San Blas Tours Panama: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a San Blas tour cost?

There is a wide variety of San Blas Tours. The price of the tour will depend on the type of tour you choose. If you want a day trip, you can find it from 115 USD per person. If you are interested in multi-day tours, you will find options from 177 USD per person and if you prefer something a little more adventurous, there is the option of the catamaran tour at 1128.95 USD.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about the prices of tours to San Blas, you can read our blog how much does it cost to visit San Blas?. There we explain in more detail the prices of the different options of San Blas Tours.

How much does a San Blas tour cost?

There is a wide variety of San Blas Tours. The price of the tour will depend on the type of tour you choose. If you want a day trip, you can find it from 115 USD per person. If you are interested in multi-day tours, you will find options from 177 USD per person and if you prefer something a little more adventurous, there is the option of the catamaran tour at 1128.95 USD.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about the prices of tours to San Blas, you can read our blog how much does it cost to visit San Blas?. There we explain in more detail the prices of the different options of San Blas Tours.

How long in advance should I book a tour to San Blas?

You can regularly book tours to San Blas until 8:00 pm the night before the day of the tour. My recommendation is that if you are interested in booking a tour with a stay, book with more days in advance since if you book a tour with a stay the night before the day of the tour, you run the risk of being told by the operator that there is no longer availability of cabins and so your reservation would be canceled. If this happens, we will process a refund for the payment you made. For the full day tours, there is no problem, there is almost always availability, even if you book the night before. This can vary a little during high season (from November to April) due to the large number of people who visit the San Blas islands in those months.

How long does a tour to San Blas take?

If you chose one of the San Blas full-day tours, the duration is approximately 14 hours. It would start at 5:30 am with your pickup and you would be back at your hotel or residence in Panama City at 7:00 or 7:30 pm.

If you chose one of the San Blas multi-day tours, the duration will depend on the number of days that your tour includes (2, 3, 4 or more days).

Are there tours in San Blas all year round?

Yes, there are tours to San Blas every day throughout the year.

Can I pay the balance of the tour by card?

San Blas operators generally do not accept card payments since most of them do not have a card payment system, however, there are some operators that do have that system. If you want to book with an operator that accepts credit card payments write to us at info@tiqy.com and we will direct you to the operators that have this payment option.

Do you offer pick up in Playa Bonita?

There are few operators that offer pick up in Playa Bonita and those that offer this service, generally charge an additional cost that can start from 10 USD per person and you will have to pay it in cash directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.

Do you offer pick up in Playa Bonita?

There are few operators that offer pick up in Playa Bonita and those that offer this service, generally charge an additional cost that can start from 10 USD per person and you will have to pay it in cash directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.

Do the tours to San Blas have a pickup at the Tocumen Airport?

Yes, it is possible to pick you up at the Tocumen Airport as it is on the way to San Blas. The only thing to keep in mind is that you have to wait for your driver in the airport parking lots. Pick up time at the airport parking lots is between 5:45 am and 6:15 am. It is not possible to pick you up later than this time because drivers have to be at a specific time at the port of San Blas and if they pick you up later than 6:15 am, you run the risk of not arriving on time at the port to board the boat transfer to the Islands.

What Islands do they take me to visit on a day trip?

Generally, 2 to 3 islands are visited, which may be: Isla Diablo, Isla Perro Chico or Isla Fragata, and a Natural Pool. There may be some variation as to the islands that I mention, everything will depend on the transit of people in the Islands on the day of the tour.

Can I carry a copy of my passport instead of the original?

It is not possible to enter San Blas showing a copy of your passport. It is necessary that you carry your original passport since at the San Blas reserve entrance there is a police checkpoint where they will ask you to show your original passport. I recommend that you bring a zip-lock plastic bag to make sure your passport does not get wet.

Can I take my food to San Blas?

Yes, you can take your food, snacks, and even drinks and an ice chest if you want. On the way to the port of San Blas, a mandatory stop is made at a supermarket. You can take advantage of this stop to buy what you need, the only thing we ask you is to make sure you do not leave garbage on the islands.

Can I make the full payment online?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to pay the San Blas tours full payment online, only the deposit. The reason is that the balance must be paid directly to the operators so that, they pay your tour entails (food, boat transfers, and car transport).

Can you give me the name and number of my driver?

Drivers are assigned late at night, the night before the tour, so generally, what operators do is provide your assigned driver with your number so they can contact you on the morning of the tour day. If you booked your tour with us and you want to have a number to call for any situation that arises on the morning of the tour or before, you can contact us at +507 6299-5543 and we will assist you.

What does a trip to San Blas include?

Despite the fact that day trips are operated by different tour operators, they have a lot in common with each other. Day trips to San Blas from Panama City generally include pickup and drop-off at your hotel or residence in Panama City, lunch with a drink (water, soda, or beer), visit from 2 to 3 Islands, visit to a natural pool, and boat transfers. Full-day tours to San Blas from Carti Port include all the aforementioned, except the pickup and drop-off at your hotel or residence, which means that you would have to make your own way to Carti Port.

Do they accept card payments in the Islands?

No, they do not accept card payments in the Islands since they do not have the card payment system. There are no ATMs on the islands either, so we recommend you bring enough cash in case you want to buy souvenirs, or additional food and drinks.

In what type of vehicle is the transfer to San Blas?

The transfer from Panama City to Carti port takes place in an air-conditioned 4X4 vehicle with capacity for 6 passengers plus the driver. All drivers and vehicles are authorized by the tourism board and have the necessary insurance.

