+507-6807-2764 reservaciones@sanblasfrontera.com
As one of the original multi-day island hopping tours in San Blas, we created this journey to show you more than the typical tourist spots. Over three unforgettable days, you’ll explore a different island group each day, visiting more than 8 beautiful islands and a traditional Kuna village along the way.
While many tours stay around Cayos Limones, our route continues to the remote Cayos Holandeses and the lesser-known Cayos Grullos. You’ll experience the diversity of San Blas, from lively island life and remote, untouched islands to our rich Kuna culture. Every stop is a place we’re proud to share.
We chose San Blas Frontera because it’s a family-run Kuna business, giving us an authentic insight into the culture and the unique world of San Blas. An unforgettable experience and a clear recommendation for anyone who wants to experience San Blas authentically!
San Blas is beautiful year-round. Weather apps are often inaccurate for the islands and frequently predict rain even on sunny days. During the rainy season, we still get lots of sunny days and showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine. We only adjust or postpone tours if weather conditions require it.
Our 3-day route is designed to show you more of San Blas without rushing. Explore a different island group each day, combining iconic highlights, remote islands, and plenty of time to swim, snorkel, relax, and enjoy the islands at your own pace.
Every day explores a different part of the archipelago. See next what you can expect.
This itinerary covers the very best of San Blas. Minor adjustments may be made due to weather, sea conditions, seasonal changes, or island closures to ensure the best possible experience.
Island Group: Cayos Limones
Overnight: Isla Iguana (or similar)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today’s Highlights: Isla Perro Chico with sunken ship, Natural Pool, Chichime, Snorkeling
Transport: 4×4 + Speedboat
Timeline
Good to know: Depending on the day’s logistics, we may first stop at your overnight island to drop off your luggage before continuing to visit additional islands. We recommend keeping your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and other essentials easily accessible in your day bag, so you’re ready to enjoy the water from the start.
Island Group: Cayos Holandeses
Overnight: Isla Coral (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s Highlights: Remote islands in the Cayos Holandeses, Coral Reefs, Snorkeling, SUP & Kayaking (if available), volleyball
Transport: Speedboat
Timeline
Island Group: Cayos Grullos
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlights: Final island visits, Kuna community, Local handicrafts
Transport: Speedboat & Shared 4×4
Timeline:
Stay one more night in paradise
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch included
Highlights: Relax, Swim, Snorkel, Enjoy island life at your own pace
Transport: Speedboat & Shared 4×4
Extend your San Blas adventure with an optional extra night on the last island or a new one for total relaxation (no tours today).
Enjoy lunch and depart in the afternoon (return to Panama City 6-7pm), alternatively let us know if you’d prefer early departure after breakfast to arrive in Panama City at ca. 12pm/1pm.
This trip was one of the highlights of my 4 months in Central America! We got out to some truly remote islands: often our group was the only one there.
You’ll spend two nights on different islands during your journey. Depending on availability and operational logistics, overnight stays may be on Isla Iguana, Isla Tubasenika, Nubesidup, Kuanidup, Isla Coral, or Isla Naranjo Chico. All islands offer shared bathroom facilities and a choice of dormitory or private cabins.
Scroll down to learn more about overnight options.
We often receive requests to visit some of San Blas’ most popular islands. However, popularity doesn’t always mean the best experience. As the islands change over time, we continually review and update our route to avoid overcrowded or run-down locations and focus on islands that offer the best experience for our guests.
You’ll spend two nights on two different islands, carefully selected from some of our favourite overnight locations across San Blas. Each has its own character, from traditional sand-floor cabins to more modern wooden cabins.
Overnight islands may include: Isla Coral, Isla Iguana, Isla Kuanidup, Isla Tubasenika, Isla Nubesidup, and others.
We rotate between several carefully selected overnight islands rather than staying on the same islands every departure. This allows us to showcase more of San Blas while maintaining the same accommodation standards and overall experience.
This tour was once in a lifetime! The accomodation, food, boats etc were fantastic.
Private and dorm cabins offer the same accommodation standard. The only difference is that private cabins are reserved for your booking, while dorm cabins are shared with other travellers. All cabins include beds with mattresses, pillows and sheets, plus in most islands electricity during certain hours (charging available in cabins or common areas).
* Bathroom facilities are shared between all guests. Western-style toilet & shower cabins (no hot water, no drinking water).
The food deserves special mention: We were served fresh fish, seafood, and even lobster – all freshly prepared and truly delicious.
The meals are excellent and hearty with vegetarian options.
