Overview:
On Day 1 you will be picked up at your Panama City accommodation for your land and boat transfer to your host island, where you will enjoy a tour to discover your pristine surroundings. On Days 2-4 enjoy free days to relax in paradise (or enjoy daily tours with the standard cabin package). Say goodbye to this Caribbean paradise on Day 5 and end your trip upon arrival in Panama City.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer Panama City - San Blas Islands (L/D)
You will be picked up at your accommodation in Panama City early this morning and taken on an exciting ride through the jungle on 4x4 transportation. You will have the option to stop at a supermarket to purchase last-minute items such as water, snacks, beverages and grab something for breakfast. We will then make another stop to pass through immigration formalities and pay the entrance fees to Kuna Yala Islands (not included in standard package). We will continue our way to the dock where you will meet your boat to take a shared transfer to your island. Upon arrival, get settled in and enjoy a guided excursion to discover the breathtaking surroundings of this pristine place.
Please note that there are not a lot of goods available for purchase on the islands and we strongly recommend taking advantage of the grocery store stop to stock up on snacks and bottled water.
Days 2-4: San Blas Islands - Free Days (3B/3L/3D)
Enjoy a fresh breakfast with the sounds of the waves on the shore. Opt to swim or snorkel around your island in the crystal clear turquoise waters to spot colourful tropical fish among coral reefs or simply spend time relaxing on a hammock. On one of these days you can also hire a boat and visit a traditional Kuna Yala village of this archipelago, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs to contribute to the community (optional activity at extra cost, inquire upon arrival). Spend the evenings watching the horizon turn different shades of red and pink as the sun sets over the Caribbean.
*If you book the Standard Cabin package, you will have an extra tour each day instead of free days.
Day 5: Transfer San Blas Islands - Panama City (B)
Say goodbye to your piece of natural paradise this morning for your scenic one-hour return trip to the dock by boat and 4x4 transportation ride back to Panama City, and be dropped off at the city center in the afternoon.
Additional Information:
Please Note: Your accommodations will be rustic, with few services and amenities. The idea of this trip is to connect with pristine nature, not to have a luxury resort experience. The islands are beautifully maintained, with incredible beaches and a very clean and healthy coral reef. However, there is no air-conditioning, no television, and very little cell phone signal. Be prepared to immerse yourself in pristine nature and a laid-back island lifestyle and expect to spend a lot of free time in nature with few activities, especially when booking the budget package. Please also note that food options will be basic and limited to what is locally available and in season.
Local Culture: Please remember you will be sharing the island with the local Kuna people. You are a guest in their home, and it is important to respect that they are a bit shy and not too social with the tourists. Please respect their culture, ALWAYS ask before photographing the locals (and be gracious and understanding if they decline).
What to Bring: Your original passport with a valid entry stamp to Panama which will be revised by immigration. Your bag may weigh no more than 25 lbs since the capacity of the motorized canoes is limited. You can leave your big backpack at your accommodation. Please make sure you have enough cash before you leave Panama City as there are no ATM machines on the San Blas islands. Please be aware that electricity is not readily available and you should bring extra batteries for your camera. It is also highly recommended to bring snorkelling gear with you, as it can be hard to find high-quality gear on the island.
*In case of an emergency at the island, please ask your guide to call our local office.
