San Blas Islands: Isla Diablo Cabin Stay & Boat Tour

Summary

Early mornings, ocean swings and Guna smiles on Isla Diablo

You’ll wake early for a wild drive through Panama’s highlands before hopping boats between San Blas islands with Guna hosts leading the way. Expect simple cabins on Isla Diablo, fresh-cooked meals, lazy swims in turquoise water, and a final day of island-hopping — including snorkeling above a shipwreck and wading through natural pools far from city noise.

What’s the experience like?

Woke up groggy in Panama City — it was barely 5am — but by the time we were winding through those mountain roads, I was wide awake. The 4x4 ride is no joke (if you get carsick, you’ll want to prep for this), but the mist over the jungle made it feel like we were headed somewhere secret. At the port, everything seemed a bit chaotic at first; bags everywhere, people chatting in Spanish and Guna. But somehow our names got called and we squeezed onto a wooden lancha with a few other travelers. The boat ride to Isla Diablo was choppy — salt spray in my face, hair sticking to my cheeks — but then suddenly the water turned that impossible blue you see in postcards. I caught myself grinning like an idiot.

On Isla Diablo, there’s not much between you and the sea. Our cabin was simple: two beds, mosquito nets, walls thin enough to hear the wind at night (and sometimes your neighbor’s laughter). Electricity only came on after sunset. I met Rosa from the Guna community when she brought us lunch — fried fish with rice and patacones. She didn’t speak much English but her smile said plenty. We spent hours just floating in warm water or swinging from those ocean swings until our arms ached. I tried stand-up paddleboarding for about five minutes before falling off; some local kids thought it was hilarious.

The next morning I woke up before sunrise — couldn’t sleep with all that soft wave noise anyway. Breakfast was strong coffee and eggs under a palm roof while pelicans skimmed by. There’s no WiFi here (my phone only worked near the main house), so I actually read a book for once. It’s weird how quickly you forget about screens when there’s sand between your toes and nothing scheduled except maybe another swim or walk around the island.

The last day started slow: checkout by 8am but plenty of time to wander before our boat tour began. We stopped at Isla Perro Grande first — white sand so fine it squeaked underfoot — then out to these shallow natural pools where you can stand waist-deep way out in the ocean. Lunch on Isla Perro Chico tasted extra good after snorkeling around an old shipwreck (mask kept fogging up, but still saw flashes of silver fish). By late afternoon we were salty, sunburned, and back on that bumpy road toward Panama City… already missing how quiet everything felt out there. Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about those turquoise mornings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Island Exploration

• Pickup from Panama City hotel early morning
• Drive 2.5–3 hours to San Blas port
• Wait up to 30 minutes for boat departure
• Boat transfer to Isla Diablo
• Arrive at Isla Diablo
• Enjoy beaches, ocean swings, and SUP rentals
• Have freshly prepared lunch and dinner

Day 2 — Relax and Explore Isla Diablo

• Wake up and have breakfast on the island
• Relax, swim, sunbathe, or stroll freely
• Enjoy lunch and dinner on the island

Day 3 — Island Tour and Return to Panama City

• Check out cabin by 8:00 AM
• Relax on Isla Diablo until 10:00 AM
• Boat tour to Isla Perro Grande or Isla Chichime
• Visit Natural Pools for waist-deep sandbank
• Lunch at Isla Perro Chico
• Free time for beach or snorkeling shipwreck
• Return to port and transfer by 4x4 to Panama City

Top questions

How long is the drive from Panama City to San Blas?

The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, including roughly 1 hour on highway and 1.5 hours through curvy mountain roads.

Is hotel pickup included for this San Blas Islands tour?

Yes, optional roundtrip hotel pickup from Panama City is available in shared 4x4 SUVs.

What are accommodations like on Isla Diablo?

You stay in a private cabin with two beds and shared bathroom facilities; amenities are basic with limited electricity.

Are meals included during the stay?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day; vegetarian/vegan options available if requested ahead.

Is there WiFi or cell service on San Blas Islands?

No WiFi is available; limited cell service may be possible near main buildings using Tigo SIM cards.

What should I bring for this trip?

Bring your original passport (for border crossing), insect repellent, sunscreen, towel, water protection for luggage, snacks/beverages if desired.

Are boat tours part of the experience?

Yes, guided boat tours visit nearby islands like Perro Grande/Chichime and natural pools; snorkel gear provided if available.

Who runs the tour services on San Blas?

The local Guna community provides all transport, meals, lodging and guiding services during your stay.

What’s included

Your days include optional hotel pickup from Panama City by insured 4x4 SUV drivers (max six per car), all boat transfers between islands with sun protection onboard lanchas led by Guna guides, overnight stays in private cabins on Isla Diablo (shared bathrooms), freshly prepared meals each day—breakfasts under palms and lunches of fried fish or chicken—and use of snorkel equipment during boat tours depending on availability before returning to Panama City in the evening.