Price (per person)
Included
Excluded
Simply select your preferred departure date and complete your booking online. Depending on your trip, a deposit may be required to confirm your reservation, with the remaining balance due shortly before departure.
We offer secure online payment and several payment methods for your convenience. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email followed by additional information to help you prepare for your trip, including pickup details, packing recommendations, and useful travel tips.
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy depends on how far in advance you cancel. You can find the full policy in our Terms & Conditions, but in summary:
If possible, we’re always happy to help you find an alternative solution.
Our Island Hopping tours operate on fixed departure dates (see calendar). If your preferred date is fully booked or doesn’t match our schedule, we recommend checking the next available departure.
If you’re travelling as a private group of 4-5 or more guests, we may be able to arrange an additional departure, depending on availability.
Alternatively, we’d be happy to recommend one of our island stays (more here). You can still enjoy a multi-day experience in San Blas with flexible departure and duration, and we can even combine different island stay packages to create a longer itinerary. Explore our island stays on the website here or contact us for personalized recommendations.
Absolutely. Many guests add a few extra days before or after the tour to relax. You can stay on your final island or continue your journey on a different island. We can also combine different island stay packages to create a longer itinerary.
If you extend your stay after the tour, you’ll usually return to Panama City after lunch (around 6:00-7:00 pm). An earlier return after breakfast (around 12:00-1:00 pm) can usually be arranged on request.
For a full day out on the water and in the sun, please dress accordingly and bring the following:
Mandatory:
Recommended:
Wrap sensitive items and put them in a waterproof bag during the boat ride. Keep your passport and cash with you during the car ride for the passport check and entrance fee payment.
You can find a detailed packing list here: https://www.sanblasfrontera.com/the-ultimate-packing-list-for-the-san-blas-islands/
We advise to bring only as little luggage as necessary because space in the cars and the boat is limited. Often you can arrange with your hotel/hostel to leave your luggage there or use one of the luggage storage places in Panama City. Recommended maximum is one luggage item plus a small carry-on. Suitcases are not impossible but harder to handle (ever tried pulling a suitcase through sand 
?).
Freshly prepared local cuisine is served on our trips in small restaurants on the islands and villages we visit. Meals are simple but hearty – typically fresh fish or chicken, rice, vegetables, beans or lentils, fried plantains, or salad.
Vegetarian & vegan options are available
Gluten-free guests are welcome (we recommend bringing GF crackers or bread as backup for breakfast)
Lobster available on request and for an extra charge (except March–May, when it’s off-season)
Breakfast and dinner are served on the islands where we sleep, lunch at local island restaurants along the way. We aim to support local communities and minimize plastic waste by not importing food from Panama City.
Guests are welcome to bring snacks or fruit to complement the meals – especially useful for vegetarians or vegans because, while steadily improving, local meals are still rather basic and may lack variety.
However, please ensure everything is individually wrapped and tightly sealed, as open packages attract insects. We kindly ask you to take any leftover trash back to the city, as the islands do not have proper waste disposal systems.
You’ll stay two nights on two different islands – most commonly Isla Coral, Isla Iguana, Isla Naranjo Chico, Isla Tubasenika, Isla Aroma, or similar.
We offer two cabin types:
Accommodation style may vary slightly by island. Expect simple, local comfort – not luxury.
You’ll travel in a typical local speedboat (lancha) with an outboard motor. All boats are equipped with safety vests for all passengers.
Island hops are short – usually 10 to 30 minutes per ride – and our boat stays with you for the entire tour (no drop-offs or switching boats).
Yes, we have some snorkels and masks available for you to use, although we suggest that you bring your own to ensure a comfortable and safe snorkeling experience.
Electricity is available on most islands during limited evening hours, typically for lighting and charging small devices. We recommend bringing a power bank if you’d like to keep your devices charged throughout your stay.
Wi-Fi is available on some selected islands but cannot be guaranteed. Mobile signal has improved across much of the archipelago, although coverage varies and may be limited or unavailable on more remote islands, such as Cayos Holandeses. Many guests enjoy the opportunity to disconnect and fully experience the natural surroundings.
The San Blas Islands experience a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year and is worth a visit year-round! The weather is mainly influenced by the Caribbean Sea and the trade winds and can vary between sectors and islands. Generally speaking:
It is possible that outside of the dry season you will experience some rain during this trip. That doesn’t mean that it rains nonstop. Instead, there are good chances that it might rain every day, but if so then most likely in the afternoon as a quick downpour followed by sunshine. Since temperatures will still be warm, even when it’s raining, and you’ll still have sun, visits to the San Blas Islands will still be enjoyable. In fact, that’s what Panamanians do – visit the beach all year long.