Is there any additional fee to the cost of the tour?

Yes, the cost of the tour does not include the entrance to the San Blas reserve. The entrance fee is 5 USD for residents and 20 USD for foreigners. There are some tours that also do not include the port tax fee that costs 2 USD for both residents and foreigners. The cost of these rates is per person and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Do you have discounts for retirees and disabled people?

Unfortunately, San Blas operators do not apply discounts for retirees or disabled.

Can I choose the Islands that I want to visit?

Generally, the tour operators already have designated the Islands they are going to visit, and they try to keep them close to each other. In any case, you can check with your operator on the day of the tour to see if there is an option that he can take you to the Island of your choice. I must mention that taking you to an island that is not on the route or in the itinerary of the day, may imply an additional cost that you have to pay directly to the operator in cash on the day of the tour.

What happens if it rains? Do you cancel the tour?

The tour would not be canceled due to rain, it will only be canceled if the weather causes the roads to the port of San Blas to be in an unsafe condition for visitors, but this has not happened in recent years. If this happens, the tour is canceled and you have the option to reschedule your tour for another day or request your refund.

The weather in the San Blas Islands is independent of the weather in Panama City, sometimes it can be raining in the City, but not in the Islands.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about the weather in San Blas to make sure you visit the islands in the best season, you can take a look at our blog Which is The Best Season to Visit San Blas?

Can I add people to my reservation?

Yes, you can add people to your reservation, just make sure to do so before 8:00 pm the night before the tour so the operator has time to organize transportation according to the number of people on your group. You just have to book the tour you previously booked and made the reservation under the same name that you made the first reservation, as an indication that they are part of your group.

How long does the car transfer take from Panama City to San Blas?

The time the car transfer takes from Panama City to Carti Port is 3 hours.

What if I am not ready on the morning of the tour and lose my transportation?

The action to be taken if you are not ready when your driver passes for picking you up will depend on the policy of each operator. If you are not ready and you lose your transportation, it is understood as a "last-minute cancellation" and no refunds would be available. I recommend that you read the cancellation policies of the tour you choose.

There are some operators that if you cancel in the morning of the day of the tour or lose the transport, they charge you an additional 25 USD per person that you have to pay in cash to the driver to cover the cost of the position that was reserved for you in the vehicle. The deposit you paid on our page does not cover this payment and in cases like this, it is not refundable. If for some reason you are unable to pay the driver at the time he goes to pick you up, he will return later the same day for the payment.

Are there guides who speak English?

In San Blas, it is difficult to get guides who speak English. If having an English-speaking guide is essential for you, you can contact us at info@tiqy.com to refer you to the operators who have bilingual guides.

Is it possible to change the time of return to the port?

Most of the San Blas tours return visitors to the port between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. There are some operators that return visitors to the port at 9:00 am. The return to the port time change is something that you have to discuss directly with your guide. Changing the time of return to the port may be subject to additional costs.

Do children pay for the full tour?

Children from 0 to 4 years old do not pay for the tour, but they must pay for their food and drinks. If they are not on their parent’s lap in the vehicle, they have to pay 50 USD for position occupancy. 5 years old children pay the full tour and to pay the full tour include food, drinks, and a seat in the vehicle.

Are the beaches in San Blas safe?

San Blas beaches are characterized by being very calm. There are no waves or currents, so if you ask me if they are safe, my answer is yes.

What time my driver picks me up?

If your pickup location is in Panama City, your pickup time will be between 5:30 am and 5:45 am. If your pickup location is in Playa Bonita, your pickup time will be between 4:30 am and 4:50 am. Anyway, after making your reservation, we will confirm your pick-up time. It is very rare that the pick-up times change, but if there is any change, the operator of your tour will contact you to inform you of the new pick up time.

Do San Blas tours include pick up?

Full day and multiday tours in San Blas from Panama City include pick up at hotels or residences in Panama City. Some operators offer the option of pick up at Playa Bonita.

Full day and multiday tours in San Blas from Carti Port do not include pick-up, so you will have to organize your own transport to the port.

How many people allow per cabin?

The number of people allowed in the cabins will depend on the type of cabin you choose. If you choose a private cabin, the maximum occupancy is from 2 to 3 people. If you choose a shared cabin, the maximum occupancy is from 10 to 15 people.

How many beds are there in the cabins?

If the cabin is private, there can be one single bed and one double bed or just one double bed, depending on the number of people and the maximum occupancy of the private cabin (2 to 3 people). If the cabin is shared, there will be 10 to 15 single beds. There are no double beds in the shared cabins.

What are the types of cabin in San Blas?

In most of the San Blas Islands, there are 2 types of cabins: Shared Cabins and Private Cabins. The structure can vary depending on the island, some are made of wood, and others are made of straw. The latter are known as traditional cabins. There are also cabins over the water better known as bungalows, their structure is made of wood and they are private.

If you have not decided which island to stay on, you can take a look at our blog What are the Best San Blas Islands to Stay On? to help you make a decision.

Is there a cell phone signal in San Blas?

The cell phone service on the islands is with Digicel, and also + Móvil. You can buy these chips in the commercial centers in Panama City or at the airport.

What should I pack for my San Blas trip?

I recommend you bring sunblock, an extra change of clothes, snacks, towel, toilet paper, cash and very important, your original passport. For more details of what you should pack for your visit to San Blas, you can read our blog What to Pack for Your Tour to San Blas?