board, enjoy a beautiful sunset and taste the delicious meals.

On day three, you’ll go on a short tour to the Natural Swimming Pool.

Including:

  • Overnight on Isla Wailidup - Private cabin over the water. Private bathroom and shower.
  • Boat Tour
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (2)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

Friendly staff, good food. The island could be better equipped and cared for. The cabin is very good, only the bathroom water has a bad smell.

– Mariano (see more reviews)

Picture of San Blas Panama
San Blas Panama

11. 3D/2N Shipwreck Island Private Room with Tour & Meals

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (1 review)

Why choose this tour? The 3D/2N in Private Room on San Blas Shipwreck Island + Tour + Meals is perfect for snorkelling and relaxation.

You know the drill by now: Arrive early on day 1 and relax your first two days away on Shipwreck Island where you can snorkel to the famous shipwreck from the beach.

On day three, you’ll go on a San Blas Island Tour to two other islands, including the Natural Pools.

Including:

  • Overnight on Perro Island / Shipwreck Island - Private island room, shared bathrooms.
  • Boat Tour
  • Kayak day use
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (2)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

[…] The natural swimming pool. What an amazing place. It was an unimaginable experience.

– Jussara (see more reviews)

Picture of San Blas Panama Beach
San Blas Panama Beach

12. 3D/2N Private San Blas Sailing Tours (Island Hopping)

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (2 reviews)

Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for a San Blas sailing trip, look no further and book the San Blas Private Sailboat - Island Hopping (3 days / 2 nights)! Customise this private tour to suit your needs!

With more than 365 islands, we’re sure that you can find the perfect island for you – whether it’s completely remote or inhabited – the tour is completely flexible and the schedule will be adjusted based on your preferences. Whether it’s a romantic couple getaway or a relaxing family trip.

Experience a slower pace of life on this sailing tour. Each day, you will travel to a new island, sailing or motoring (depending on wind conditions) between 2 to 10 nautical miles (1 to 3 hours).

Once you arrive at a new island, you can enjoy the beaches and swim in the beautiful ocean while a delicious meal is prepared for you.

After lunch, you can go on a snorkel excursion to a nearby coral reef or use the SUP board.

Each night, you’ll sleep in a private cabin on the boat.

Including:

  • Overnight on the sailboat – Private cabin with private bathroom.
  • Use of snorkelling equipment.
  • Beach toys.
  • All beverages (alcohol in moderation).
  • Snacks.
  • Island Taxes: Entrance to Islands.
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
💡
For much more convenience, we recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

My wife and I spent four days and nights with Michael and his beautiful sailboat. We were blown away by the beauty of the islands and the white sand beaches you only know from postcards. Michael and Paola were incredible as well. They catered to all our wishes, prepared delicious meals and showed us the remote jewels of San Blas. We had lots of great conversations and laughs becoming good friends over the duration of our stay. Thank you again. We can't recommend this trip enough...

– A Tripadvisor Reviewer (see more reviews)

Picture of View of the San Blas Islands from the road
View of the San Blas Islands from the road

4 Days Panama San Blas Tours

13. 4D/3N Isla Yansailadup with Trip to Cayos Holandeses & Boat Tour

Rating: 4.0 / 5 (6 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The 4 days / 3 nights in San Blas with trip to remote Cayos Holandeses + Boat Tour is the same tour as the 3-Day / 2-Night in San Blas Including Trip to Cayos Holandeses! we described in this blogpost but with one extra beach day on Isla Yansailadup – opt for the 4 day tour if you have the time!

Including:

  • Overnight on Yansailadup Island – either private room, oceanfront cabin or over-water cabin (depending on option). Shared bathroom.
  • Tour to Cayos Holandeses
  • Tour to Cayos Limones
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

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.

– A Tripadvisor Reviewer (see more reviews)

Picture of Kuna houses on the San Blas Islands
Kuna houses on the San Blas Islands

14. 4D/3N Isla Yansailadup Private Room with Tour & Meals

Rating: 5.0 / 5 (1 review)

Why choose this tour? The 4D/3N Paradise Island in San Blas + Meals + Boat Tour - Private Bedroom offers relaxation like no other tour.

After arriving on Yani Island, you can spend three days of super relaxing time here.

On day 4, you’ll go on the boat tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool.

Including:

  • Overnight on Yansailadup Island – Private Bedroom with 2 beds. Shared bathroom.
  • San Blas Boat Tour
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (3)
💡
The tour starts in the port of Carti. We recommend booking the optional shuttle from Panama City!

Switch off and relax. Beautiful Yani's island, nice meals, basic but clean room, very clean and a wonderful family that manages it

– A Tripadvisor Reviewer (see more reviews)

Picture of Hammocks on San Blas
Hammocks on San Blas

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