San Blas Islands Tour: Starfish Lagoon & Shipwreck

Diablo Island, Perro Island and a lagoon full of starfish, all on your own schedule

A private day tour from Panama City to the San Blas Islands with hotel pickup, private boat and guide, lunch and all transport included. You spend three hours on Nugnudub Island swimming and snorkeling, then visit the Natural Pool to walk among starfish and Perro Island to explore a shipwreck, returning to the city by evening. The route and timing are yours to set.

Step-by-step itinerary

San Blas Islands private day tour

• Hotel pickup at 5am in Panama City
• Drive 2.5 hours to San Blas port
• Boat transfer to Nugnudub Island
• Relax, swim, snorkel, and lunch on Nugnudub Island
• Visit Natural Pool and observe starfishes
• Visit Perro Island and snorkel shipwreck
• Boat transfer back to San Blas port
• Drive 2.5 hours back to Panama City

The experience

Pickup happens at 5am from your Panama City hotel, then a 2.5-hour drive on a bumpy road takes you to the San Blas port, where your guide Pedro meets you. From there, a private boat carries you to Nugnudub Island, where you'll spend around three hours swimming, snorkeling and eating lunch, usually fresh fish with rice and plantains, plus one drink. The pace is yours: you decide how long to stay in the water and when to move to the next stop.

After Nugnudub, the boat heads to the Natural Pool, a white sand lagoon where you can walk or swim and watch starfish move across the bottom. Then comes Perro Island, where the main draw is a famous shipwreck just offshore. Snorkeling it is the usual choice, though you can also just enjoy the island itself. A boat transfer back to the San Blas port wraps up the water portion, followed by another 2.5-hour drive back to Panama City, arriving around 7pm.

Everything moves at your pace because the boat and guide are yours alone. You can linger on any island, skip activities, or ask about add-ons like fishing or a visit to a Guna community. The operator will arrange them on request. Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated if you mention them when booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel and back.
• private boat transfers.
• Spanish-speaking guide with English communication available.
• traditional lunch with one drink.
• snorkeling and swimming at three island stops.
• the option to arrange fishing or a community visit on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Panama Bubble Trips

Is this one for you?The early 5am pickup and 2.5-hour bumpy road to the port mean this tour suits travelers who are comfortable with a full day and some travel time to reach the islands. Your own private boat and guide let you set the pace once you arrive, so you control how long to stay at each stop.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the Natural Pool like when you get there?

The Natural Pool is a white sand lagoon where you can walk in shallow water or swim, and starfish are visible on the bottom. It's one of three main stops on the tour after Nugnudub Island.

Can I see the shipwreck at Perro Island if I don't snorkel?

Snorkeling is the main way to see Perro Island's shipwreck, but you can also stay on the island itself and enjoy the beach if you prefer not to go in the water.

How much of the day is spent traveling versus on the islands?

The drive to and from San Blas port takes about 2.5 hours each way. You spend roughly three hours on Nugnudub Island and then visit the Natural Pool and Perro Island before heading back, so island time is concentrated in the middle of the day.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes, you should bring your own snorkeling equipment for hygiene reasons. The operator does not provide masks, fins or snorkels.

What does lunch include?

Lunch is a traditional meal, usually featuring fresh fish with rice and plantains, plus one drink. The operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets if you let them know in advance.

Is there an extra charge for hotel pickup?

Pickup from most Panama City hotels is included. If your hotel is in Playa Bonita (Dreams or Westin), there is an additional fee of $20 per person, paid in cash to the driver.