This trip operates throughout the year, and our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests. We closely monitor weather conditions and follow the guidance of the local maritime office to ensure the utmost safety during the tour. In the rare event of extreme weather conditions, it may be necessary to cancel or modify the itinerary.
If there are rains or storms, we are prepared to adapt our itinerary as needed. Our experienced team will assess the situation and make adjustments, such as changing the order of our planned activities or visiting islands in more protected areas (e.g. closer to the coastline).
No. There is no malaria risk on the San Blas Islands, and mosquitos are rare to non-existent on the islands themselves due to wind and distance from the mainland.
We recommend basic precautions (e.g., bug spray) especially at the mainland port in Cartí, where you embark/disembark. If you’re passing through areas like Puerto Obaldía or Sapzurro for immigration, a bit of extra caution is fine — though even there, risk is minimal.
Mosquito nets are not used on the islands because they’re simply not needed. If you’d feel more comfortable, you’re welcome to bring one. For peace of mind, we suggest packing insect repellent, a few basic meds (like painkillers), and something for your stomach — just in case.
Yes, this trip is absolutely suitable for children and they usually love it! The San Blas Islands are a great place for families to enjoy a fun and adventurous vacation together. Children can explore the beautiful beaches, go swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters, and learn about the unique Kuna culture. Kuna people are very welcoming and love to interact with children, making it a great cultural experience for kids.
For the this 3-day Island Hopping trip, we recommend that children be at least 6 years old. This is because we will be out all day, hopping between islands, and only arriving at the main island in the afternoon to relax. However, rest assured that children can take naps on the boat or find shady spots on the islands throughout the day.
Alternatively, we have a special recommendation for families with small children. We suggest opting for an overnight stay on one of the islands where you can spend most of your time in a single location. This allows for a more relaxed experience, and in the afternoon, you can go on a ca. 3-hour tour to explore nearby islands. This option is ideal for families with young kids, providing a balance between exploration and relaxation.
It’s important to bring sunscreen, hats, and other protective gear to keep children safe from the sun and sufficient water to stay hydrated. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our young guests, and we want to ensure they have a memorable and enjoyable experience in a comfortable and protected environment.
Overall, the 3-day island hopping trip is a wonderful experience for families with children, and we highly recommend it! Don’t forget to check out our discounted offers for children who are 8 years old or younger. If you have any specific questions or concerns about bringing children on the trip, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you and make your family’s adventure in San Blas unforgettable.
A visit to the San Blas Islands promises a unique experience unlike any other vacation you’ve taken. The local Kuna people own and operate all businesses in San Blas by law, foreign investments are prohibited and foreigners/Panamanias are not allowed to conduct any business or work in San Blas, so you’ll have a chance to engage with the community and support their economy. Most of the cabins are managed by large families, providing livelihoods for many locals who have lived on the islands for generations, with limited exposure to the hospitality industry.
However, reaching the islands is a challenging journey as they are situated far from the mainland, making it difficult to import essentials such as building materials, gasoline, and food. All supplies must be sourced in Panama City, transported via 4WD to Carti, and then redistributed to smaller sellers and cabins for an additional fee. The islands have no infrastructure, including electricity or running water, and locals live in harmony with nature.
As you can imagine, great effort is required to provide a basic service to tourists and the locals do it to the best of their knowledge, and we ask that you leave behind any expectations that you may have from mainland life. The simplicity of the cabins reflects a blend of traditional lifestyles and expensive material sourcing as external funding is prohibited. Likewise, the meals served are mostly based on local food patterns such as fish or seafood with rice, with limited access and attempts to cater to foreign tastes with some sides and salads. Drinking water is a luxury, that needs to be imported from Panama City, and electricity and fresh water require great effort to provide, with usage times sometimes limited. Bed linens are either washed by hand in the river on the mainland or sent to Panama City. There is no communal trash collection or recycling system, and only a few locals speak English, with some not even speaking Spanish.
Nevertheless, we collaborate closely with cabin owners to ensure that your stay is remarkable, with clean and functioning facilities and outstanding service.
With this in mind, be ready to jump into your island adventure! Once you arrive on the island, you will most likely discover that modern-day luxuries are unnecessary in such a beautiful environment, and that the simple and relaxing lifestyle that the Kuna people live has its own charm.
Everything ready? We’d love to welcome you to San Blas.
More than a tour. More than beautiful islands. An experience you’ll remember for years to come.
Explore San Blas through the eyes of the Kuna people and discover a side of the archipelago most visitors never see.
