San Blas Islands: Private Cabin, Meals & Island Tours

Summary

Private cabin stay, island hopping and Guna culture in San Blas

You’ll feel time slow down as you cross from Panama City into San Blas’ turquoise waters. Stay in a private cabin with bathroom on Isla Aroma, eat fresh island meals with your toes in the sand, snorkel shipwrecks near Isla Perro, and meet Guna hosts who share their world quietly. It’s simple living — but it sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the air — salty and thick, way before we even saw the water. The drive from Panama City to San Blas is no joke (I lost count of the mountain curves after an hour), but by the time we reached Carti port, I’d already forgotten city noise. The check-in felt a bit chaotic — lots of voices, bags everywhere — but somehow it all worked. A Guna woman with bright beads around her wrists smiled at me as she handed over our boat assignment. It’s not fancy here; you just sort of go with it.

The boat ride out to Isla Aroma was bumpy enough that I started laughing every time spray hit my face. Our captain didn’t speak much English but grinned at our attempts at Spanish (“agua?” “si!”). When we finally landed, the sand was finer than sugar and hot underfoot. Our private cabin had its own bathroom (which honestly felt like a luxury after the ride), though don’t expect hotel sheets or anything like that. Electricity came on in the evenings — just enough to charge phones if you remembered to bring them to the main house. I still think about swinging in that hammock after lunch, salty hair sticking to my forehead, listening to some distant reggaeton drifting over from another hut.

The meals were simple: fresh fish one day, plantains another. Not spicy or fancy but filling, and there’s something about eating with your feet in the sand that makes everything taste better anyway. The Gunas mostly kept to themselves unless you asked questions — then they’d open up a bit, showing us how they use old bottles for decorations or explaining why starfish should never be picked up (I didn’t know that before). Island-hopping was part adventure, part nap: Isla Perro had this old shipwreck where we snorkeled around bright fish (mask fogged up constantly), and at the Natural Pool you could see starfish just below the surface if you squinted past your own reflection.

Leaving was quieter than I expected — maybe because everyone was tired or maybe because it’s hard to say goodbye when you’ve barely scratched the surface of a place. Even now I catch myself thinking about those slow mornings on Isla Aroma, sun coming through palm leaves and nothing urgent except deciding whether to swim or nap again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and beach time on Isla Aroma

• Optional 4x4 pick-up from Panama City
• Arrive at Port of Carti
• Boat transfer to San Blas with island stops
• Check into private cabin on Isla Aroma
• Swim and relax on white sand beaches
• Enjoy fresh island-style lunch
• Free afternoon to explore or rest in hammock
• Overnight stay on Isla Aroma

Day 2 — Relax and enjoy Isla Aroma

• Breakfast with fresh fruit and pancakes
• Swim and sunbathe on the beach
• Unwind under palm trees
• Lunch served on the island
• Free time to soak in natural beauty
• Dinner with island-style meal
• Overnight stay on Isla Aroma

Day 3 — Island hopping and return

• Breakfast with fresh fruit and pancakes
• Relaxed morning on Isla Aroma
• Island-hopping boat tour starting at 10:00 AM
• Visit nearby islands and Natural Pool
• Swim in crystal-clear waters and see starfish
• Return to Port of Carti around 3:30 PM
• Optional transport back to Panama City

Top questions

How do I get from Panama City to San Blas Islands?

Your tour includes optional round-trip 4x4 transportation from your lodging in Panama City to Carti port (about 2.5–3 hours), followed by a 25–30 minute boat ride to Isla Aroma.

Is there electricity or WiFi on San Blas Islands?

Electricity is only available between 6pm and 6am; cabins don’t have outlets but you can charge devices in the main house. There is no WiFi; cell signal may be limited depending on your provider.

What kind of food is served during this San Blas tour?

Meals are simple and fresh—often fish or chicken with rice or plantains—prepared daily by local Guna hosts and served on the beach or in communal areas.

Are bathrooms private on this San Blas Islands tour?

Your accommodation is a private cabin with its own bathroom on Isla Aroma; facilities are basic compared to hotels.

Is snorkeling gear provided for island tours?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided during boat tours if requested from the crew; bring your own if you prefer specific equipment.

Can I buy snacks or drinks during my stay?

The driver stops at a supermarket en route so you can buy snacks and drinks; there are no ATMs on the islands so bring cash for extras.

Are there any health restrictions for this trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers due to bumpy rides and basic conditions.

Will locals speak English during my stay?

The Guna people mostly speak Spanish and their native language; English is not widely spoken so basic Spanish helps for requests or questions.

What’s included

Your experience covers round-trip transportation from Panama City lodging to Carti port by insured 4x4 vehicle (if selected), all boat transfers between islands, two nights in a private cabin with bathroom on Isla Aroma, freshly prepared daily meals served right on the beach, guided island-hopping boat tours including snorkeling stops (with gear available upon request), plus plenty of free time for swimming or relaxing under palm trees before heading back late afternoon on day three.