Choose your departure date below. Private cabins are limited, so we recommend booking ahead.
Not every traveller has the same schedule. Discover our other San Blas experiences.
3-days/2-nights San Blas Islands
Bungalows over the water
Starfish
Wake up in Paradise
Get to know the Kuna lifestyle
4-days/3-nights Panama to Colombia via San Blas Islands
Sleep on the islands
Visit 5+ islands
Experience our Kuna culture
Local Kuna guide
Perfect trip
+Well organisited trip.
+One tour guide during the entire trip
+Basic accomodation but clean sheets and beautifull views.
+Cayos hollandais islands are highly recommended
We rally enjoyed the 3 day tour
Amazing local experience in paradise islands
It was such a great experience visiting the paradise islands with San Blas Frontera! This is truly a little paradise on earth. I have visited many beach destinations around the world, but Kuna Yala, as it is called by the local people, is a place that will completely steal your heart.
What I know is that the agency is run entirely by locals and actively supports the local community. By booking a tour, you are not only enjoying an unforgettable experience, but also supporting a very good cause.
I highly recommend staying for a couple of nights, as it gives you the chance to truly experience everything the islands and the local community have to offer. One day tour is simply not enough 🙂
I am so happy that I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful place. It was truly unforgettable, and I will definitely come back! Thank you ☺️
Island Hopping in San Blas – An Unforgettable Experience
We visited the San Blas Islands as a group of four friends and spent two nights there, hopping from island to island. We stayed on different islands each night, which made the experience even more special and diverse.
Everything was well organized, and the atmosphere felt very authentic. A special shoutout to Luiz, who works there – he was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and really made our trip even better.
We went snorkeling and saw rays and even sharks, which was an unforgettable experience. In the evening, we enjoyed a campfire right by the beach – the perfect way to end the day.
Overall, we had an amazing time and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique and memorable island experience.
Above and Beyond my expectations.
I’ll start saying that this has been one of the most meaningful trips I’ve taken so far.
Starting with the amazing logistic of the company and the great communication that was always provided.
Since the moment you are picked up in your hotel you feel that you are in great hands and with family. The drivers who take you to the port are very friendly and relatable and they keep a nice conversation on the way there giving also tips and facts about the area and landscape. Once you are delivered to the Kuna’s the journey just gets better. I was able to visit 8 different island on my 3 day trip. The community of each island is just so charming and special. They are always making sure you are okay and having a good time. The scenery is just breathtaking. Each island has its own characteristics and charm. The food is out lf this world, prepared by the Kunas, and you just feel the love they put into it. The accommodations are also very nice, for you to have a restful night. I was a solo traveler and i was able to bond a lot with my group since you become a little family during the trip. They are also very flexible if you want to extend your stay for more days at one of the islands, or also come back sooner if possible. I left back my Nintendo Switch in one of the islands and i realized when I was already in Panama City. I reached out to the company, they found it and they were extremely helpful and kind to bring it back by boat to the port and then drive it to Panama City. I was just so shocked and amazed by their amazing customer service and their willingness to make everything right and to go above and beyond. I had recommended this tour agency to every single person that asked me about my trip. I’d do this trip again eyes closed . I learned so much about the Kuna culture and now they have a special place in my heart
Above and Beyond my expectations.
I’ll start saying that this has been one of the most meaningful trips I’ve taken so far.
Starting with the amazing logistic of the company and the great communication that was always provided.
Wunderbare dreitägige San Blas Tour
Wir haben unser dreitägiges San-Blas-Abenteuer mit San Blas Frontera gebucht, weil uns besonders gefallen hat, dass es sich um ein familiengeführtes Unternehmen der einheimischen Kuna handelt. Dadurch erhält man einen authentischen Einblick in die Kultur und die besondere Welt von San Blas.
Die Organisation des gesamten Trips war hervorragend – vom reibungslosen Ablauf über das sehr gute Equipment bis hin zu den Inseln, auf denen wir übernachtet haben. Die Unterkünfte waren einfach, aber genau richtig für dieses Erlebnis. Auch das Essen und natürlich die Guides waren ausgezeichnet.
Besonders hervorzuheben ist die Verpflegung: Wir haben täglich frischen Fisch, Meeresfrüchte und sogar Langusten serviert bekommen – alles frisch zubereitet und wirklich vorzüglich. Zudem wurden wir zu den schönsten Inseln und Stränden gebracht und haben traumhafte Spots zum Schnorcheln entdeckt.
Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis und eine klare Empfehlung für alle, die San Blas authentisch erleben möchten!
